Our Group
Our group is based at the Australian National University, Canberra.
About Luke
BChem Eng, PhD
Luke Connal received a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering and a PhD in polymer chemistry both from the University of Melbourne, Australia. In 2009, he completed a post-doctoral position with Prof. Frank Caruso developing new techniques for the self-assembly of polymers. He was then a joint Sir Keith Murdoch Postdoctoral Fellow and Australian Linkage International Fellow at University of California Santa Barbara with Prof. Craig Hawker. In 2013, Luke returned to the University of Melbourne as a veski Innovation Fellow and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. In 2017, he moved his group to the Research School of Chemistry at the Australian National University. He is now an ARC mid-career industry fellow and full professor and associate editor for the Royal Society of Chemistry journal “Molecular Systems Design & Engineering”; he is also currently the chair of the RACI polymer division.
He is a co-founder of two spin out companies. His research interests lie in the development of molecular design concepts to create new materials for diverse applications, including artificial skin and tissues, sustainable polymers and surfactants, additive manufacturing electronics and water harvesting. Core competencies in the group are based on advanced polymer design, self-assembly and catalysis.
The Group
Our group members come from all walks of life. We strive to do the best science we can, and that means we must set expectations to work well together.
Postdoctoral Fellow
Dr. Brett Pollard
My research is at the intersection of organic synthesis, green chemistry as well as in polymer design. The creativity, problem solving and collaboration in working toward an altruistic goal are what makes chemistry so rewarding.
In my spare time, I enjoy (too many) hobbies including music, fencing, fly fishing, cooking and board games.
PhD Candidate
Peidong Shen
My research focuses on developing smart hydrogels and polymer composites with enhanced performance and functionalities. These studies utilize various dynamic covalent and non-covalent chemistries to produce materials that are highly competitive compared to conventional benchmarks. Outside the lab, I enjoy rock fishing, deep sea fishing, and lure fishing in my spare time.
PhD Candidate
Moki Thanusing
I like making stuff. Materials chemistry is just making stuff, and that's all I could ask for. I also enjoy art and video games.
My current work involves making atmospheric water harvesting polymers.
PhD Candidate
Lilian Boton
This bio is coming soon.
PhD Candidate
Jason Buchanan
I am undertaking a PhD with the Connal and Preston groups at the Australian National University. I am currently researching the control of polymeric systems through supramolecular interactions, with a particular focus on metallo-supramolecular polymers.
Outside of my studies, I love spending time with my family, riding bikes and making music.
PhD Candidate
Md Saifur Rahaman
This bio is coming soon.
PhD Candidate
Sandra Jestin
This bio is coming soon.
PhD Student
Rimaz Toto
My research involves making ultra-high molecular weight polymers for biomedical applications. I love the challenge of designing and building new biomaterials. When I'm not in the lab, you'll usually find me playing tennis, going for a run, reading a good book, or spending time with friends and family.
Lab Assistant
Lachlan Niven
This bio is coming soon.
Undergraduate Student
Jackson Stamper
This bio is coming soon.
Past Members
Dr. Ashwani Kumar (Postdoctoral Fellow) Yumeng Liu (Honours) Gabriela Izurieta (Honours) Nick Knowler (Honours) Tiger Chen (Honours) Isaac Hampton (Honours) Shiya Zhang (Undergraduate) Thomas Sparks Xinyu Chang (Undergraduate) Tharanka Srikaran (Undergraduate) Maxine Wu (Undergraduate) Dr. Heather Aitken (PhD) Dr. Zhen Jiang (Postdoctoral Fellow) Dr. Jekaterina Viktorova (PhD) Ming Li Tan (PhD) Ayana Bhaskaran (PhD) Shraddha R Bhat (FRT) Kalyanshi Ubnare (FRT) Keshav Pareek (FRT) Shruti Jain (FRT) Swati Sharma (FRT)