Dr Kathleen Turner
/Delivering solutions through novel chemistry/
Principal Research Scientist
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Biography
Kathy's current research interests are in industry relevant continuous flow synthesis of small organic molecules and extraction of natural products. She provides key research to support Australian companies in their development of commercial products.
Her work at CSIRO has covered a range of commercial and strategic projects including synthesis of potential pesticides, pharmaceuticals and MRI contrast agents, development of processes, drug delivery and isolation and identification of bioactive natural products. These projects have required application of heterocyclic chemistry, organophosphorus chemistry, medicinal chemistry, process chemistry, polymer synthesis, inorganic chemistry and metal complex chemistry.
Kathy has supervised both local and international students. She is an author on 14 peer-reviewed journal articles, one book chapter, 10 patents and over 40 confidential client reports.
Kathy received her undergraduate training and MSc in synthetic organic chemistry from The University of Auckland, then a PhD in Science at the University of Melbourne under the supervision of Dr Martin Banwell on synthetic studies related to the troponoid alkaloids. She commenced work with CSIRO as a Postdoctoral Research Scientist in 1990 under the supervision of Dr Wolfgang Sasse and Dr Andris Liepa.
Professional Areas
Current Roles
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Principal Research Scientist
Natural product extraction and continuous chemical processing
Academic Qualifications
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1990
Doctor of Philosophy (Synthetic Organic Chemistry)
The University of Melbourne -
1985
Master of Science (Synthetic Organic Chemistry)
The University of Auckland -
1984
Bachelor of Science (Chemistry and Biochemistry)
The University of Auckland
Professional Experiences
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2008-2021
Team Leader
CSIRO -
2017-current
Principal Research Scientist
CSIRO Manufacturing -
2001-2017
Senior Research Scientist
CSIRO Molecular Science/CSIRO Molecular and Health Technologies/CSIRO Materials Science and Engineering/CSIRO Manufacturing Flagship/CSIRO Manufacturing -
1994-2001
Research Scientist
CSIRO Division of Chemicals and Polymers/CSIRO Molecular Science
Other highlights
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2012-2012
Co-inventor on patents protecting Ingenol mebutate - resulting from project Dr Turner led with Peplin Biotech and approved by FDA for actinic keratosis, sold as Picato