About
Dr. Jency Thomas is a Senior Lecturer in Anatomy at La Trobe University, specializing in the intersection of diabetes, mental health, and nutrition. She holds a PhD from the University of Newcastle and leads the La Trobe University-JSS University Joint PhD Program. Her research focuses on the impact of diabetes on brain functions, nutraceutical interventions (e.g., omega-3, polyphenols), and health behaviors in South Asian communities. She has supervised 5 PhD and 3 Master’s students, receiving grants via India’s SPARC program.
Education: PhD, University of Newcastle; MSc (Human Anatomy), Manipal Academy of Higher Education; BSc and Graduate Certificate in Higher Education, La Trobe University.
Research interests include diabetes-induced neurodegeneration, self-medication practices among migrants, and translational studies on cocoa and polyphenol benefits. Awards include the 2019 Australian Academy of Science Fellowship (MIND Project), 2020 Vice-Chancellor’s Teaching Award, and the 2022 Australian Award for University Teaching.
- Key Research Themes:
- Cognitive impairment in diabetes
- Nutraceutical interventions for neuroprotection
- Mental health in South Asian communities
- Web-based health technologies for diabetes management
Her publications span aging, neurodegeneration, and public health, with a focus on translational research and community engagement. Collaborations include studies on self-medication practices in Saudi Arabia and India.
