Advancing The Assessment Of Environmental Impacts On Human Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,180.00
Summary
Key questions and methodology challenges remain in the assessment of environmental impacts on human health. Through the Career Development Fellowship, I will lead a multidisciplinary program of research to further my research aspirations of developing advanced methods in the field of environmental health. The findings will provide epidemiological evidence that would be the basis of policies and guidelines for effective prevention of adverse health impacts from environmental factors.
Genetic Epidemiology Of Endometrial Cancer: Towards Understanding Aetiology And Improving Risk Prediction.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$353,573.00
Summary
Studies investigating thousands of genetic markers have revolutionised our understanding of genes involved in cancer, and shown that a single gene can be associated with multiple cancers. We will conduct the largest ever study to find new genes for endometrial cancer, the most common gynaecological cancer. Our unique approach will examine >11million markers across the genome, some specifically in regions known to be important for other cancers. Findings will be used for risk prediction models ....Studies investigating thousands of genetic markers have revolutionised our understanding of genes involved in cancer, and shown that a single gene can be associated with multiple cancers. We will conduct the largest ever study to find new genes for endometrial cancer, the most common gynaecological cancer. Our unique approach will examine >11million markers across the genome, some specifically in regions known to be important for other cancers. Findings will be used for risk prediction models.Read moreRead less
Neurodevelopmental Risk Factors For Depression From Childhood To Early Adulthood
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,144.00
Summary
To understand who is at risk for depression, we need to understand how both the environment and biological factors promote risk at specific times in the life cycle. This research project will examine such risk factors in different phases of life (from in utero to early adulthood) using a developmental framework. The results of this research will provide a clearer basis for the design of prevention strategies that target individuals, their families and/or broader environmental factors.
Maternal Exposure To Air Pollution And Perinatal Outcomes In Victoria, Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$99,841.00
Summary
In 2014, the Hazelwood open cut brown coal mine in the Latrobe Valley, Victoria caught fire. The Hazelwood Mine Fire resulted in nearby towns being covered in plumes of smoke and ash over a period of six weeks. Little is understood about the health effects following exposure to smoke events of this nature and duration. This proposal will specifically explore the impact of the smoke event resulting from the fire on birth outcomes, such as preterm birth and birth weight.
I am an epidemiologist, primarily interested in the study and quantitative assessment of the environment-health relationship. Specifically, my current research focuses on development of innovative methods to assess the impact of ecosystem change (eg, clim
Clinical, Environmental And Genetic Factors And The Risk Of Oesophageal Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$145,685.00
Summary
Oesophageal cancer is a rapidly fatal disease which is becoming more common in Australia, the United States and other industrialised nations. This study will examine the mechanisms leading to the development of oesophageal cancer and aims to measure the effects of genes and environment on the burden of cancer. Ultimately, this research will help target persons at highest risk so that screening, prevention and surveillance efforts can be directed more effectively.
Novel Modelling To Improve Decision-making For Neighbourhood Design To Reduce Chronic Disease Risk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$901,564.00
Summary
Research on urban design that might support liveability and health (the 20-minute neighbourhood concept) has used analytic methods that do not account for the complexity of urban environments. This study innovatively uses a flexible and applicable approach (Bayesian Networks) to show where neighbourhood features operate uniquely or not, which features can be prioritised, which are cost effective, and how much of each feature is needed to achieve improvement in reducing risk of chronic disease.
Novel Genetic And Environmental Modifiers Of The Risk Of Iron Overload-related Disease In HFE-associated Hereditary Haemochromatosis In Cohort Of Middle-aged Australians
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$451,716.00
Summary
People who carry mutations in the HFE gene are pre-disposed to body iron overload but not all of them developed subsequent disease. According to the investigators of the “HealthIron” study in Melbourne, only 28% of men and 1% of women with faulty HFE genes go on to develop disease. This study has recruited more than 1,000 people from the community, and will determine which environmental and genetic risk factors stop people with iron overload from getting symptoms of disease.
Examining The Early Origins Of Asthma And Chronic Respiratory Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$384,768.00
Summary
Asthma is the most common chronic lung disease of childhood. Birth cohort studies show that early life environmental stressors may increase asthma risk. This study will examine the impact of multiple early-life stressors using a novel ‘exposome’ model in international birth cohort studies, to identify the most significant factors. This will allow for interventions in a planned Australian birth cohort study, leading to improved health for Australians.