Michelle Coote

Professional Summary: Professor Michelle Coote

Professor Michelle Coote is a distinguished computational chemist and academic at Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra, Australia. Renowned for her groundbreaking work in polymer chemistry and computational quantum chemistry, she has made significant contributions to the understanding of chemical reaction mechanisms and the design of sustainable materials.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Coote has an extensive academic background in chemistry, with degrees from leading institutions:

• BSc (Hons) in Chemistry, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia, 1995
• PhD in Polymer Chemistry, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia, 1999

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Coote specializes in computational quantum chemistry and polymer chemistry. Her research focuses on:

• Understanding and predicting reaction mechanisms in free radical polymerization
• Designing new catalysts and materials for sustainable polymer production
• Applying high-level quantum chemical methods to solve complex chemical problems

Her work bridges theoretical chemistry with practical applications, contributing to innovations in materials science and green chemistry.

Career History and Appointments

Professor Coote has held numerous prestigious positions throughout her career:

• Professor of Chemistry, Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University (ANU), 2011–present
• ARC Laureate Fellow, Australian National University, 2017–present
• Associate Professor, Australian National University, 2007–2011
• Research Fellow, Australian National University, 2001–2006
• Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Durham, UK, 1999–2001

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Professor Coote has been recognized internationally for her contributions to chemistry:

• Georgina Sweet Australian Laureate Fellowship, Australian Research Council (ARC), 2017
• Pople Medal, Asia-Pacific Association of Theoretical & Computational Chemists, 2015
• Le Fèvre Memorial Prize, Australian Academy of Science, 2010
• Rennie Memorial Medal, Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI), 2006
• Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC), UK
• Fellow of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (FRACI)

Key Publications

Professor Coote has authored over 300 peer-reviewed publications. Some of her notable works include:

• Coote, M. L., & Lin, C. Y. (2016). 'Computational Approaches to Understanding Reaction Mechanisms in Polymerization.' Chemical Reviews.
• Zavitsas, A. A., & Coote, M. L. (2007). 'Theoretical and Computational Chemistry in Polymer Science.' Progress in Polymer Science.
• Izgorodina, E. I., Brittain, D. R. B., & Coote, M. L. (2009). 'Factors Influencing Barrier Heights in Radical Reactions.' Accounts of Chemical Research.

Her publications are widely cited, reflecting her influence in computational chemistry and polymer science.

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Coote is a global leader in computational chemistry, particularly in the field of polymer reaction mechanisms. Her research has provided critical insights into controlling polymerization processes, enabling the development of environmentally friendly materials. Her work on catalysis and sustainable chemistry has influenced both academic research and industrial applications. As an ARC Laureate Fellow, she continues to mentor early-career researchers and drive innovation in chemical sciences.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Professor Coote is actively involved in the academic community through various roles:

• Delivered numerous invited lectures at international conferences, including the International Conference on Quantum Chemistry
• Serves on editorial boards of leading journals such as Polymer Chemistry and Journal of Physical Organic Chemistry
• Member of advisory committees for the Australian Research Council and other scientific bodies

Her contributions to science communication and policy have further amplified her impact beyond research.