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Dr Colleen MacMillan

Principal Research Scientist

https://people.csiro.au/M/C/Colleen-Macmillan

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Contact details:

GPO BOX 1700
CANBERRA ACT 2601 AUSTRALIA

Biography

A plant-fibre scientist, conducting interdisciplinary research, from DNA to the whole fibre value chain, for people, planet, and prosperity.

Colleen is fascinated by plant secondary cell walls and their uses for biodegradable renewable plant-based industries and commodities. After all, life on earth as we know it would not exist without plant secondary cell walls. Her focus is fibre research accelerating improved and novel fibre traits, for and with agricultural value chains such as cotton and other sectors. This work spans: individual DNA molecules, transcription factors, gene-networks, biosynthetic genes, carbohydrate synthesis and deposition, cell-wall proteins, biomechanics, material properties, uses of fibres and textiles in industry and the economy. This research portfolio includes cotton, eucalypts, tobacco pollen tubes, tobacco wood development, and Arabidopsis. She serves as the co-Deputy of the CSIRO Circular Economy Research and Industry Collaboration including biological resources, and with a focus on strategy, sustainable fibres and materials. She values working together with diverse experts within and across sectors.

Other research interests: flowering, plant hormones (gibberellin synthesis and signalling), vernalization, photoperiod particularly in grasses and model plants.

Science-organisation strategic activities: Passionate about the inclusion of diversity for science excellence, innovation, and impact.

Background:
- Originally from South Africa.
- BSc(Hons): University of Melbourne. Honours research on pollen-tube cell wall synthesis of tobacco.
- PhD: University of Melbourne. Molecular biology of gibberellin synthesis and signalling in flowering of Lolium perenne (perennial ryegrass), via environmental cues of vernalization and daylength
- PostDoctorate: ensis / CSIRO Forestry and Forest Products. Genes for eucalypt wood strength and stiffness.
- Research Scientist: CSIRO Forest Biosciences. CSIRO Plant Industry. CSIRO Agriculture and Food. Molecular regulation, synthesis, and biomechanics of secondary cell walls of cotton, eucalypts, Arabidopsis, tobacco.
- Inaugural Executive Lead of the CSIRO Agriculture and Food Research Unit Inclusion of Diversity Initiative

Other Interests

Research on Intersectionality and Structural Change through Inclusion in STEMM

Current Roles

  • Principal Research Scientist
    Cotton Molecular Breeding

  • Project Leader
    Plant Fibre and Secondary Cell Walls for differentiated products (various projects)

  • Co-Deputy
    CSIRO Circular Economy Research and Industry Collaboration

Academic Qualifications

  • 2004

    PhD
    University of Melbourne

  • 1994

    Grad. Dip. Education
    University of Melbourne

  • 1993

    BSc (Hons)
    University of Melbourne

Professional Experiences

  • 2015-2021

    Inclusion and Diversity Initiative Inaugural Executive Lead
    CSIRO Agriculture and Food

Achievements and Awards

  • 2024-2024

    Collaboration Award - to deliver creative and innovative solutions
    CSIRO Agriculture and Food

  • 2020-2020

    Reward: Creator and Co-delivery of "The Inclusive Leader Module"
    CSIRO Agriculture and Food

  • 1999-2003

    Dairy Research and Development Corporation PhD Scholarship
    Dairy Research and Development Corporation

Community and Corporate Citizenship

  • 2016-2021

    CSIRO SAGE SAT (Science in Australia Gender Equity Self Assessment Team)

  • 2022-current

    CSIRO Agriculture and Food Business Unit Inclusion and Diversity Team - Adjunct and Champion

  • 2011-2013

    CSIRO Plant Industry Gender Equity Committee

We have publications by Dr Colleen MacMillan

    Published data & software

    We have published items by Dr Colleen MacMillan