Our people
Associate Professor Carla Meledandri
Emeritus Investigator
Biography
Carla Meledandri is a physical chemist and nanoscientist with a particular passion for research that connects fundamental science with real-world applications. She earned her B.S. in Chemistry from Penn State (PA, USA), followed by early-career research at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (MD, USA) and completed her PhD from Dublin City University (Dublin, Ireland). In 2009, Carla moved to New Zealand to join the academic staff in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Otago, where she progressed to Associate Professor. Her research focused on the development of nanoscale and nanocomposite materials using colloidal chemistry techniques, with applications spanning a variety of sectors.
A strong advocate of translational research, Carla has contributed to patented technologies, commercial licensing deals and co-founded a spin-out company, where she served as Chief Scientific Officer. Recognition for her work includes the 2017 Prime Minister’s MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize. She was a MacDiarmid Institute Investigator from 2010 – 2021 and became an Emeritus Investigator in 2025.
Research interests
Carla’s research interests centre on the rational design of functional nanoscale materials, synthesised using tailored colloidal chemistry techniques. A strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and problem-driven research has always underpinned her work, maximising the potential for practical impact. For example, one major strand of her work involved generating antibacterial silver nanoparticle-based composite materials for dental applications, developed in close collaboration with clinical partners. Another key area involved the fabrication of nanostructured metal-organic frameworks (nMOFs) for use in sensing, catalysis, and gas storage, where microemulsion-based synthetic techniques allowed for fine control over features such as topology, porosity, morphology and colloidal stability.
We know that having positive female scientists role models helps younger women see a future career for themselves as scientists.
Associate Professor Carla Meledandri
In the news
Annual Report
KiwiNet winners - Annual Report 2022
April 20, 2023
The MacDiarmid Institute’s research is now called ‘Deep Tech’ by the various investors who beat a path to our door.
Annual Report
Science for a sustainable future
May 27, 2022
The 2021 Regional Lecture Series was able to go ahead in-person this year, with the theme of Science for a Sustainable Future.
Annual Report
Funding successes - Annual Report 2020
March 24, 2021
Funding successes for our investigators and their research programmes during 2020. This funding enables our researchers and collaborators to continue their breakthrough research in advanced materials and nanotechnology.
Annual Report
How can materials science offer a greener future for our planet? - Annual Report 2019
May 28, 2020
In 2019, we focused our annual regional showcase on 'NZ Innovation for Sustainability.'
Annual Report
Awards - Annual Report 2018
April 8, 2019
This article from our 2018 Annual Report provides information about the range of awards received by MacDiarmid Institute Investigators over the past year.
Annual Report
Patents and spinouts 2018 - Annual Report 2018
April 8, 2019
This article from our 2018 Annual Report provides information about the MacDiarmid Institute's latest inventions, patents and spinouts.
Read more about Patents and spinouts 2018 - Annual Report 2018
Annual Report
3 Into the Communtiy - Annual Report 2017
July 2, 2018
The MacDiarmid Institute has a long history of supporting sustained community engagement activities by our investigators, from the DiscoveryCamp programme for Māori and Pacific Island high school students that has been running since the Institute was founded, to the physics teachers’ workshops developed by Professor Michele Governale and Associate Professor Ben Ruck over the last three years.
News Article
Productivity Commission cites MacDiarmid Institute as key organisation contributing to low emissions materials and technologies
April 27, 2018
The Productivity Commission Report on Low Emissions Economy notes the MacDiarmid Institute has research strength in this area.
News Article
Women in Nanoscience
September 4, 2017
Following the MacDiarmid regional lecture series we have gathered some pieces where women in Nanoscience tell their stories.
News Article
Dr Carla Meledandri
August 28, 2017
MacDiarmid Principal Investigator Dr Carla Meledandri runs a busy chemistry lab at the University of Otago, specialising in nanoscale materials.
News Article
AMN8: Women in Nanoscience
August 17, 2017
Women in Nanoscience talk about their lives and work at the AMN8 Women in Nanoscience panel, February 2017.
In The Media
AMN8 Outreach
March 28, 2017
680 secondary school students came along to hear and be inspired by David Leigh in Christchurch - who also appeared on RNZ and was featured in an article about molecular machines by TheSpinoff.
In The Media
AMN8 Queenstown: Women in Science panel
March 22, 2017
Three female nanoscientists discuss their lives and work at the AMN8 Trio – Women in Science panel – a public engagement event held in Queenstown during AMN8 in February 2017.
In The Media
AMN8: Silver nano particles in gel solution to fight tooth decay
March 22, 2017
Dr Carla Meledandri, principal investigator of the MacDiarmid Institute at the University of Otago, has found a way to use charged antibacterial silver nanocomposite structures to sterilise dentine prior to the placement of a dental restorative material.
Read more about AMN8: Silver nano particles in gel solution to fight tooth decay
News Article
MI Investigators successful in MBIE Endeavour Round 2016 & Smart Ideas
October 18, 2016
12 of our Investigators were successful in MBIE 2016 Endeavour Round and are involved in both Smart Ideas and Research Programmes.
Read more about MI Investigators successful in MBIE Endeavour Round 2016 & Smart Ideas
News Article
MacDiarmid scientists win at KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Awards
July 5, 2016
MacDiarmid scientists Cather Simpson and Carla Meledandri win at KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Awards
Read more about MacDiarmid scientists win at KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Awards
News Article
MacDiarmid Investigator wins at KiwiNet Awards
July 5, 2016
We congratulate MacDiarmid Principal Investigator Dr Carla Meledandri on winning the Norman F Barry Trust Emerging Innovator Award at the KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Awards 2016 last night.
Read more about MacDiarmid Investigator wins at KiwiNet Awards
In The Media
Carla Meledandri shortlisted as a finalist in the KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Awards 2016
May 24, 2016
Congratulations to Principal Investigator Dr Carla Meledandri - a finalist in the KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Awards 2016.
Events
Science for a Sustainable Future - Wanaka (12 November)
November 4, 2021
Assoc Prof Carla Meledandri and Dr Anna Garden talk about the new research programmes, our Institute, and what the start of the new contract means for us.
Read more Science for a Sustainable Future - Wanaka (12 November)
Videos
2019 Lecture Series: NZ Innovation for Sustainability
August 28, 2019
Associate Professor Carla Meledandri and Professor Shane Telfer talk about how materials science is offering a greener future for our planet.
Read more about 2019 Lecture Series: NZ Innovation for Sustainability
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