Alison Funston

Dr. Alison Funston is an Associate Professor in the School of Chemistry at Monash University, Australia, and a Chief Investigator in the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science. She leads the Nanoscale Spectroscopy Laboratory, focusing on the synthesis, self-assembly, and optical properties of nanoscale systems including metal and semiconductor nanocrystals. Her research has significant implications for solar energy conversion, optoelectronics, and sensing technologies.

• PhD, University of Melbourne (2002)
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Brookhaven National Laboratory (2002–2005)
• Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Melbourne (2006–2010)
• Appointed at Monash University (2010)
• ARC Future Fellowship (2011)

Her research focuses on fundamental aspects of energy and electron transfer in nanoscale systems, particularly through nanocrystal growth, self-assembly of discrete nanocrystal superstructures, and interaction of nanoscale systems with light at both ensemble and single-particle levels. These investigations utilize advanced spectroscopic techniques with high spatial and temporal resolution. Her work contributes to sustainable development goals in clean energy and responsible innovation.

The recent publications highlight a strong trend in plasmonics, nanostructure synthesis, and hybrid nanomaterials. Key themes include symmetry control in gold nanocrystals, DNA-directed self-assembly, perovskite nanocrystals for sensing, and advanced imaging techniques. The research spans fundamental physical chemistry to applied optoelectronic devices.

• ARC Future Fellowship (2011)

Dr. Funston has advised numerous PhD and postgraduate students and is currently accepting new PhD candidates. Her research is supported by major grants including ARC Discovery Projects and her role as a Chief Investigator in the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science. She has led projects such as Atomic Structure and Stability of Nanocrystal Facets and Harnessing Asymmetry in Hybrid Metal Nanocrystal Assemblies. She also participates in international collaborations, including joint PhD programs with Bayreuth University, Germany.

She leads the Nanoscale Spectroscopy Laboratory (Funston Group), which operates at the intersection of chemistry, physics, and materials science. The group collaborates extensively within Monash and with international partners, focusing on cutting-edge instrumentation and multidisciplinary approaches to nanomaterial design and characterization.