Dr Alex Duan has a background in Chemistry (PhD) and research experience studying materials and surface chemistry, focusing on advancing chemical analysis and separation technologies. He currently manages Melbourne Trace Analysis for Chemical, Earth and Environmental Sciences (TrACEES) Platform in aim to develop advanced analytical capabilities and capacities for multidisciplinary researches and technical supports.

As a senior academic specialist, Duan has developed broader experience with materials chemical analysis, characterisation in the areas of construction, manufacturing, pharmaceutical and environmental sciences. His experience with interdisciplinary projects has given him expertise with understanding and comparing the advantages and disadvantages of a suite of analytical techniques including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), hyphenated gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) and inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP), particularly useful for contamination and unknown substance determination.