Rico Tabor

Rico Tabor is a Professor (Research) in the School of Chemistry at Monash University. He holds a PhD from the University of Bristol (UK) and has been a lecturer at Monash since 2012. His research focuses on soft and colloidal systems, including self-assembly of nanoscale materials, surface forces in emulsions/foams, and stimuli-responsive stabilizers. Key tools include small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and collaborations at global facilities like ISIS (UK) and the Bragg Institute (Australia).

Education:

• BSc (Undergraduate) in Chemistry, University of Bristol (UK)
• PhD in Physical Chemistry, University of Bristol

Research Interests: His work spans soft matter systems, including micelles, liquid crystals, and microemulsions. He investigates structural forces in colloidal systems and develops light-responsive materials (e.g., azobenzene-based systems). Applications include drug delivery, pollutant capture, and sustainable materials.

Projects: He leads 46 projects, including ARC-funded research on 2D materials (AM2D Hub), compostable packaging, and graphene oxide composites. Recent projects focus on thermal energy storage and nanomaterial coatings.

Publications: Over 180 outputs since 2006, with recent work on stimulus-responsive polymers, carbon-based catalysts, and neutron scattering analysis of emulsions.

Grants & Collaborations: Funding from ARC, industry partners (e.g., Varden Process Pty Ltd), and international networks. His work aligns with UN SDGs related to sustainable industry (SDG 9) and responsible consumption (SDG 12).