I completed my undergraduate degree in chemical engineering and PhD in physical chemistry at the University of Queensland, before undertaking postdoctoral studies at the HPV Research Laboratory at the University of Washington, Seattle, USA. I recently completed an ARC DECRA Fellowship in Prof. Mark Kendall's group at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology at The University of Queensland. I am a chief investigator in the ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent BioNano Science and Technology. My research interests lie in developing nanoparticles and related biomaterials for applications in biosensing, bioassays and medical devices.

I joined the Chemical Engineering Department as a Senior Lecturer in February 2016. We are currently recruiting students to undertake Hons/MPhil/PhD projects within the new Nanosensor Engineering Lab, and as part of the ARC Centre. For more information on projects, and to apply, please see the group website.

My research interest is focused on developing nanoparticle-based molecular sensors for monitoring biological molecules in real biological environments. The Nanosensor Engineering Lab works on the design, synthesis, characterisation and testing of both synthetic nanoparticle scaffolds (e.g. organosilica materials) and novel biological reporters (e.g. antibody fragments). This requires an interdisciplinary approach, combining aspects of materials science, chemistry, and molecular biology to create our materials. We then collaborate with Australian and international colleagues to test our materials in pre-clinical animal models with the ultimate aim of translation into human trials. 

For more information please see our group website: www.nanosensor-eng.net

One of the best things about being an academic is working with a range of students on different projects. RHD students face a number of challenges in the course of their projects, and I enjoy trying new approaches to keep them motivated, up-to-date, and to feel part of the wider scientific community.

CHE2163 - Heat and Mass Transfer (Unit Co-ordinator and Lecturer)

CHE2162 - Mass and Energy Balances (Lecturer)