Christine Charles

Professor Christine Charles is Head of the Space Plasma, Power and Propulsion Laboratory at the Australian National University (ANU). She holds a French Engineering degree in applied physics, a PhD in plasma physics, a French Habilitation in materials science, and an ANU Bachelor of Music in Jazz. Her research focuses on experimental expanding plasmas and their applications in space propulsion, materials science, and bioengineering. Key projects include the Helicon Double Layer Thruster and the QB50 CubeSat mission. She has published over 200 articles and been recognized with prestigious awards, including Fellowships from the American Physical Society and the Australian Academy of Science. Her work spans plasma thrusters, hydrogen fuel cells, and plasma-based biomedical innovations.

Education: French Engineering degree, PhD in Plasma Physics, Habilitation in Materials Science, ANU Music degree.

Research interests include plasma-ion acceleration mechanisms, CubeSat propulsion systems, plasma jets for wound healing, and nanomaterials for fuel cells. She actively collaborates with international teams, such as the University of Orléans for hydrogen fuel cell research. Her lab develops advanced plasma models for microelectronics and photonics applications.

Scientific awards include the 2015 Women in Industry Excellence Award and TEDx Canberra speaking engagement. Her grants and projects involve space debris removal, plasma thruster optimization, and plasma-catalyzed ammonia synthesis. She leads the Space Plasma group and contributes to public science outreach through media and lectures.

Labs/Teams: Head of ANU’s Space Plasma Lab, collaborations with Neumann Space, and international academic partnerships. Future work includes advancing electrode-less thrusters and plasma applications in healthcare and energy sectors.