Primary research interest

Theoretical and Computational Molecular Science

About me

I am an ARC Australian Laureate Fellow.  I joined The University of Queensland as a Professor in 2012 and have a joint appointment between the School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences (SCMB) and the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) where I am a Senior Group Leader. I am also a Chief Investigator in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Green Electrochemical Transformation of Carbon Dioxide (GetCO2). Previously I was at Griffith University, where I was the founding Director of the Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre. I have held research appointments at the University of Basel in Switzerland, the Australian National University and The University of Queensland. I did my PhD in quantum chemistry at The University of Newcastle and have since use a wide range of theoretical and computational methods to address fundamental and applied research questions. I mostly publish using my birth name, Debra J. Searles.

Research focus and collaborations

Using theoretical and computational methods, Debra Bernhardt and her group aim to study new materials and fluids and to develop theories that can be applied to understand and predict the behaviour of these systems. This research involves use and development of classical simulation methods as well as quantum mechanical calculations. With her research group, Debra’s studies provide the know-how for understanding and developing improved devices, materials and fluids with particular interesting in sustainable energy applications.

Current research projects include:

  • Theory and simulation of nonequilibrium fluids
  • Transport in nanoporous materials
  • Fluctuation theorems for nanoscale systems
  • Using computational methods for advancing energy storage and conversion
  • Developing algorithms for advanced theoretical modelling methods.

Funded projects

  • ARC Centre of Excellence for Green Electrochemical Conversion of Carbon Dioxide (GetCO2) (2024-2030)
  • ARC Research Hub for Photovoltaic Solar Panel Recycling and Sustainability (PVRS) (2024-2028)
  • ARC Research Hub for Zero-emission Power Generation for Carbon Neutrality (2024-2029)
  • ARC Australian Laureate Fellowship "New frontiers for nonequilibrium systems" (2020-2025)
  • ARC Linkage Project "Integrated solar to chemical production and membrain concentration system" (2023-2026)

Teaching interests

  • CHEM3011 Modelling Molecular Behaviour
  • CHEM2056 Physical Chemistry for Engineering

Awards and achievements

  • RACI Margaret Sheil Award for Leadership (2023)
  • RACI Citation for Contributions to Chemistry (2022)
  • ARC Australian Laureate Fellow (2019)
  • Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science (2019)
  • Elected Member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts (2018)
  • Association of Molecular Modellers of Australasia Medal (2017)
  • Vice Chancellors’ Research Excellence Award for Research Leadership, Griffith University (2011)
  • Science, Environment, Engineering and Technology Pro Vice Chancellor Award for Research Leadership, Griffith University (2011)
  • Highly Commended, Research Scientists Category, Smart Women - Smart State Awards (2004)
  • Australian Journal of Chemistry award for Innovative Work in Physical Chemistry by a Younger Scientist (2004)
  • Fellow of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (admitted 2001)
  • Member of the International Association of Mathematical Physics (1997 - present)
  • Member of the American Chemical Society (2006 – present)

Featured publications

A full list of my publications is available here.

 

Researcher biography

Professor Debra Bernhardt is internationally recognised for her contributions to the development of nonequilibrium statistical mechanics and thermodynamics including far-from-equilibrium fluids and confined fluids. She is a Fellow of Australian Academy of Science and the Royal Australian Chemical Institute and an ARC Australian Laureate Fellow. Professor Bernhardt's 30 years of research experience includes appointments at the University of Basel, Switzerland; the Australian National University; and Griffith University, where she was founding director of the Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre. Professor Bernhardt's research interests focus on the use of a range of theoretical and computational approaches to develop a fundamental understanding of the behaviour of matter, and application of these approaches to a wide range of problems including transport in nanopores, fluctuation phenomena, design of materials, gas separation, energy storage and conversion.