Dr Clovia Holdsworth

Biography

I obtained my PhD in Griffith University. I have been appointed to a Lecturer position at The University of Newcastle in May 2006. Prior to this appointment, I was a Research Associate in the area of molecular imprinted polymers for 4 years in a part time capacity. Between 1995 and 2001, I worked overseas as an academic where an academic's primary responsibility is teaching. My research interests include synthesis and characterisation of functional polymeric materials.

Qualifications

• PhD, Griffith University, 1996
• Master of Science (Chemistry), De La Salle University - Manilla - Phillipines

Research

Research keywords

• Free Radical Polymerisation
• Molecular Imprinting
• Polymer Synthesis

Research expertise

I trained as a polymer chemist with considerable experience and knowledge in controlled free radical polymer synthesis with focus on polymer functionalisation, regulation of molecular weight and its distribution, and the use of these synthetic methodologies for the synthesis of specialised polymers for various applications. I bring to the University of Newcastle and to the Discipline of Chemistry my expertise on polymer synthesis and its application to the development of functional materials. Since 2002, I have been involved in the design, synthesis and development of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) and their utility as potential sensors in the forensic and food industries. This has resulted in the development of high performance MIPs in the film format and the first imprinted nanoparticles ever prepared using ionic liquids as solvents. The molecular imprinting research and my expertise are highly aligned with the objectives of the Priority Research Centre for Organic Electronics (PRCOE) of which I am a member. My contribution to research in my Discipline, the PRCOE and Faculty is significant as I bring to them the most needed expertise on specialised polymer synthesis which complements most of the existing polymer-based research in the physical sciences.

Languages

• Cebuano
• English
• Filipino

Fields of Research

Centres and Groups

Centre

• PRC - Priority Research Centre for Organic Electronics

Memberships

Body relevant to professional practice.

• RACI

Appointments

Administrative

Administrative expertise

In my previous employment (De La Salle University-Manila, Philippines), I held the position of Director of Graduate Studies for the College of Science between 1998 to 2001). I was a member of the Teaching and Learning Committee of the Faculty of Science and Information Technology from 2006 to 2009. I am currently the RHD Coordinator of the Discipline of Chemistry.

Teaching

Teaching keywords

• Analytical Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Polymer Chemistry

Teaching expertise

I have proficiently taught general chemistry courses, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, instrumental methods of analysis and polymer chemistry. I have mentored 7 RHD (1 PhD and 6 MSc) students to completion in my previous academic position at De La Salle University, Philippines. I currently co-supervise RHD students on projects involving synthesis, characterisation and applications of specialised and functional polymeric materials, e.g. molecularly imprinted polymers.

Teaching interests

• Organic Chemistry
• Applied Chemistry (Polymers)
• Analytical Chemistry
  

Courses

• CHEM1020 - Introductory Chemistry II
• CHEM2110 - Analytical Chemistry
• CHEM2310 - Organic Chemistry
• CHEM3110 - Instrumental Chemical Analysis
• CHEM3580 - Polymers and Colloids