Joanne Macdonald
Associate Professor
Molecular Engineering
University of Sunshine Coast
Australia
Biography
"Dr Joanne Macdonald’s research applies molecular engineering principles to provide novel solutions for industry and consumers. She previously co-developed a computer from DNA molecules that can play tic-tac-toe interactively against a human opponent, and is now developing biosensors that can display text without requiring electricity, because the molecules themselves power the device. With a background in virology, she is applying her biosensor technology for the diagnosis of deadly pathogens, including Hendra and Ebola virus, as well as mosquito transmitted pathogens such as Malaria, Dengue virus, and Chikungunya viruses, and water pathogens such as Adenovirus. Read about and contribute to Dr Joanne MacDonald and her team's life-changing tropical diseases research. Dr Macdonald also has a strong industry focus to translate research ideas into products. She co-invented an anti-cocaine therapeutic enzyme that is now in Phase III clinical trials for treatment of cocaine overdose. Other current projects include the development of antidotes for the treatment of nerve agents and pesticide poisoning, and the investigation of the structure and strength of spider silk as an advanced material. Dr Macdonald is jointly appointed as Associate Professor, Molecular Engineering at the University of the Sunshine Coast (QLD, Australia) and Assistant Professor in Clinical Medical Sciences at Columbia University (NY, USA). She previously worked at Columbia University in the Division of Experimental Therapeutics (Department of Medicine, School of Physicians and Surgeons; 2004 – 2011) and the Center for Infection and Immunity (Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health; 2002-2004). She obtained her PhD from the University of Queensland in 2003."
Research Interest
"Molecular engineering, Molecular computing and automata, Diagnostic technology, Virology and epidemiology, Biochemistry and drug development, Materials science and engineering, Biomedical and Health science, Water and environment"
Publications
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Li J, Macdonald J. Multiplex lateral flow detection and binary encoding enables a molecular colorimetric 7-segment display. Lab on a Chip. 2016;16(2):242-5.
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Poje JE, Kastratovic T, Macdonald AR, Guillermo AC, Troetti SE, Jabado OJ, Fanning ML, Stefanovic D, Macdonald J. Visual Displays that Directly Interface and Provide Readâ€Outs of Molecular States via Molecular Graphics Processing Units. Angewandte Chemie International Edition. 2014 Aug 25;53(35):9222-5.
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Li J, Rossignol F, Macdonald J. Inkjet printing for biosensor fabrication: combining chemistry and technology for advanced manufacturing. Lab on a Chip. 2015;15(12):2538-58.
