Miss Rachael Matthews
School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences
College of Science
Rachael is a current PhD Candidate (Chemical Sciences) at The University of Adelaide (Adelaide University from 2026) working under the supervision of Dr. Cameron Shearer. Her research interests are in materials, inorganic, environmental and analytical chemistry.She has been a member of the Photo-Cat Research Group since 2023, who research innovative and sustainable solutions to various environmental issues. Her current research focuses on synthesising new inorganic materials for the photocatalytic destruction of per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Rachael also has experience in targeted and non-targeted LC-MS techniques for monitoring PFAS degradation.After completing a Bachelor of Sciences (Double Chemistry Major) in 2022, she graduated with First Class Honours in 2023. She was awarded The Royal Australian Chemical Institute Prize and the G.S Laurence Prize in Practical Chemistry Level II for her outstanding academic efforts in 2020.
My research uses photocatalysis to degrade various persistent organic pollutants, such as per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Photocatalysis uses the energy from light to drive reduction / oxidation (redox) reactions. PFAS molecules contain multiple C-F bonds which are resistant to biodegradation and other chemical destruction techniques (i.e. incineration). Photocatalysts with sufficient redox potential are therefore a viable option for remediation under UV light. Various metal oxides including La-doped ATaO3 (A = Li, Na, K) are current materials of interest in this work.
| Date | Position | Institution name |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 - ongoing | Academic Staff Member (Casual) | University of Adelaide |
| 2023 - 2024 | Research Officer (Casual) | University of Adelaide |
| Date | Type | Title | Institution Name | Country | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Scholarship | 2025 Possingham Research Supplementary Scholarship in Environmental Sustainability | The University of Adelaide | Australia | - |
| 2023 | Scholarship | Neville Arthur Honours Scholarship in Physical Sciences | The University of Adelaide | Australia | - |
| 2022 | Scholarship | Rowe Scientific Scholarship | The University of Adelaide | Australia | - |
| 2022 | Achievement | Women in STEM Careers Program | The University of Adelaide | Australia | - |
| 2020 | Award | RACI Prize in Level II Chemistry | The University of Adelaide | Australia | - |
| 2020 | Award | G.S. Laurence Prize in Practical Chemistry Level II | The University of Adelaide | Australia | - |
| 2019 | Award | Outstanding Academic Achievement | The University of Adelaide | Australia | - |
| 2019 | Scholarship | The University of Adelaide Principals’ Scholarship | The University of Adelaide | Australia | - |
| Language | Competency |
|---|---|
| English | Can read, write and speak |
| Date | Role | Committee | Institution | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 - ongoing | Co-Chair | 2025 R&D Topics in Analytical & Environmental Chemistry Conference Committee | Royal Australian Chemical Institute | Australia |
| Date | Role | Membership | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 - ongoing | Representative | Royal Australian Chemical Society (RACI) | Australia |
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