QAEHS in Focus shines the spotlight on QAEHS staff and students to showcase the expertise and talent within our Centre.
How long have you worked at QAEHS?
7 years, I moved here just before COVID hit!
How do you explain your job to people?
I research how we are exposed to harmful chemicals in our everyday lives and how that might be affecting our health. Right now my research interest is microplastics
What is your favourite thing about working at QAEHS?
The community feeling. Everyone has a keen love of science and wants to work and collaborate with each other. It is one of the most collegial places I have ever worked.
What is something you learned in the last week?
Australia’s next total solar eclipse will be in 2 years and Sydney will be the best place to see it. I’m already planning my trip!
What has been your career path that led to your current position at QAEHS?
After my undergrad I worked for the Australian Government (National Measurement Institute) for 3 years. This provided a lot of insight on requirements for a government testing laboratory. I was then awarded a PhD scholarship in an EU training program, investigating how plastic chemicals are leaching from our consumer products and how we are exposed to them. When that finished, I was awarded a Canadian Government postdoctoral fellowship and moved to Toronto where I worked for Environment and Climate Change Canada for 5 years. In this role I investigated regulated and emerging chemicals of concern in our environment. After than finished I was feeling ready to come home and was lucky enough to be awarded a short contract with QAEHS as a research fellow, which has turned into 7 years.
What research are you working on now?
My research focusses on everything microplastics. My main research is understanding how we are exposed to plastics, can they enter our bodies and where do they end up. I also investigate environmental exposure to plastics, particularly tyre wear microplastics.
What is your favourite movie?
Difficult question, I have so many and it depends on my mood! If I’m feeling nostalgic The Princess Bride. If I’m in the mood for a classic then Alien or Die Hard. Something to make me laugh is Monsters Inc (or anything with Robin Williams in it). I also love a good rom-com, Just Like Heaven is always a good go to.
Random fact you would like to share about yourself.
My favourite house plant is an elephant ears and her name is Samantha (don’t tell the others).
