I am a developmental neurobiologist interested in finding out how neurons in the brain are assembled and wired together. I am also interested in finding a cure for patients who have brain damage from trauma or stroke by preventing damaged neurons from dea
A Role For The Pulvinar Nucleus In Visual Cortical Development And Plasticity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$844,435.00
Summary
This project will investigate a part of the brain responsible for processing visual information, the pulvinar. This area has received little attention but has more recently been associated with the capacity for infants to recover vision following injuries such as stroke, as well as in mental health conditions such as schizophrenia. We will take a cell-to-system approach to uncover how this area develops and modulates the processing of visual information.
A Novel Treatment For Ischemic Stroke: Preclinical Assessment In The Nonhuman Primate
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$762,246.00
Summary
A major source of repair inhibition after brain injury is debris from dying cells, which contains proteins that hinder repair. This project will examine the expression of these proteins in a clinically-relevant model of ischemic stroke and determine if blocking the effect of these proteins neutralises their repair-inhibiting properties. If successful, there is likelihood that this drug, and method of delivery, could be translated into the human for treatment following an ischemic stroke.
A DENDRITIC SUBSTRATE FOR THE CHOLINERGIC CONTROL OF NEOCORTICAL OUTPUT
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$898,340.00
Summary
The forebrain cholinergic system controls neocortical activity and cognitive function. This project will investigate the mechanisms by which the cholinergic system controls neocortical circuit activity in rodent models using advanced optical and electrical recording methods. The results will provide a foundation for the understanding of how dysfunction of the cholinergic system results in cognitive decline in humans, and identify new targets for improved treatment of human cognitive impairment.
Role Of Dendritic Information Processing In Visual Circuit Computations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$895,244.00
Summary
Vision is the primary sensory modality in man, and its disturbance carries an enormous socio-economic burden. The dynamic operations of the neuronal assemblies that underlie vision are poorly understood, partly because of an incomplete description of the computational properties of visual neuronal circuits. The aims of the application are to mechanistically dissect defined computational operations of visual neural circuits using advanced electrophysiological and optical recording techniques.
Functional Neurogenesis In The Injured Neocortex Of The Nonhuman Primate
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$966,048.00
Summary
Research over the past couple of decades has revolutionised our understanding of the capacity of the brain to generate new cells, especially following an injury. However, what does remain controversial is whether this phenomenon occurs in all areas of the brain, especially following a severe traumatic brain injury or stroke. This project will examine whether the outer surface of the brain has the potential to generate new cells following a brain injury and whether they become functional.
Improving Health Outcomes Of Preterm Newborns In Low- And Middle-income Countries
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,562,250.00
Summary
Preterm birth (being born too soon) affects 1 in 10 births worldwide. In many low-income countries, preterm babies die for lack of effective care around the time of childbirth. My research aims to answer whether medicines such as steroid injections (to develop the baby’s lungs) and tocolytics (drugs to slow down or stop labour) actually help preterm babies born in low-income countries. I will also find ways to better measure how many women experience preterm birth in low-middle income countries.