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Dr Trevor Rapson

Senior Research Scientist

https://people.csiro.au/R/T/Trevor-Rapson

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Biography

Dr Trevor Rapson was awarded his PhD from the University of Queensland. He joined CSIRO in 2012 as a postdoctoral fellow. In 2015 he was promoted to a Research Scientist with Health and Biosecurity. In 2019 he joined the SynNitro team with Agriculture and Food. He is a 2015 Churchill Fellow.

My research seeks to learn from nature to develop biotechnological solutions for important challenges, within the areas of renewable energy. I have established a strong track record spanning the disciplines of bioinorganic chemistry, microbiology and materials science. The unifying theme of my research is the use of bioelectrochemistry to couple metalloenzymes (both natural and artificial) with electrodes, in order to drive their catalysis. In particular I am currently focusing on a metalloenzyme known as nitrogenase which converts nitrogen to ammonia at atmospheric conditions.

Other Interests

Science communication

Current Roles

  • Research Scientist
    Research

Academic Qualifications

  • 2010

    PhD
    University of Queensland

  • 2004

    MSc
    Rhodes University

  • 2003

    BSc(Hons)
    Rhodes University

Professional Experiences

  • 2015-2019

    Research Scientist
    CSIRO Health and Biosecurity

  • 2012-2014

    OCE Postdoctoral Fellow
    CSIRO Health and Biosecurity

Achievements and Awards

  • 2018-

    Associate Fellow
    Higher Education Academy

  • 2015-2016

    Churchill Trust Fellowship
    Churchill Trust

  • 2016-

    Academy of Science Travel Award
    Australian Academy of Science

  • 2012-

    Best Poster Award at the Melbourne Protein Group Postdoctoral Symposium
    Melbourne Protein Group

  • 2006-

    Dean’s Award for Research Higher Degree Excellence
    University of Queensland

  • 2003-

    Academic Colours
    Rhodes University

Grants

  • 2020-2021

    Electrofermentation of high value products

  • 2018-2019

    Biologically-based catalysts for hydrogen production - Hydrogen Energy Systems Future Science Platform

  • 2017-2019

    Asthma Warning device - Probing Biosystems Future Science Platform

  • 2015-2017

    Nitric oxide sensing silk - Advanced Materials Transformational Capability Platform

  • 2015-2016

    Churchill Trust Travel Fellowship

  • 2015-2017

    Office of the Chief Executive Postdoctoral Fellowship

  • 2007-2007

    University of Queensland Postgraduate Research Travel Grant

Community and Corporate Citizenship

  • 2021-

    Mug of Science

  • 2020-

    Global Science Show: “Explaining ocean acidification using chemistry in the kitchen”

  • 2019-

    Pint of Science: “Teaching an ancient material new tricks”

  • 2018-

    Member of the ACT Churchill Fellows Association Organising Committee

  • 2017-

    Co-chair of 2017 National Postdoctoral Conference

  • 2016-2020

    ACT representative for the RACI Inorganic Chemistry Division

  • 2013-

    Organised at talk at CSIRO on “Mental Health issues in Early Career researchers” by Prof Ross McKenzie

We have publications by Dr Trevor Rapson