I am a molecular geneticist with a main research focus in the identification and characterisation of genes and molecular pathways involved in intellectual disability and epilepsy.
A comparative study of generalised solution concepts for elliptic partial differential equations using nonsmooth analysis techniques. The solution of ellpitic partial differential equations is central to science and engineering. There are a number of solution concepts, such as those of weak solutions and viscosity solutions, but the relations between these are incompletely understood. We shall investigate this major question using recent advances in optimisation theory and nonsmooth analysis. ....A comparative study of generalised solution concepts for elliptic partial differential equations using nonsmooth analysis techniques. The solution of ellpitic partial differential equations is central to science and engineering. There are a number of solution concepts, such as those of weak solutions and viscosity solutions, but the relations between these are incompletely understood. We shall investigate this major question using recent advances in optimisation theory and nonsmooth analysis. Our approach is to use various approximations and their associated second-order subdifferentials, each of which implies a generalised solution concept and associated abstract convexity. Particular attention, including computational details, will be given to equations which have very different solutions of one type from those of another.Read moreRead less
Assessing Infrastructure And Contextual Factors In Relation To Cardiometabolic Outcomes In Remote Indigenous Communities: Evidence For Policy Change
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,113,005.00
Summary
Cardiometabolic diseases account for the major burden of morbidity and mortality for Indigenous populations. This study with 75 remote Indigenous communities will be the first to evaluate features of their social, built and physical environments in relation to cardiometabolic risks and diseases. Policy-relevant results will identify features of environments to be targeted to reduce chronic diseases for Indigenous peoples in remote communities.
The fundamental equations for inversion of operator pencils. This project seeks to deepen understanding of how complex systems may be significantly changed by incremental changes to ambient conditions. Mathematical models of complex systems (climate change processes, optimal driving strategies, efficient distribution policies, effective search routines) often depend on key parameters. If small perturbations to the parameters cause large changes to the solution, then the perturbations are said to ....The fundamental equations for inversion of operator pencils. This project seeks to deepen understanding of how complex systems may be significantly changed by incremental changes to ambient conditions. Mathematical models of complex systems (climate change processes, optimal driving strategies, efficient distribution policies, effective search routines) often depend on key parameters. If small perturbations to the parameters cause large changes to the solution, then the perturbations are said to be singular. This project aims to reveal the underlying mathematical structures and develop new computational algorithms to analyse a general class of perturbed systems both locally near an isolated singularity and globally. It plans to use these algorithms to solve systems of equations, calculate generalised inverse operators, examine perturbed Markov processes, and estimate exit times from meta-stable states in stochastic population dynamics.Read moreRead less
Testing The Behavioural And Psychosocial Mechanisms Underlying Geographic Variation In Metabolic Syndrome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,457.00
Summary
This study seeks to assess the mechanisms that explain the link between residential area features and the metabolic syndrome (obesity and high blood pressure, lipids and glucose), related to cardiometabolic diseases. There is more metabolic syndrome in disadvantaged areas but the reasons for this have not been empirically established. We will evaluate behavioural and psychosocialmechanisms that might independently and jointly explain the association between place and metabolic syndrome.
Structured barrier and penalty functions in infinite dimensional optimisation and analysis. Very large scale tightly-constrained optimisation problems are ubiquitous and include water management, traffic flow, and imaging at telescopes and hospitals. Massively parallel computers can solve such problems and provide physically realisable solution only if subtle design issues are mastered. Resolving such issues is the goal of this project.
Construction of near optimal oscillatory regimes in singularly perturbed control systems via solutions of Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman inequalities. Problems of optimal control of systems evolving in multiple time scales arise in a great variety of applications (from diet to environmental modelling). This project addresses the challenge of analytically and numerically constructing rapidly oscillating controls that would 'near optimally coordinate' the slow and fast dynamics.
Cell type-specific transgene expression to increase Fe content in cereal grains. The grains industry forms a vital part of the Australian economy and farm sector. Increased iron concentrations of wheat and other cereal grains would greatly increase their nutritional value for people worldwide, thereby increasing their market value and profitability for farmers. High iron wheat would also lower the production costs of many Australian wheat products by reducing or eliminating the need for iron for ....Cell type-specific transgene expression to increase Fe content in cereal grains. The grains industry forms a vital part of the Australian economy and farm sector. Increased iron concentrations of wheat and other cereal grains would greatly increase their nutritional value for people worldwide, thereby increasing their market value and profitability for farmers. High iron wheat would also lower the production costs of many Australian wheat products by reducing or eliminating the need for iron fortification of wheat flour. High iron cereals promote healthy development of young Australians and can improve preventative healthcare by reducing the incidence of iron deficiency anaemia and biochemical deficiency.Read moreRead less
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a devastating, common developmental brain disorder once assumed to be due to lack of oxygen at birth. Using our unique Biobank with DNA and clinical data from families with a CP child, we are examining the genetic origins of CP and how genes and risk factors in pregnancy contribute. We will use computer modelling and testing in animals and brain cells, to understand causes of CP and devise predictive, preventative and therapeutic strategies.
Neourobiology Of Human Epilepsy: Genes, Cellular Mechanisms,network And Whole Brain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$17,652,824.00
Summary
The team is comprised of neurologists, molecular geneticists, physiologists and brain imaging specialists and leads the world in the discovery of the genetic causes of epilepsy. They will continue to identify genes underlying epilepsy and study how genetic variations result in development of seizures. Advanced brain imaging will be used to understand the effects of genetic variation on brain structure and function. This study may lead to new diagnostic methods and treatments for epilepsy.