Rate My Professor Natalie Thamwattana

Professor Natalie Thamwattana is a Professor of Applied Mathematics in the School of Computer and Information Sciences (Mathematics) at the University of Newcastle, Australia, within the College of Engineering, Science and Environment. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Wollongong. Her career includes previous roles at the University of Wollongong, where she served as Director of the Priority Research Centre for Computer-Assisted Research Mathematics and its Applications (CARMA). Professor Thamwattana's research specializes in applied mathematical modelling, with pioneering contributions to the mechanics of granular materials, including exact solutions for highly frictional materials relevant to industrial problems like gravity flow from hoppers. She also focuses on modelling nanostructures and nanomechanics, such as the interactions of atomic and molecular structures in carbon-based nanomaterials, electrorheological nanofluids, dye-sensitized solar cells, piezoelectric wave energy converters, and systems in biology and the environment, including protein structures, DNA, porous materials, and nanoparticle drug delivery. Her interdisciplinary collaborations span engineering, computer science, chemistry, biology, and medicine.

Professor Thamwattana has earned significant recognition, including the 2026 EO Tuck Medal from ANZIAM as an outstanding mid-career researcher, the 2014 JH Michell Medal for early career excellence, the 2014 University of Wollongong Vice-Chancellor Emerging Researchers Excellence Award, Honorary Professor at the University of Wollongong (2018), Fellow of the Australian Mathematical Society (FAustMS, 2022), and Fellow of the Royal Society of New South Wales (FRSN, 2020). Key publications include the book 'Modelling and Mechanics of Carbon-based Nanostructured Materials' (2017, Elsevier), 'Mechanics of nanotubes oscillating in carbon nanotube bundles' (2008, Proceedings of the Royal Society A), 'Mechanics of atoms and fullerenes in single-walled carbon nanotubes' (2007, Proceedings of the Royal Society A), and 'Analytical stress and velocity fields for gravity flows of highly frictional granular materials' (2003, Acta Mechanica). Her impact is demonstrated through ARC grants exceeding $2 million as chief or lead investigator, supervision of 11 PhD students to completion, and leadership positions such as Chair of ANZIAM (2022-2023), Deputy Chair (2021, 2024), Member of the ARC College of Experts (2021-2026), Co-Director of the Mathematics in Industry Study Group (2020-2022), and executive roles in the Australian Mathematical Society committees and Women in Mathematics Special Interest Group.