Projects per year
Personal profile
Research interests
Research Overview
My group focuses on applying cutting-edge vibrational spectroscopy techniques to address medical and clinical challenges. These include nanoscale methods like AFM-IR imaging and advanced Raman techniques, alongside more established approaches such as Infrared (IR) spectroscopy. By integrating advanced AI-driven chemometric analysis, we aim to extract detailed molecular insights from biological materials like tissues, cells, bacteria, and single virions.
Key Research Areas
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
AMR represents a critical global health threat, with resistant bacterial strains developing and spreading rapidly. Projections suggest AMR could become the leading cause of death by 2050, largely due to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in humans, animals, and agriculture. While the molecular mechanisms driving resistance remain poorly understood, our research aims to close this gap by studying the chemical changes that underlie resistance to key antibiotics, including quinolones, glycopeptides, and β-lactams. Additionally, diagnostic methods for detecting AMR remain slow and inefficient, leading to delays in appropriate treatment. By utilizing advanced vibrational spectroscopy techniques, such as Raman and AFM-IR, combined with AI-based analysis, we explore both the mechanisms of resistance and the development of faster, more reliable diagnostic tools, such as portable ATR-FTIR devices.
- Development of Rapid Diagnostic Tools for 12 Global Priority Pathogens
We are developing a rapid diagnostic test based on ATR-FTIR combined with machine learning algorithms to quickly and accurately detect antibiotic resistance in 12 global priority pathogens. This approach could significantly reduce the time needed to identify resistant strains and contribute to the global fight with the AMR crisis.
- Nanoscale Imaging of Bacteria
Using advanced techniques like AFM-IR, we investigate bacterial resistance mechanisms at the nanoscale level, focusing on how bacteria respond to antibiotics and how combinatory or suppressive drug interactions work. This research seeks to uncover new insights into resistance
Bacteriophage Research
Phages, which target and destroy bacteria, represent a potential alternative to antibiotics in fighting resistant strains. Our research explores how bacteriophages interact with bacterial cells, using nanoscale imaging and vibrational spectroscopy to uncover the molecular mechanisms of phage action. We aim to understand how phages overcome bacterial defences and how they can be used in combination with antibiotics to enhance treatment efficacy.
Women’s Health: Studies of Birth Injuries
We are applying vibrational spectroscopy to investigate the molecular changes in tissues and cells affected by birth injuries. This project seeks to identify biomarkers for early tissue damage, helping to better understand the healing process and improve outcomes for maternal health. Through this research, we aim to contribute to the development of more effective therapies for birth-related injuries.
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
Research area keywords
- spectroscopy
- IR
- Raman Spectroscopy
- Infrared Spectroscopy
- AFM-IR
- Bacteria
- Antimicrobial drug resistance
- Antimicrobial resistance
- virus
- pathogenesis
- single cell imaging
- Raman live imaging
Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
Projects
- 2 Finished
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2018 Faculty of Science Advancing Women's Success Grant
Monash University – Internal Faculty Contribution
1/09/18 → 31/08/19
Project: Research
Research output
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Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance-Related Changes in Biochemical Composition of Staphylococcus aureus by Means of Atomic Force Microscopy-Infrared Spectroscopy
Kochan, K., Nethercott, C., Perez-Guaita, D., Jiang, J-H., Peleg, A. Y., Wood, B. R. & Heraud, P., 17 Dec 2019, In: Analytical Chemistry. 91, 24, p. 15397-15403 7 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
24 Citations (Scopus) -
Raman spectroscopy as a tool for tracking cyclopropane fatty acids in genetically engineered: Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Kochan, K., Peng, H., Gwee, E. S. H., Izgorodina, E., Haritos, V. & Wood, B. R., 7 Feb 2019, In: Analyst. 144, 3, p. 901-912 12 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
17 Citations (Scopus) -
In vivo atomic force microscopy–infrared spectroscopy of bacteria
Kochan, K., Perez Guaita, D., Pissang, J., Jiang, J-H., Peleg, A. Y., McNaughton, D., Heraud, P. & Wood, B. R., 1 Jan 2018, In: Journal of the Royal Society Interface. 15, 140, 9 p., 20180115.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
71 Citations (Scopus) -
Single cell assessment of yeast metabolic engineering for enhanced lipid production using Raman and AFM-IR imaging
Kochan, K., Peng, H., Wood, B. R. & Haritos, V. S., 10 Apr 2018, In: Biotechnology for Biofuels. 11, 1, 15 p., 106.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
Open AccessFile31 Citations (Scopus) -
Advanced Vibrational Spectroscopy and Bacteriophages Team Up: Dynamic Synergy for Medical and Environmental Applications
Giergiel, M., Chakkumpulakkal Puthan Veettil, T., Rossetti, A. & Kochan, K., Aug 2024, In: International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 25, 15, 18 p., 8148.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review Article › Research › peer-review
Open Access1 Citation (Scopus)
Prizes
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2020 Advancing Women’s Success During COVID-19 Grant
Kochan, Kamila (Recipient), Sept 2020
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
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National Leader in Spectroscopy and Molecular Physics
Kochan, Kamila (Recipient), 2023
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
Press/Media
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Physicist Kamila Kochan works to defeat infectious diseases
8/11/22
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Article/Feature