Rosie specialises in microbial isolation, characterisation and bioengineering from harsh environments including mine waste.
Rosie is a leading researcher in synthetic biology, focusing on enhancing resource recovery and microbiome characterization in mining environments. Her work aims to develop microbial-, DNA- and protein-based recovery solutions, offering sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional mining extraction methods. By studying microbial communities in mining environments, she provides valuable insights that serve as a foundation for biobased solutions and environmental remediation practices, advancing the sustainability of the mining sector. In addition to her work in mining, Rosie explores secondary metabolites produced by microorganisms, particularly those with antimicrobial properties. Her previous research has led to the discovery of novel gram-positive antibacterial compounds from soil bacteria, which hold promise in addressing antimicrobial resistance. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates synthetic biology, microbiology, and natural product discovery to tackle both environmental and healthcare challenges through innovative, biologically-driven solutions.
Funding
Awarded seed grant funding from the CoE- synthetic biology to investigate novel DNA aptamers that bind critical minerals, in collaboration with QUT and CSIRO.