Anna Wang

Anna Wang is an Associate Professor at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), based in the School of Chemistry within the Faculty of Science. Her interdisciplinary research bridges physics, chemistry, materials science, and astrobiology to explore the behavior of soft matter and the origins of cellular life.

Dr. Wang holds a BSc (Advanced Hons I) from the University of Sydney (2009), followed by an SM (2013) and PhD (2016) in Applied Physics from Harvard University. She was a NASA Postdoctoral Program Fellow in Astrobiology at Massachusetts General Hospital (2016–2018).

Her research focuses on understanding how simple physical and chemical systems can give rise to life-like behaviors. Key research themes include:

• Self-assembly of lipid membranes and protocells
• Holographic microscopy for 3D tracking of soft matter
• Biophysical principles of membrane stability and dynamics
• Origins of cellular life and prebiotic chemistry
• Colloidal interactions and phase-separated systems

Dr. Wang’s lab uses advanced imaging techniques such as digital holographic microscopy to study the 3D motion and interactions of colloidal particles, vesicles, and protocells. Her work has been published in high-impact journals including PNAS, Nature Communications, ACS Nano, and Soft Matter.

Grants & Funding:

• Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP) Collaborative Research Grant (2020–2023)
• Australian Research Council Discovery Early Career Research Award (2021–2023)
• Alfred P. Sloan Foundation “Matter to Life” Grant (2023–2027)
• Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation Grant (2023–2027)

Teaching & Supervision: Dr. Wang teaches courses such as CHEM2921 (Food Chemistry), CHEM3061 (Chemistry of Materials), and CDEV3000 (Practice of Work). She actively supervises Honours, Masters, and PhD students interested in soft matter and origins of life research.

Public Engagement: Dr. Wang has contributed to science communication through appearances on PBS Nova, ABC Catalyst, Vox Unexplainable, and public seminars. Her lab website is https://www.annawanglab.com.