I am a materials scientist, mainly concentrating on elucidation of materials properties using non-destructive techniques, such as x-ray diffraction, electro-magnetic or themoelectric materials measurement techniques. During my career I have investigated and characterised structural and electromagnetic properties of a wide range of materials such as metals, alloys, ceramics, oxides, polymers, superconductors, bio-materials, liquids. 

In the last 10 years or so I have shifted my focus onto academic governance, establishment, management, and promotion of major research infrastructure and capabilities at the University of Wollongong, illustrated by successful ARC LIEF projects below: 

ARC LE220100085, "Scoping the world of ultra-thin film and ultra-high pressure environments" - this project will see establishment of unique infrastructure setup in Australia. It will open opportunities to investigate thermal properties of thin films on substrates (currently unavailable in the country) as well as fabrication and characterisation of materials in ultra-high pressure environments, up to 50 GPa. A set of tools will allow analysis of materials using x-ray diffraction, electro-magnetic systems (such as PPMS), and Raman instruments.

ARC LE150100043, "New generation cryogen-free Physical Property Measurement System" - this was the first landmark PPMS system in Australia, which did not use liquid cryogen, i.e. liquid helium, for magnet and chamber cooling. The advanced technology used in the DynaCool PPMS resulted in massive cost savings as well as provided new capabilities such as magneto-optical characterisation of materials in varying temperature range and field.

ARC LE120100069, "A complete thermo-electric characterisation facility for exploration of novel materials and devices at high temperatures" - the grant helped to establish one of the most versatile thermoelectric characterisation capabilities in Australia. It strongly contributed to major ARC LP and partnership grants in TE power generation and development of Peltier coolers.

ARC LE11010009, "A complete near-field scanning optical microscope for advanced characterisation of novel and functional materials" - the infrastructure played major role in opto-electronic characterisation of single layer materials and functionalisation of single layer materials for catalysis purposes"
ARC LE100100081, "Combined scanning tunnelling microscope system for materials characterisation and manipulation at nano-scale" - the first facility of its kind in Australia. First Australian free standing silicene samples (single layer silicon) were produced using this system.
ARC LE0882347, "High field magnet for materials processing and characterisation" - a unique research facility in Australia allowing heat treatment of materials in magnetic fields up to 9T coupled with high field materials characterization facility with application of large currents in magnetic fields up to 15T"

I have strongly contributed to better research infrastructure at UOW by successfully securing funding for the purchase and installation of state-of-the-art XRD and XPS facilities.

At present I am the Executive Director, UOW Research Platforms - a newly established division within the UOW Deputy Vice Chancellor Research & Sustainable Futures portfolio. Our division looks at implementing robust mechanisms and policy that governs the entire life cycle of major research infrastructure and capabilities at UOW, as well as looking at maximising opportunities in utilisation of such capabilities externally to UOW.