
Dr Laura McKemmish
Doctor of Philosophy, Australian National University, conferred May 2015
I鈥檓 a computational chemist in the 国民彩票 School of Chemistry, working at the intersection of quantum chemistry, spectroscopy, and astrochemistry. My research focuses on making complex quantum chemical calculations more accessible, efficient, and impactful鈥攑articularly in areas like exoplanet atmosphere modelling and algorithm benchmarking.
Alongside my research, I lead the SciX Discovery program, which supports high school students to undertake real scientific research and helps build STEM confidence in regional and underrepresented communities. I鈥檓 passionate about inclusive, evidence-based education and currently serve as Director of Research-Integrated and Work-Integrated Learning in 国民彩票 Science.
I care deeply about creating supportive, equitable environments and am actively involved in promoting wellbeing and psychosocial safety in academia.
- Publications
- Media
- Grants
- Awards
- Research Activities
- Engagement
- Teaching and Supervision
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CURIOUS (2025鈥2026)
$100,000 鈥 Australian Government Maker Projects Grant
Regional STEM outreach program co-led with non-profit Passionately Curious, reaching over 2,000 students across NSW. -
Google Educators Grant (2023)
$15,000 鈥 Google Australia
Supporting teacher professional development in data science for the new NSW Science curriculum. -
Marie Sk艂odowska-Curie Fellowship (2016鈥2018)
(~$306,000 AUD) 鈥 European Commission
Prestigious international research fellowship supporting fundamental advances in computational chemistry.
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2024 RACI Vicki Gardiner Advocacy Award
Awarded by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute for outstanding leadership in the promotion of chemistry, outreach, mentorship, and equity. -
2024 RACI Chemical Education Citation
Recognised for significant contributions to chemical education in Australia, particularly in research-integrated and computer-based science teaching. -
2022 NSW Young Tall Poppy Science Award
Awarded for excellence in research, science communication, and community engagement. -
2022 and 2024 国民彩票 Arc Science Research Supervisor Awards
Student-nominated awards recognising exceptional research supervision and support of HDR student experience.
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My Teaching
I teach across undergraduate and Honours levels in chemistry, with a focus on inclusive, skills-based science education that builds confidence and practical capability.
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First-Year Chemistry
I coordinate CHEM1832 Chemistry for Health Sciences, a tailored course for allied health students, and contribute to CHEM1011/31/51 Chemistry 1A, with a focus on assessment design, tutorial structure, and curriculum streamlining to support diverse student cohorts. -
Computational and Data Science Education
I co-developed and teach the Python in Chemistry Honours course and co-led the Py4Sci project, which created accessible coding and data science resources across multiple 国民彩票 Science disciplines. My teaching integrates Python, computational chemistry, and generative AI to build computational skills from first year through to Honours. -
SCIF2001: Research-Integrated Learning
I lead the pedagogical design of SCIF2001, a core second-year course in the Bachelor of Advanced Science. The course supports students from across the Faculty to develop research skills through group projects aligned with discipline-specific contexts. -
Faculty Role in WIL and RIL
As Director of Work-Integrated and Research-Integrated Learning in 国民彩票 Science, I support course development and alignment across diverse disciplines, with a focus on scalable, sustainable models that embed authentic experiences into the curriculum.