Two researchers from The Australian National University will continue their promising research careers in the United States thanks to the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship Program.

Melissa Tacy, a PhD student from the Mathematical Sciences Institute, will travel to the University of California, Berkeley, to study how quantum mechanics transforms classical mechanics with some of the world’s most respected mathematicians. Melissa completed a Bachelor of Philosophy – a research-focused undergraduate honours program for high achievers offered by ANU – in 2005 with first class honours.

“America, in particular UC Berkeley, is home to many of the pre-eminent experts in this field. My research aims to improve the predictive power of the current theory of Quantum Mechanics. History has shown us that understanding this theory can lead to valuable technologies such as the transistor, a vital component of modern computers,” Melissa said.

Her research will apply cross-disciplinary approaches from Quantum Theory to pure mathematical analysis to determine the locations of particles in multi-dimensional spaces (known as Riemannian Manifolds).

“I’ll start by examining the simplest case of particle motion and then combine different mathematical theories, such as abstract analysis and advanced calculus, with my knowledge of physics to obtain quantitative information about the particle system. Having established the behaviour of a simple system I’ll then examine more complex systems and behaviours.”

Melissa also hopes to learn better ways to encourage and support women in the field of mathematical sciences during the scholarship. UC Berkeley has a Noetherian Ring, a group of women mathematicians who support and encourage each other. “I want to bring that idea back to Australia. It’s important to affirm the value of women’s achievement in what remains a very male-dominated field. Women are underrepresented in mathematics and we can’t afford to waste talent because it’s not packaged in a stereotypical way.”

Dr Elizabeth Krenske, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow from the Research School of Chemistry, will undertake her research at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Her research focuses on a new technique for analysing how molecules react. She will work with a theory known as ‘Atoms In Molecules Theory’, which promises to be a faster and cheaper alternative to existing methods for calculating molecular energies.

“A knowledge of molecular energetic properties and reactivity is essential for accelerating the drive towards cleaner fuels, functional materials, and better medicines. Becoming proficient in the techniques pioneered by Professor Ken Houk at UCLA will enable me to contribute quality computational information towards these initiatives when I return to Australia.”

Elizabeth was the Alumni Graduate of the year and a University Medalist at the University of Queensland, before moving to RSC at ANU to undertake her PhD as a Vice-Chancellor’s Scholar. Her Fulbright Research at UCLA will build on questions arising from her recent research on reactive molecules at the ANU.

Melissa and Elizabeth are two of 22 Australians to be recognised as Fulbright Scholars in 2007.

For more information: Amanda Morgan, ANU Media Office, 02 6125 5575 / 0416 249 245