Fundamentals of electronic delocalization
Image from unsplash.comAromatic molecules are cyclic and pi-conjugated, and exhibit some interesting effects. Most well-known nowadays is the behaviour of aromatic molecules in a magnetic field: in an NMR spectrometer, we see that the chemical shifts of protons inside and outside the ring appear (de)shielded. This effect arises from the establishment of a persistent ring current of circulating pi-electrons, which itself generates a molecular magnetic field which opposes the applied field.
What can we learn about the fundamental nature of aromaticity and antiaromaticity? Despite nearly a hundred years of study, aromaticity remains poorly defined. In addition to answers to this fundamental question, we are looking for materials applications of (anti)aromatic materials.
Martin Peeks
Scientia Senior Lecturer
I am interested in understanding the fundamental chemistry of complex molecules and molecular systems.
Stephen Bortolussi
PhD student (2021-); Honours Student (2020)
Stephen is from Sydney, Australia, and originally joined the Peeks group as an honours student in 2020, looking into the properties of liquid crystalline materials. He returned to the group in 2021 to start his PhD in Chemistry at UNSW. The current direction of his research is computational and synthetic studies into the electronic properties of (anti)aromatic molecules. He is also a teaching fellow with the UNSW School of Chemistry, and has an active role in the Students of Chemistry Society (SOCS).
Priyadarshini Thoppe Sivakumar
PhD Student (2025-)
Priyadarshini, from India, joined the Peeks group in 2025. After completing her studies, she worked in synthetic organic projects at various research labs across South India. Priya is currently exploring the synthesis and properties of antiaromatic compounds in Peeks group. In addition to her scientific pursuits, Priya is a self-published author who enjoys reading, writing, cooking, and solving puzzles in her free time.
Bethany Hillier
PhD Student (2021-); Honours Student (2020-2021); Undergraduate researcher (2019)
Bethany completed a Bachelor of Science (International) at UNSW, supplementing her Chemistry major with a minor in Spanish and Latin American Studies. She has returned to the Peeks Group for her Honours Project in 2020, having previously researched as an undergraduate volunteer in 2019. Bethany is currently interested in the synthesis and properties of cross-conjugated molecules.
Sebastian Devine-Poulos
Honours Student, joint with Field group (2025)
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