About
Professor Terry Piva is a faculty member at RMIT University's School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, holding the rank of Professor since 2025. He has held previous roles including Associate Professor (2006–2024) and Senior Lecturer (2003–2005). His research focuses on cancer cell biology, signal transduction, nanotoxicology, and natural products, with over 80 peer-reviewed articles and 130 conference abstracts. Key projects include investigating cannabis extracts as anticancer agents, ultrasound-enhanced radiation therapy, and plant-derived compounds for eye health. Piva has received awards such as the 1994 Visiting Research Fellowship and the 1988 D.B. Duncan Memorial Training Fellowship.
His research interests span UV radiation effects on skin cells, growth factor signaling in melanoma, FLASH radiation impacts, and nanoparticle toxicity. He has supervised numerous research projects, including studies on cannabinoid anticancer properties and lutein benefits in macular degeneration. Piva is also active in educational development, serving as a reviewer for Cell Biology textbooks and contributing to curriculum design. He holds editorial roles at journals like Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology and has assessed grants for bodies like the National Health and Medical Research Council.
Awards highlight his contributions to biomedical research, including teaching accolades like the 2023 Vice-Chancellor’s Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning. His work bridges basic science and clinical applications, emphasizing translational research in oncology and therapeutics.
