Find Branka Miljevic on
Doctor of Philsophy (Queensland University of Technology), Grad Cert in Higher Ed (Queensland University of Technology)
Dr Branka Miljevic an Associate Professor and Academic Lead for HDR in the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. Branka completed her BSc Hon (Chemistry) in 2006 at University of Zagreb (Croatia) and holds PhD degree from Queensland University of Technology (2010) where she worked as a postdoctoral researcher until starting lecturing position in 2013.
Broad area of research: Branka an atmospheric chemist who uses real time mass spectrometry to investigate atmospheric aerosols – tiny particles suspended in the air. These aerosols impact human health and climate so understanding their sources, composition and evolution in the atmosphere is critical for the development of strategies and policies that improve air quality, public health, and accuracy of climate models.
Research expertise: 1. During her PhD Branka developed an entirely novel molecular assay for detection and quantification of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) present on atmospheric particles. This assay is based on a profluorescent nitroxide molecular probe and after finishing PhD Branka continued to work on investigating interaction of this type of compound with atmospheric particles and gases. 2. Within the International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health (ILAQH), QUT Branka established a new real-time mass spectrometry capability for chemical characterization of aerosol particles and gases firstly through the use of an Aerosol Mass Spectrometer, AMS (2011) and later (2016) through the addition of a Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometer (CIMS). She was responsible for the first field deployment of the AMS in Australia (Sydney Particle Study measurement campaign, 2011) as well as for the first Australian field deployment of the CIMS (Reef to Rainforest measurement campaign, 2016).
Prospective students: Prospective Honours, MSc and PhD students interested in atmospheric aerosols are encouraged to contact Branka, especially women, and members of other groups traditionally underrepresented in science.
Projects (Chief investigator)
- Aerosol glassy states promote global warming, airborne toxins and pathogens.
- Southern Ocean aerosols: sources, sinks and impact on cloud properties