My area of expertise is in atmospheric chemistry, reaction dynamics and spectroscopy.  I can co-supervise projects in computational chemistry and atmospheric modelling.   

PhD scholarships are available for all projects listed below.  Please send me an email mentioning this page.

Projects that would be led by me:

New Atmospheric Mechanisms:  I am offering projects in the discovery of new atmospheric chemistry reaction pathways.  Atmospheric models are only as good as the underlying chemistry that they contain. Over the past few years we have discovered a number of new chemical pathways relevant to the atmosphere.  Photo-isomerization accounts for the production of organic acids that was previous under-estimated in models.  We discovered photo-thermal oxidation as a new chemical mechanism and are evaluating its role in the atmosphere.  This project is laboratory-based, using our state-of-the-art laser laboratory.

Reaction dynamics:  Chemical reaction dynamics is the study of fundamental reaction mechanisms.  The chemical "mechanism" refers to the specific motion of electrons and nuclei as a molecule proceeds from reactant to product(s).  Understanding of this mechanism allows prediction of the fate of an energised molecule and also the rate of reaction.  Over the past two decades, we have been pioneers in the investigation of "roaming" reactions. This project would involve the extension of our knowledge about roaming reactions into larger molecules, including acetone, and the development of knowledge about vector properties of roaming. This project is laboratory-based, using our state-of-the-art laser laboratory.

Molecular Spectroscopy:  The projects above all involve a detailed knowledge of molecular spectroscopy as the probe of chemical reactions.  This project involve the measurement and analysis of spectra that have never been measured before.  Target molecules are free radicals that are intermediates in complex chemical pathways, including radicals in atmospheric, combustion and astrophysical chemistry. This project is laboratory-based, using our state-of-the-art laser laboratory.

Projects that would be co-supervised by me:

Atmospheric fate of new refrigerants gases (project led by Dr Chris Hansen).  Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) are the new generation of refrigerant gases, replacing chlorofluorocarbon and hydrofluorocarbon gases that have now been banned by the Montreal Protocol and amendments.  This project will test a range of HFOs and their decomposition products in the atmosphere to determine whether these compounds are benign, or whether their use should also be regulated.

Computational chemistry or atmospheric processes (project led by Prof Meredith Jordan at U. Sydney).  Prof Jordan and I have collaborated for many years on atmospheric chemistry and reaction dynamics.  Computational chemistry is a crucial element of the interpretation of  laboratory results and confirms the discovery of new chemistry.  Computational chemistry can also predict the outcomes of new mechanisms that can be tested in the lab.  This project will be performed in conjunction with any of the three experimental project above.  The project is strongly computational in nature and can be conducted at either UNSW or U.Sydney.

Atmospheric Modelling (project led by A.Prof Jenny Fisher at U. Wollongong).  In support of the "New Atmospheric Mechanisms" and "New Refrigerants" experimental projects above, A/Prof Fisher collaborates with us to determine the consequences of our new chemistry discoveries in the atmosphere.  New discoveries in the lab are tested in extensive, global, atmospheric models.  In reverse, ideas about new chemical processes can be tested in models before exploring in the lab.  This project could be undertaken at either UNSW or UOW.

Advice for prospective students

UNSW students: Send me an email or knock on my door and we can discuss options for undergraduate, Honours or PhD projects.

Aust/NZ students (non-UNSW): If you are interested in doing an Hons or PhD project in any of these areas drop me an email. UNSW offers relocation scholarships to assist in transferring to UNSW for suitably qualified students.

International students: UNSW offers a variety of scholarships, ranging from tuition scholarships and full tuition plus stipend. Please see the UNSW scholarships website, or send em an email (mentioning this webpage).