Kathryn Fairfull-Smith

Professor Kathryn Fairfull-Smith is a Professor in the School of Chemistry & Physics at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). Her research focuses on organic synthesis for applications in materials science and medicinal chemistry, with a particular emphasis on developing strategies to combat bacterial biofilms through nitroxide-functionalized compounds and surface coatings. She leads projects funded by grants such as the QLD-Bavaria collaborative seed grant (2024) and an ARC Linkage Grant (2024). Her work spans organic radical batteries, profluorescent sensors, and antimicrobial hybrids, addressing challenges in biomedical and environmental materials.

Education: PhD from Griffith University. Professional memberships include MRACI CChem and MRSC. Awards include the QUT Vice-Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Research (2017) and an ARC Future Fellowship (2014). She actively supervises postgraduate students in topics like nitroxide therapeutics and polymer materials. Her research group is part of the Centre for Materials Science at QUT.

• Research Grants: QLD-Bavaria collaborative seed grant (2024), ARC Linkage Grant (2024), DP210101317 (2021), FT140100746 (2015)
• Key Projects: Biofilm eradication via nitroxide-antimicrobial hybrids, light-triggered surface coatings, and polymer degradation monitoring

Publications include over 30 peer-reviewed articles in journals such as Advanced Materials Technologies and Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. Her work bridges fundamental chemistry with real-world applications in healthcare and sustainability.