The fascinating world of biology, with its intricate chemical processes, has always captivated me. My journey began in the heart of Shepparton, Victoria, where my parents, immigrants from Greece, built a life in Australia after the mid-sixties. They instilled in me a strong work ethic, emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities, perseverance, gratitude, and resilience. This foundation shaped my approach to various endeavors.
In my youth, I discovered a passion for music, particularly bass guitar. I taught myself to play, formed bands with friends, and even played local gigs. The band Kiss, with their theatrics and rock 'n' roll, had a significant influence on me. Later, my interest in jazz music grew, inspired by the incredible bass players like Charles Mingus. This creative outlet complemented my academic pursuits.
My interest in science and mathematics was sparked by dedicated teachers who profoundly influenced my career path. The molecular basis of biology, with its complex interplay of cells, membranes, machinery, lipids, proteins, and DNA, captivated my imagination. I was amazed by the invisible chemical scales that govern these processes, realizing that we only see a fraction of the bigger picture.
During my PhD, I continued to pursue my musical passion with the band Fifth Avenue. Our music gained traction when one of Channel Ten's Big Brother housemates mentioned us on television, leading to viral success. We played on TV shows like Good Morning Australia and supported renowned touring acts. While I relished the rockstar experience, I also faced the daily challenge of lab work, grappling with chemical reactions.
Despite the instability of the music industry, it enhanced my creativity, communication, and collaboration skills. I still cherish music, occasionally performing with old bandmates and collecting guitars. However, my true calling lay in the world of science and entrepreneurship.
In the final year of my PhD, I founded a startup focused on synthesizing amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. We created novel amino acids and connected them to build modified peptides, proteins, and ultimately, new drugs, including an enhanced form of insulin for improved diabetes treatment. Being the CEO and science officer was a challenging yet fascinating experience, honing my problem-solving, business development, leadership, and pitching skills.
Despite initial success, like many biotech startups, we faced financial challenges. But I learned that failure is a valuable source of information. My positive attitude, shaped by my upbringing and scientific training, kept me moving forward.
In 2005, I joined the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), where I learned the art of 'big science' and asking bold scientific questions. I had the privilege of using major research infrastructure for impactful work, including the synchrotron at Argonne National Laboratory in Chicago, USA.
From 2008 onwards, working with exceptional research mentors at the University of Cambridge and ETH Zurich, I discovered that my scientific success was not solely due to my skills but also to the capabilities I had developed as a musician and entrepreneur. This realization further fueled my passion for science.
In 2011, I returned to CSIRO to establish a flow chemistry laboratory, a departure from traditional batch-based chemistry. Flow chemistry involves pumping chemicals through small tubes into microreactors, allowing for continuous mixing and reaction under controlled conditions. This technique ensures safe handling of hazardous chemicals and has revolutionized the field.
In 2015, I founded my current laboratory at the University of Melbourne, collaborating with brilliant graduate students and researchers. We focus on advancing flow chemistry, electrochemistry, and photochemistry, driving innovation in various fields. One of our projects involves converting carbon dioxide exhaled by astronauts into pharmaceuticals, a potential game-changer for deep space missions.
I've also founded another startup, Flow AI, which uses optimized algorithms for flow chemistry to accelerate drug development. My vision is to make Melbourne and Victoria a hub for pharmaceutical discovery, translation, and research commercialization. I aim to remain involved in academia while contributing to the translation of scientific research into practical applications.
Science, I believe, should not only deepen our understanding of the world but also improve it. I've had the honor of working with inspiring scientists worldwide and meeting Nobel Prize winners, including Professor Barry Sharpless, who has transformed organic chemistry. His admiration for my hairstyle, along with his recognition of my research, made for a memorable day for this former rocker.
