Dr Mirella Atherton

Mirella Atherton is a Course Coordinator, Lecturer and Tutor. Mirella began lecturing and researching at the University of Newcastle in 1998 while embarking on her PhD. She then left the University of Newcastle to work for the Australian Government in the National Analytical Reference Laboratory. Mirella gained detailed knowledge of chemical structures while working with a wide range of bioactive compounds, including pesticides, drugs and steroids. Synthesis of narcotic drugs and steroids led Mirella to an interest in the law. She completed her law degree specialising in criminal law and tort law through Macquarie University. Mirella now teaches in both Chemistry and Law and calls on experience as a volunteer for the Criminal Justice Support Network who assist intellectually disabled people at police stations and at courts.

Research Expertise
Mirella Atherton (as Mirella Keane) has research experience in organic chemistry. She began working with analogues of Cantharidin in 1994. This developed into the synthesis of specialised bioactive pesticides, drugs and steroids. To improve her teaching methods, Mirella assesses student retention via student confidence in open access and undergraduate programs using "the third person effect". Mirella is actively involved in measuring student engagement in the online and on campus environments in a wide range of courses. Mirella is also actively involved in projects that deal with Data Analytics, Vulnerability and Dispute Resolution in Australia.

Teaching Expertise
Mirella Atherton is a diverse and highly skilled academic who began lecturing in 1998 and has contributed to course development for a wide range of topics and subjects.