Dr Mark Lynch

Biography

Mark Lynch is currently Senior Lecturer and Associate Head Learning, Teaching and Student Success in the School of Agriculture and Environmental Science at the University of Southern Queensland.

Mark completed his undergraduate degree and PhD at Australian National University. His thesis completed in 1993 under the supervision of Dr John Broomhead, was titled “Metal Complexes as Potential Anticancer Agents”. In this work he developed both new chemotherapeutic and radiotherapeutic agents.

After completing his PhD he accepted a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the University of Sydney under the supervision of Prof. Margaret Harding. The research here focused on the development of organometallic chemotherapeutics and DNA sensors to be used for diagnostic purposes. Directly following on from this Mark had a position in the laboratory of Prof. Trevor Hambley which was investigating the rational design of chemotherapeutics and biomimetic enzyme systems.

Mark returned to ANU for his next post-doctoral position working with Prof. Alan Sargeson on Solar Energy Capture and Conversion Systems, which further extended his expertise in synthetic chemistry and chemical analysis.

Mark’s next role was as manager of the undergraduate chemistry teaching laboratories at ANU where he had oversight of the laboratory teaching activities and development of new teaching activities. This role also involved development of risk assessment training and being a key member of the chemical hazard response team and chemical safety team.

A natural progression for Mark was to transition into teaching and an academic position as teaching is an area he is passionate about and derives much satisfaction from. Mark took on roles in course administration, lecturing, tutoring, laboratory supervision, course development and was the second-year chemistry coordinator in the School of Chemistry, ANU.

Mark next accepted an appointment at the University of Southern Queensland leading the chemistry program there. In addition to this role, he also was Program Director for the Bachelor of Biomedical Science, the Bachelor of Science, the Bachelor of Information Technology and the Master of Science. He led and successfully redeveloped the Bachelor of Science and developed a fundamental science course, “Succeeding in Science” which gives student insights into what science is and where a degree in science might lead someone. Mark also developed the Food Science major.

Mark extended his role in University management by taking on the position of Associate Head Learning Teaching and Student Success, firstly within the School of Science and more recently in the newly formed School of Agriculture and Environmental Science where he is a founding member. In the role of Associate Head, he leads staff within the School with the intent of improving the quality of course offerings and ensuring students have valuable learning experiences which translate into successful career outcomes.

Marks’ current research at UniSQ involves a range of collaborations in areas such as the search for new chemotherapeutics from endophytic fungi, the valorisation of food wastes and other wastes in circular economies, the development of fire-retardant polymers and polymers with self-healing potential and related areas in nutrition, health and water quality.

Employment

Expertise

Analytical and synthetic chemistry, toxicology, drug development and discovery, chemical safety, chemistry education.

Teaching

CHE1110 Chemistry 1, CHE2120 Chemistry 2

Fields of Research

• 321407. Toxicology (incl. clinical toxicology)
• 340199. Analytical chemistry not elsewhere classified
• 340201. Bioinorganic chemistry
• 340401. Biologically active molecules