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Madeline (Madi) Smith completed a Master of Philosophy degree at QUT in 2023, working in the Synthetic Biology group with supervisors Dr James Behrendorff and Professor Robert Speight. Her research focused on engineering cellulase section in Pseudomonas Putida to valorise low-value sugarcane production by-products (e.g. bagasse and molasses) to high-value chemicals. This work was funded by a Sugar Research Australia postgraduate scholarship. Prior to this, Madi completed a Bachelor of Science (Biological Sciences) with Distinction, minoring in biotechnology and genetics and business at QUT.
Madi is currently a researcher at the QUT within the Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy leading a project that aims to build industry engagement capability for a diversified and adaptable Australian sugarcane industry. In this role she works to identify and explore opportunities for the Australian sugar industry within the bioeconomy and build a network in this space connecting researchers, the sugar industry and bio-based industry.
She is also currently a communication officer on the Synthetic Biology Australasia executive team and a member of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology EMCR committee.