Rate My Professor Van Altena

Dr. Van Altena's primary research interests lie in marine natural products chemistry and chemical ecology, including compound identification by spectrometry, environmental chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and organic chemistry. His investigations cover bioactive compounds from marine sources such as brown algae (Cystophora species), sponges, and fungi, with applications in anticancer treatments and antioxidants. Key publications include "Steroids of chemophenetic significance from the Australasian brown alga Cystophora xiphocarpa" (Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, 2022), "Bioactive α,β-conjugated 3-keto-steroids from the Australian brown alga Cystophora xiphocarpa" (Phytochemistry, 2021), "Tetraprenyltoluquinols from the brown alga Cystophora fibrosa" (Phytochemistry, 2006), and "Tolerance of marine invertebrate herbivores to brown algal phlorotannins in temperate Australasia" (Ecological Monographs, 1992). With over 60 peer-reviewed articles, he has supervised 13 PhD students (11 completed) and secured grants totaling $202,778, including for high-field NMR facilities. He has taught extensively in organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and spectroscopy within the Faculty of Science and Information Technology.