Erica Wanless

Professor Erica Wanless is an internationally recognized researcher in colloid and interface chemistry at the University of Newcastle's School of Environmental and Life Sciences, where she heads the Chemistry discipline. Her research focuses on fundamental and applied aspects of surface coatings, polymer films, and particle behavior at phase boundaries, with significant applications in mineral processing, industrial formulations, and environmental technologies.

Research expertise spans molecular-scale characterization of solid-liquid interfaces using advanced techniques like soft-contact atomic force microscopy, neutron reflectometry, and ellipsometry. Current projects investigate: (1) Specific ion effects on stimulus-responsive polymer coatings in aqueous and non-aqueous environments, (2) Stabilization mechanisms of fluid interfaces for particle-stabilized foams/emulsions, and (3) Novel electrostatic pathways for liquid marble formation.

Article analyses reveal consistent focus on interfacial phenomena across diverse systems: thermoresponsive polymer brushes, electrolyte solutions, particle-stabilized emulsions, and functional coatings. Recent work increasingly integrates neutron scattering techniques with molecular dynamics simulations to probe nanostructured interfaces.

• Jack Jacobs Trophy (2000)
• Japan Society for Promotion of Science Fellowship (2012)
• American Academy of Microbiology Fellow (2019)
• UON Inspiring Excellence Award (2021)

Leads multiple Australian Research Council projects and serves as CI in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Eco-Efficient Beneficiation of Minerals. Founded HunterWiSE initiative promoting women in STEM through school outreach and professional networks. Research team specializes in atomic force microscopy, ellipsometry, quartz crystal microbalance, and microelectrophoresis techniques.