I hold a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from Monash University, awarded for research on tailoring graphene's electronic structure through molecular adsorption. My doctoral work used density functional theory to investigate charge transfer, molecular dipoles and electronic bands, establishing a strong foundation in condensed matter physics.

Since my PhD, I have developed an independent research direction in topological and quantum materials within FLEET's broader low-energy electronics agenda. I independently proposed topological semimetals with unconventional surface spin textures and developed computational frameworks for atomically thin materials under disorder and electric fields. These ideas have grown into sustained research programs, lead-author publications and device-oriented intellectual property.

Seven years in FLEET and my subsequent appointment spanning Materials Science and Engineering and the School of Physics and Astronomy have shaped my identity as a theoretical condensed matter physicist. Now I will bring the scientific judgement, research originality and collaborative experience needed to establish my own group in the School of Physics at the University of Melbourne.

My most significant contribution to advanced nanoelectronics within the broader scope of quantum physics is my recent work demonstrating how engineered heterostructure stacks can transform the transistor channel. By designing interfaces between atomically thin materials, I have identified material combinations with exceptionally strong electrical responses. Coupling these materials with a layer that amplifies the applied electric field provides a route to substantially lower-energy transistor switching. My state-of-the-art modelling predicts a tenfold reduction in switching voltage and an eightfold reduction in switching energy compared with end-of-roadmap low-voltage silicon technology, while retaining high current flow and compatibility with established transistor architectures. This work provides a promising pathway towards more energy-efficient electronics and demonstrates how fundamental quantum physics can be translated into practical device concepts.

These advances build on my extensive research into how surfaces, interfaces and atomic disorder control the quantum and electronic properties of low-dimensional materials. I have developed a modelling approach that connects atomistic electronic-structure calculations with larger-scale descriptions of electronic transport and device behaviour. Its application to two-dimensional bismuth (New Journal of Physics, 2021; Materials Today Physics, 2023 and 2025) demonstrated how complex interfaces and surrounding environments can be incorporated efficiently into realistic electronic models. This provides both physical insight into interface design and a cross-scale modelling framework for translating materials properties into device-relevant behaviour.

A second major direction of my research is magnetic topological materials, where I investigate how topology, magnetism, quantum physics and structural complexity interact under experimentally realistic conditions. My work on Co₂MnGa has examined how thickness, disorder and atomic-scale structure influence its electronic and transport properties, including the demonstration that large Berry-curvature responses can survive complete structural disorder (Matter, 2025). These studies show that functional quantum behaviour can remain robust beyond ideal crystalline systems and provide a basis for designing magnetic materials that retain useful properties under realistic growth and fabrication conditions.

My interdisciplinary expertise also enables me to apply these theoretical and computational approaches directly to experimental problems. By working closely with collaborators in thin-film growth, transport, spectroscopy and device fabrication, I have provided critical theoretical interpretation and materials-design guidance that has contributed to high-impact, co-first-authored work in ACS Nano, Matter and Nature Communications. These collaborations have strengthened my ability to identify the underlying quantum and electronic mechanisms behind experimental observations and translate them into new materials and interface design principles.

At the University of Melbourne, I would build an independent research program around quantum physics, data-driven materials discovery, interfacial physics, magnetic topological materials and low-energy nanoelectronics. I would combine first-principles modelling, large-scale electronic-structure methods and device-level theory to discover new materials, understand their behaviour in realistic environments and translate these insights into experimentally testable technologies.

My teaching is grounded in the same principle as my research: students should learn to formulate questions and exercise scientific judgement. Within research-focused appointments, I have taken responsibility for designing and delivering a complete university course and developing graduate research training.

For the Monash–Central South University “2+2” program, I designed Computational Materials Science from the ground up and taught it in 2017–2019 and 2023–2024. I developed the curriculum, lectures, tutorials and assessments, connecting condensed-matter fundamentals with density functional theory, high-performance computing and applied modelling. An assessed group mini-assignment requires students to bring these elements together. The complete materials are openly available on GitHub.

At Monash, I regularly deliver DFT workshops and tutorials for Master's and PhD students. I teach students to select, justify and validate methods for their own research questions, using visualisation, worked examples and physical reasoning to make abstract concepts accessible. This experience provides a strong foundation for teaching quantum mechanics, condensed matter and computational physics, and for taking responsibility as a subject coordinator.

The proposed 12-week graduate subject above shows how I would extend my existing curriculum into computational condensed matter physics. I would welcome subject coordination and tutor supervision, bringing the same ownership to education that I bring to research.

I see AI as an opportunity to deepen physics education. I would integrate AI-assisted literature study and calculation checking while placing greater emphasis on derivation, physical intuition and critical evaluation in assessment. My goal is to prepare students to use computational tools reasonably, creatively and independently, while maintaining a strong foundation in the underlying physics.

My publication record demonstrates a strong and increasingly internationally visible research track record in quantum materials, computational materials modelling and advanced nanoelectronics. Across 45 refereed articles, my contributions span the development of original materials physics questions, theoretical and computational frameworks, and their application to experimentally relevant problems. My publications as first author, co-first author and corresponding author in npj Quantum Materials, Matter, Nature Communications, ACS Nano and Materials Today Physics demonstrate both the quality and breadth of this research.

A clear example of my research independence is my work on two-dimensional bismuth and interfacial physics. Over five years, I developed a connected research direction from foundational tight binding modelling to unconventional spin textures, topological edge state control and the effects of realistic material environments (New Journal of Physics, 2021; Materials Today Physics, 2023 and 2025). This progression required me to identify new scientific questions, develop the appropriate theoretical approaches and sustain the direction through to corresponding authorship.

My interdisciplinary research has also led to high impact contributions in magnetic topological materials and experimentally driven quantum physics. Through close collaboration with experimental groups, I have applied electronic structure and quantum response modelling to understand how interfaces, structural disorder and local atomic environments control measurable material properties. This work has resulted in co-first authored papers in Matter, ACS Nano and Nature Communications, demonstrating my ability to make substantial theoretical contributions to internationally competitive collaborative research.

The momentum of my research is reflected in 15 publications over the past three years, including six in journals with impact factors above 10. My work has received more than 1,200 citations with an h-index of 19, and I have been invited to review for journals including Nature Communications and Communications Physics. Achieved within research fellow appointments, this record provides a strong foundation for establishing an internationally recognised independent research program at the University of Melbourne, supported by high quality publications, competitive funding and strong theoretical and experimental collaborations.

Developing independent researchers is central to the group I want to build at University of Melbourne. I have mentored or co-supervised nine PhD candidates, including five graduates and four current candidates, supervised three Bachelor's and Master's research students, and examined three departmental PhD milestone and final examinations. This experience has given me a strong understanding of the challenges of research supervision and helped me develop my own approach to mentoring.

Although I have only formally been recognised as a co-supervisor, I have played critical roles in the research journeys of many graduate students. My supervision starts with helping students identify meaningful research questions while encouraging them to think independently and creatively. I place strong emphasis on rigorous training in fundamental research skills, as well as developing students' capabilities in scientific communication and writing. At the same time, I give students space to explore their own ideas and make decisions. I see supervision not simply as guiding a student towards an answer, but as a process that continuously reshapes and deepens our understanding of the subject, for both the student and myself.

Students under my supervision/mentoring have progressed to first-author publications in Advanced Science, ACS Nano and Nano Letters; one former candidate now holds a joint postdoctoral appointment at the University of Cambridge and King's College London. These outcomes are clear evidence of my ability to support students in developing their own scientific voice and research independence.

At University of Melbourne, I would expect to build a group of three to four HDR candidates within three years, with co-supervision across theory and experiment. I would maintain my research philosophy by continuing to support students, placing their research and training experience first while guiding them towards academic excellence and research independence.

My ability to lead collaborative research rests on making complex ideas clear, establishing a shared near- and long-term vision for the team, and respecting each person’s expertise so they can contribute at their best. I currently coordinate a 10-person experimental and theory team across two Schools and TQ Transistors. My role involves establishing shared research questions, connecting computational predictions with fabrication requirements, and helping partners agree on practical next steps while keeping the broader research goals in view.

I adapt my communication to physicists, engineers and intellectual-property professionals, using interactive visualisations and schematics to explain the underlying physics. I listen to each participant’s priorities before presenting my assessment and communicate the limits of the modelling openly. This approach is best reflected in my successful partnership with TQ Transistors, which has led to funded research projects and a US patent application.

I bring the same preparation, openness and respect to relationships with students and professional staff, with clear expectations, constructive feedback and reliable follow-through. Through Melbourne Knowledge Week activities and public-facing content, I have also communicated quantum science beyond specialist audiences. At the University of Melbourne, I would bring the same positive and professional approach to building strong and effective workplace relationships.

I have begun to establish the funding base for an independent research program. Since 2024, I have contributed to securing approximately A$3.4 million in government and industry support, with distinct responsibilities as Lead CI, Co-CI and Key Participant.

My strongest evidence of independence is the A$650,000 AEA Ignite project that I conceived and lead. To advance a new low-energy transistor towards manufacturing, I developed the research case, assembled a team across two Schools and an industry partner, and led the successful application. I now take responsibility for the scientific direction and delivery against commercial and research milestones. This demonstrates my ability to turn an idea into a resourced program and lead its execution.

I also contribute as Key Participant to an A$1.7 million ARC Linkage Project and as Co-CI to A$1.04 million in direct industry funding for negative-capacitance transistor materials. Independently secured NCI and Pawsey allocations provide further evidence of my ability to resource the computational work I lead.

At the University of Melbourne, I would build on this foundation through ARC Discovery Project applications and an ARC Future Fellowship, drawing on my developed proposal for disorder-oriented quantum-material design. My funding strategy connects fundamental physics with device-relevant questions, creating opportunities for both discovery-led and industry-supported research.

I build research links around questions that my theoretical expertise and a partner's experimental capabilities can answer together. This approach has enabled me to develop a research network extending beyond my home Department and to sustain collaborations across successive projects.

My partnerships with the Monash School of Physics and Astronomy connect computational prediction with materials and device experiments. They have produced four co-authored papers, three further papers under review and two grants since 2024. I contribute to sustaining these relationships by proposing new research questions and funding opportunities, giving the collaboration a continuing scientific direction.

Internationally, I have developed a long-term partnership with Victoria University of Wellington and the MacDiarmid Institute through joint projects, publications and reciprocal visits. This relationship has been central to my Berry-curvature and magneto-optics work. National links established through FLEET remain active through collaborations with RMIT and research visits to ANU, UNSW and UQ; related projects connect me with groups in China, Japan and the United States.

I would bring this network to the development of my Melbourne research program, while building new partnerships within the School. My aim is to initiate joint questions, co-supervised projects and grant applications that give these connections lasting scientific value.

I am developing national research leadership by originating scientific directions and assembling the people and resources needed to pursue them. My contribution aligns with the School's goals in condensed matter physics and quantum technology, particularly the connection between quantum-material theory and low-energy devices.

The AEA Ignite project provides concrete evidence of this leadership. I conceived the project, assembled an interdisciplinary team with an industry partner and led the successful A$650,000 application. I now set the research direction and coordinate delivery. Alongside this, the five-year Bismuth program demonstrates sustained intellectual ownership, from foundational models to device-relevant edge-state control.

I have also independently secured more than three million NCI and Pawsey service units as Lead CI, supporting students, collaborators and the computational program. Together, these activities demonstrate the core responsibilities of a research leader: defining a worthwhile problem, obtaining resources, developing people and sustaining delivery.

At the University of Melbourne, I would build a nationally connected theory group around disorder-tolerant quantum materials and device physics. I would pursue joint ARC applications and convene computational quantum-materials workshops, strengthening the School's role in connecting theoretical discovery with experimental and technological advances.

I see academic leadership as a responsibility to build capability beyond my own research. I have acted on this by developing external partnerships, sharing computational expertise and contributing to the research and teaching community.

As Monash's liaison with Jiangxi Copper, I took the initiative to identify complementary expertise across Materials Science and Engineering, Civil Engineering and Chemical Engineering. I approached academic leaders, briefed both sides and coordinated a technical exchange focused on concrete research opportunities. This groundwork helped progress the relationship from first contact to a formal Memorandum of Understanding in August 2024. I am now working towards its first collaborative research project.

Within Monash, I build computational capability through DFT workshops across research groups, contribute expertise to the Centre for Additive Manufacturing, and support research-training standards through PhD examination. I have also hosted international delegations and worked with academic and administrative colleagues on Open Day and departmental events.

At the University of Melbourne, I would participate actively in School planning, committees and teaching administration, and share the computational methods and training developed by my group. I would contribute to a collegial environment where research ambition is supported by inclusion, integrity and reliable institutional service.

I have extensive experience in translating fundamental research into industry-focused projects and building productive R&D partnerships. In recent years, I have developed a close R&D collaboration with TQ Transistors, giving me first-hand experience of taking materials and quantum-physics concepts from theoretical development towards technologies that can be fabricated, tested and commercialised.

Within this partnership, I have contributed materials design expertise and developed a transistor architecture as lead inventor on US patent application US63/848,509. The collaboration has attracted A$1.04 million in direct industry investment and received funding from the AEA Ignite and ARC Linkage projects. Conceiving and leading the Ignite project has extended my responsibility from theoretical development to coordinating research against both scientific and commercial milestones.

I have also helped establish a new route for university–industry collaboration through Monash's partnership with Jiangxi Copper, progressing the relationship from an August 2024 Memorandum of Understanding to a first advanced manufacturing project commencing in 2026.

These experiences demonstrate my ability to work cooperatively with industry and government partners to define and deliver shared research goals. At the University of Melbourne, I would bring this partnership experience together with my expertise in quantum physics and materials design to develop research that connects fundamental discovery with technological impact.

I build and maintain collaborative networks through meaningful scientific discussions that generate new questions around shared research interests. My long-standing collaboration with Dr Simon Granville at Victoria University of Wellington’s Robinson Research Institute and the MacDiarmid Institute is a good example. Starting from our shared interest in magnetic topological materials, we have progressively developed different aspects of the problem, including thin-film growth, disorder effects, electronic transport and electromagnetic responses.

In these collaborations, I take responsibility for the theoretical and computational aspects while respecting and drawing on my collaborators’ expertise in experiments. This division of strengths, supported by regular discussions, reciprocal visits and open sharing of code and data, has led to joint publications in npj Quantum Materials, Matter, Nano Letters, Physical Review Materials and Advanced Materials. I have developed similar continuing collaborations with Prof. Michael Fuhrer’s group at Monash, researchers at RMIT, and international groups working on magnonics, spin–orbit torque and quantum-geometric transport.

I have also built strong relationships with other theoretical researchers, including researchers at the Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, such as Prof. Zhijun Wang’s group. Although these relationships have not necessarily involved joint publications, I have maintained them through discussions on emerging research directions, new theoretical questions and opportunities for future collaboration.

At the University of Melbourne, I would bring these connections to support high-quality research within the School. I would maintain a clear independent research direction while remaining open to new ideas and collaborations with both experimental and theoretical groups, helping strengthen the School’s broader research community.

I am passionate about participating in job-related travel and outreach activities. I believe one of the core aspects of an academic career is communicating research and its implications to a broad audience, and I have actively contributed to this through Melbourne Knowledge Week, Open Day, and conferences and workshops such as the APS March Meeting and the Gordon Godfrey Workshop at UNSW.

I am comfortable spending some of my time outside standard working hours to support these activities and have experience doing so. I see this flexibility as part of contributing actively to the broader academic community and would be willing to continue this as part of my role at the University of Melbourne.

Leading a research program requires disciplined choices about priorities, resources and delivery. Currently, I manage the research progress and administrative activities of AEA Ignite, alongside continuous engagement with industrial partners and pitching to potential new partners. I also co-supervise two PhD candidates and mentor two additional candidates. Paper writing, grant applications and other academic activities are also ongoing commitments in my calendar. I have become accustomed to balancing these competing demands and have developed a time management strategy that ensures the timely delivery of all responsibilities.

I plan backwards from the different deadlines assigned to each task, regularly assessing the milestones and progress of each activity. I budget resources across each allocation period and raise risks early, giving all stakeholders time to adjust. This approach has supported 15 publications over the past three years, the award of two grants (AEA Ignite and ARC Linkage), as well as continuous support from my industrial collaborators. At the University of Melbourne, I would apply the same discipline to balancing research leadership with teaching, supervision and School service.

I will hold a current, valid Employee Working with Children Check before commencing and maintain it throughout my employment. I support the University's commitment to child safety under the Victorian Child Safe Standards.