My research focus is the physical and mental health of Australian women at midlife. Over the next 5 years I will address the management of severe menopausal symptoms, midlife depression and the neglected health needs of women during and after cancer treatment, organ transplant and severe persistent mental illness. I will also investigate novel treatment approaches for menopausal symptoms. I will work closely with relevant professional and community groups in planning, implementation and translat ....My research focus is the physical and mental health of Australian women at midlife. Over the next 5 years I will address the management of severe menopausal symptoms, midlife depression and the neglected health needs of women during and after cancer treatment, organ transplant and severe persistent mental illness. I will also investigate novel treatment approaches for menopausal symptoms. I will work closely with relevant professional and community groups in planning, implementation and translation to ensure my research addresses their needs.Read moreRead less
Oxidative Processes In Vascular Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$851,980.00
Summary
The process that turns cut fruit brown when it is exposed to air is thought to cause disease of our blood vessels and heart as we age. Despite what we first thought, 'blocking' this oxidation process with antioxidant supplements does not lower heart disease. This is because oxidation not only causes harm but also is useful and essential for normal body function. Our research program aims to show which oxidative processes are needed for blood vessel health or cause vessel disease.
The Prevention And Control Of Sexually Transmitted Infections In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$590,785.00
Summary
The increasing sexually transmitted infection diagnoses in Australia have considerable public health implications and there are still many questions about the most effective way to prevent and control their transmission. The goal of my fellowship is to build on my existing program of research and generate new evidence to further our understanding of the epidemiology of these infections and identify the most effective ways for their prevention and control.
Disorders Of Gonadal Development: Molecular Approaches To Improved Patient Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$863,413.00
Summary
We will use new genomic technologies to identify the genetic causes of disorders of sex development (DSD), a common and often distressing class of birth defect. Knowing the molecular lesion will take the guesswork out of diagnosis and treatment of DSD children. We will also exploit a new discovery to develop new means of rapid, cost-effective, non-invasive diagnosis and therapy for testicular cancer, the commonest form of cancer in men under 30.
Pathophysiology And Treatment Of Malaria In Our Region
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$951,005.00
Summary
Malaria continues to kill 420,000 people/year. I will lead a team of clinical scientists in identifying how each of the different malaria parasites cause damage to small blood vessels, kidneys and other organs, and will test whether two different drugs can improve these processes and reduce illness. Many of my previous research findings have changed malaria treatment in Australia and across SE Asia, and, where appropriate, I will use new research findings to improve treatments.
Reducing The Impact Of Blood Borne Viruses And Sexually Transmitted Infections In Young People.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$851,980.00
Summary
Over the next five years I will undertake a program of research centred on reducing the impact of blood-borne viruses and sexually transmitted infections in vulnerable populations, particularly focusing on HCV and HIV elimination. I will use innovative systems and methods to study how these infections are transmitted and develop interventions that reduce disease transmission and associated risk-behaviours (drug and alcohol use and sexual behaviours) and increased testing and treatment.
Heart failure (HF) describes where the heart cannot pump adequately to meet the bodyÍs needs. Mortality remains high; therefore, there is an urgent need for new treatment approaches. The present grant aims to: (1) evaluate treatments for patients at high-risk for future development of HF (2) examine the ability to safely withdraw unnecessary HF drugs (3) focus on the effect of HF on the kidney via novel treatment strategies (4) examine the emerging role of cancer drugs in development of HF.
Improving Outcomes In Heart Failure Through Basic, Clinical And Translational Research
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$951,005.00
Summary
Heart failure (HF) is a common, chronic cardiovascular condition characterised by a reduced capacity of the heart to function. Patients with HF have a poor quality of life and significantly reduced survival. My proposed programme of research will improve the understanding of heart failure (HF) and lead to better treatments.
Personalised Exercise As Medicine. Optimising The Prescription To Maximise The Benefit
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$772,490.00
Summary
Humans have never been less physically active than in contemporary Western society. These studies will provide an evidence-basis to address the inactivity epidemic by laying the foundation for personalised and effective exercise prescriptions, to which people are more likely to adhere.
Sun Exposure, Vitamin D And Photohealth Over The Lifetime
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$622,655.00
Summary
Australia is a sunny country with a diverse population. Inappropriate sun exposure for skin type leads to skin cancer (mainly in the fair-skinned) and vitamin D deficiency (particularly in the darker-skinned). Potential benefits of sun exposure are broader than vitamin D production, but remain ill-defined. There are few data on appropriate sun exposure for children. This research fellowship builds the evidence to guide sun exposure messages.