Astrid’s PhD study examined the processing and characterisation of glasses and glass-ceramics in the Li-Si-Al and Li-Si-Al-O-N systems. On completion of this work, she spent a two-year postdoctoral period at the University of Warwick in England. The focus of this study was on the development of high temperature ceramics for wear and optical applications.

Upon her return to Melbourne at the end of 1998, Astrid took up the position of Centre Manager at Monash University’s National Key Centre for Advanced Materials Technology. CAMT operates as a fee-for-service consulting and research organisation in materials technology, with a focus on addressing the needs of SMEs in the manufacturing industry. As Centre Manager, Astrid was responsible for all aspects of the Centre’s activities, including management of the materials research and consulting services for industry and financial management.

Astrid’s role as Chief Operating Officer for the Centre of Excellence is to provide support to the Research Director through overall management of the Centre’s activities, including overview of research operations, planning and implementation of organisational strategies, and the management of financial, human and physical resources.