About ECU

Dr. Shafaei Darestani is a Senior Lecturer in Chemistry and co-lead of the Centre of Crops and Horticulture Analytics for Nutrition and Climate Excellence (CHANCE) within ECU’s School of Science. She has a PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, specialising in analytical chemistry, metabolomics, and the study of bioactive compounds in medicinal plants. Her research focuses on developing advanced analytical methods to investigate complex biological systems, with applications  spanning health, nutrition, and forensic science.  A key contribution of her work has been the development of highly sensitive and selective methodologies for detecting trace-level metabolites in complex biological samples such as blood, urine, and faeces that enabling earlier and more accurate disease diagnosis with significant public health impact.

Dr Shafaei Darestani’s research is highly interdisciplinary, integrating analytical chemistry with metabolomics, proteomics, nutrition science, and epidemiology to address global challenges in health, nutrition, and forensic science. She has held postdoctoral fellowships at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, the University of Western Australia, and ECU, including the prestigious Endeavour Postdoctoral Research Fellowship awarded by the Australian Government. Her contributions have been recognised with international awards, including a gold medal at ITEX 2014 for her work on plant-derived anti-hypertension therapeutics. Through her research, she continues to bridge fundamental science with translational outcomes that improve disease diagnosis and human health.

Hear more on her professional journey and the research contributing to health improvements.

1. What originally inspired your interest and career path in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and analytical approaches to studying medicinal plants?

   My interest in pharmaceutical chemistry began with a curiosity about how natural compounds can influence human health. Growing up, I was fascinated by the role of medicinal plants in traditional medicine and how their effects could be explained through science. This led me to analytical chemistry, where I could explore these compounds at a molecular level and understand how they interact within biological systems. Over time, this curiosity evolved into a passion for developing analytical tools that can translate complex biochemical information into meaningful health insights, ultimately contributing to improved disease diagnosis and prevention.

2. Your PhD explored the bioactivity of medicinal plants for diseases such as hypertension, cancer, and obesity – what drew you to this area of research?

   I was particularly drawn to medicinal plant research because it sits at the intersection of chemistry, biology, and medicine. Many plants have been used for centuries to treat diseases, yet their mechanisms of action are often not fully understood. I wanted to contribute to bridging this gap by applying rigorous analytical approaches to identify bioactive compounds and understand how they influence conditions such as hypertension, cancer, and obesity. This work not only validates traditional knowledge but also supports the discovery of new therapeutic strategies.

3. During your Endeavour Fellowship, you linked analytical chemistry with metabolomics, nutrition and epidemiology – how did this multidisciplinary approach shape your research?

   My experience during the Endeavour Fellowship was pivotal in shaping my research direction. It exposed me to the power of integrating analytical chemistry with metabolomics, nutrition, and epidemiology to study health and disease in a more holistic way. This multidisciplinary approach allowed me to move beyond single-compound analysis and instead understand complex biological networks and their responses to diet, environment, and disease. It fundamentally shifted my research towards systems-level thinking and translational applications.

4. How do you see your research contributing to future applications in healthcare, nutrition, or disease prevention?

   My research aims to contribute to the development of precision diagnostic tools and evidence-based nutritional strategies. By identifying reliable biomarkers, particularly through metabolomics, we can enable earlier detection of diseases, better risk prediction, and more personalised interventions. In the future, this work has the potential to improve clinical decision-making, support preventative healthcare, and guide dietary recommendations that promote long-term health outcomes.

5. What are the most pivotal moments in your research career so far and how would you advise early career researchers taking their first steps into academia.

   One of the most pivotal moments in my career was receiving the Endeavour Postdoctoral Fellowship, which expanded my international collaborations and reshaped my research perspective. Another key milestone has been driving my research towards translational outcomes, ensuring that my work delivers meaningful impact in healthcare and industry.

   For early career researchers, my advice is to stay curious, be open to interdisciplinary collaboration, and focus on building strong methodological foundations. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, some of the most impactful ideas emerge at the intersection of disciplines. Persistence is also key; research can be challenging, but resilience and passion will carry you forward.