Her doctoral studies in organic chemistry were undertaken at The University of Sydney and focused on the development, understanding and application of methodology through a range of synthetic and physical organic techniques. During this time, Althea was also awarded a German research scholarship and the focus of her research there was in the area of organometallic catalysis and reactive intermediates.

She returned to Germany for her postdoctoral studies, where she gained further experience in transition metal-mediated catalysis.

While her research to date has focused on synthetic organic chemistry, she is also experienced in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery, with undergraduate studies in physiology, pharmacology, biochemistry, molecular biology and analytical chemistry.