Lecturer and ARC DECRA Fellow, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University
What is the problem you are trying to address?
Super-resolution imaging is the exciting new technology that provides a molecular-level picture of cellular events, but the scope and application of this technology has been hampered by scarcity and poor quality of fluorescent tools compatible with it. Dr Kaur develops innovative fluorescent nanosensors for super-resolution imaging that allow unprecedented access to the alien world of the extraordinarily small, revealing intricate details of biochemical interactions impossible to discern using conventional optical microscopy methods.
What is your research doing to solve this problem?
Leveraging her expertise in molecular sensing and super-resolution microscopy, Dr Kaur has developed the first super-resolution sensor for amyloids, which are macromolecular protein assemblies implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. In addition to applying her amyloid sensors to decode some of the early events in dementia, Dr Kaur is expanding her sensing capabilities to other crucial biomolecular targets.
Public outreach or science communication outputs:
- Curious Minds STEM coach
- Chair of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) Women in Chemistry Group (since 2020) RACI NSW Nyholm Lectureship
- Science Teachers Australia – Stage 6 syllabus invited presentation
- Le Févre lectureship from the University of Sydney