Matthew Phillips

Matt is a teaching-focused Associate Lecturer in the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences with over 10 years of teaching experience across first through to final-year general and Organic Chemistry. He completed his Honours degree in Applied Chemistry with First-class honours in 2015, and his PhD in Medicinal Chemistry in 2024. Throughout his doctoral studies (2016-2024), Matt maintained an active teaching focus in first-year chemistry and advanced Organic Chemistry while collaborating with industry partners including Radetec on the development of rapid diagnostic tools for chlamydial infections.

His research expertise focuses on the synthesis of heterocyclic structures for targeted inhibition of proteases toward the development of antibacterial compounds. With experience spanning Chemistry and molecular biology, he has particularly enjoyed working at the interdisciplinary intersections of Medicinal Chemistry. Matt welcomes enquiries from prospective Honours students interested in developing chloroisocoumarins as protease inhibitors, as well as student interns seeking research experience.

Matt is open to discussing collaborative opportunities in both industry and academic research, as well as promoting scientific education to secondary students and through external programs. With a passion for teaching and extensive experience in first-year chemistry pedagogy, he thoroughly enjoys helping students acclimate and thrive in tertiary education.