Associate Professor Susanna Park is an academic in Neuroscience at the School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney. She leads a research group investigating neuropathy and neuromuscular diseases, with a focus on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity. Her work emphasizes clinical assessment tools and axonal degeneration mechanisms. Park holds affiliations with the Brain and Mind Centre and the Faculty of Medicine and Health. Education: PhD from University of New South Wales (UNSW) Notable Fellowships: RG Menzies/NHMRC Overseas Biomedical Fellowship (2011–2014) Research Interests: Clinical neurophysiology, blood-based biomarkers, and motor neuron disorders. Her studies address nerve excitability, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, and inflammatory neuropathies. Park’s translational work includes developing clinical tools for neuropathy assessment in cancer patients. Publications focus on chemotherapy-induced neuropathy mechanisms, axonal degeneration, and biomarker discovery. Recent work explores electroacupuncture for neuropathy management and plasma lipidomics in risk assessment. Awards: 2022 SUPRA Supervisor of the Year finalist, 2018 RD Wright Fellowship Labs/Teams: Brain and Mind Centre, collaborating with international consortia like the Toxic Neuropathy Consortium.
Dr. Sheng-Jian Ji is a Tenured Associate Professor at the School of Life Sciences, Department of Neuroscience at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) in Shenzhen, China. He also serves as the Academic Vice President of Shude Academy and was previously the first Deputy Director of Research and Graduate Affairs in the Department of Biology at SUSTech (2016-2018). As a leading neuroscientist specializing in RNA modification and neural development, Dr. Ji has established an internationally recognized research program. Dr. Ji's educational background includes: 2003-2007: Postdoctoral Fellow, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Neurobiology 1998-2003: PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences 1994-1998: Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry, Yantai University Department of Biochemistry Dr. Ji's research primarily focuses on developmental neurobiology, with particular emphasis on post-transcriptional regulation mechanisms including RNA modification and local translation of mRNA in axons. His laboratory is recognized as one of the leading international groups studying how mRNA modification (particularly m6A and m5C) regulates neural development and function. Through innovative approaches combining molecular biology, cell biology, and microfluidic technologies, his team has revealed important insights into axon growth, dendrite maintenance, cortical neurogenesis, and retinal development. His publication record shows a clear trajectory from fundamental mechanisms of RNA modification to applications in understanding neurological disorders and aging. Recent work has expanded into aging-related neural decline, cognitive functions, and potential therapeutic targets for neurological conditions. Dr. Ji has received numerous prestigious awards: 2020, 2016: SUSTech Excellent College Mentor 2020: SUSTech Biology Department Outstanding Service Award 2019: Guangdong Province Talent Youyue Card A 2017: Guangdong Provincial Professor of Neurobiology 2013: Jiangsu Distinguished Professor (Nanjing University) 2011: National Natural Science Award Second Prize (third contributor) As an educator, Dr. Ji teaches undergraduate Neurobiology and graduate Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology courses. He actively mentors students, with recent master's graduates including Yuan Jiaxin and Zhang Pingrui. His laboratory recruits postdoctoral fellows (with salaries of 335,000+ RMB annually), research assistants, and graduate students, providing comprehensive training in molecular techniques, neuronal cell culture, microfluidics, and omics approaches. Dr. Ji leads a vibrant research team that collaborates both within SUSTech and internationally. His work continues to advance understanding of RNA modification in neural development, function, and aging, with recent progress highlighted in June 2025.
Dr. Rachel Atkinson is a Research Fellow at the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania. She specializes in neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on mechanisms underlying cell degeneration in ALS and frontotemporal dementia. Her work includes investigating protective responses to cold stress and metabolic alterations in motor neuron disease. She holds the MNDRA Bill Gole Fellowship (2024-2026) and collaborates internationally on projects exploring therapeutic targets like HDAC6 inhibition and leptin repurposing. Education: Bachelor of Biotechnology and Medical Research (University of Tasmania, 2010-2012) Bachelor of Biotechnology and Medical Research with Honours (2013) PhD in FTLD/ALS Proteins (2014-2018) Research Interests: Dr. Atkinson’s research centers on axon degeneration, neurofilament biology, and protective pathways in neurodegenerative diseases. She employs viral techniques, stem cell models, and mouse studies to dissect cellular mechanisms. Key areas include cold shock pathways, metabolic modulation, and protein mislocalization in ALS/FTD. Key Findings: Her work has identified roles for SARM1 and HDAC6 in axonal pathology, and demonstrated synergistic effects of leptin and pioglitazone in Alzheimer’s models. Recent studies explore cold stress as a therapeutic avenue for ALS. Awards: MNDRA Bill Gole Fellowship (2024-2026) Grants & Supervision: Leads over $1.4M in grants, including projects on axon degeneration mechanisms and gene-environment interactions in ALS. Supervises four PhD students and teaches dementia care and neuroscience courses. Labs & Collaborations: Part of the Wicking Centre, collaborating with Spain and UK groups on metabolic and therapeutic research.
Dr. Katie Edwards is an Associate Professor in the School of Clinical Sciences at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), specializing in Optometry and Vision Science. She holds a PhD from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and has contributed extensively to research on anterior eye disease, diabetic neuropathy, and ocular surface symptoms. Her work bridges clinical practice and translational research, focusing on corneal imaging as a biomarker for systemic conditions. Edwards leads the Anterior Eye Lab and serves as Associate Editor for Clinical and Experimental Optometry . Her research interests include cellular imaging of the anterior eye, systemic disease markers, and neurobiology of ocular symptoms. Notable contributions include studies on corneal nerve changes in diabetes and the role of the ocular surface in systemic health. Edwards has received the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship (2013) and has authored over 20 peer-reviewed articles. Teaching focuses on anterior eye anatomy, physiology, and disease management. Her lab investigates cutting-edge techniques such as in vivo confocal microscopy and explores clinical applications of ocular findings to broader health diagnostics.
Dr. Steven Petratos is a Senior Lecturer in Pathology within the Department of Medicine at Monash University's School of Translational Medicine, Australia. He is also a Senior Research Fellow and leads an active research group focused on neurodegeneration in Multiple Sclerosis. His work is affiliated with the Alfred Hospital, and he holds a Visiting Professorship at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. PhD in Neuropathology, University of Melbourne (1993–1999) Steven Petratos is a neurobiologist whose research centers on the molecular mechanisms governing neurodegeneration in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). His work spans neurorepair, remyelination, stem cell therapies, Nogo signaling, oligodendrocyte biology, and thyroid hormone pathways . He investigates how inhibitory signals like Nogo-A contribute to axonal damage and how these can be therapeutically targeted. His lab explores both small molecule interventions and cell-based delivery systems, such as genetically modified haematopoietic stem cells, to promote CNS repair. His research has significant implications for progressive MS and drug repurposing. His recent publications (2023–2024) reflect a strong focus on mitochondrial dysfunction in oligodendrocytes, microglial and astrocyte activation in MS lesions, Nogo receptor modulation, and stem cell-mediated neurorepair . He frequently publishes in high-impact journals such as Brain Communications , Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews , and Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience , demonstrating consistent contributions to understanding MS pathogenesis and therapy development. Scientific Awards: Commonwealth AIDS Research Grants (CARG) Postgraduate Scholarship (1993–1996) Monash University, Faculty of Medicine, Post-Doctoral Fellowship (2004) Monash University, Faculty of Medicine, Senior Post-Doctoral Fellowship (2005) Dr. Petratos actively supervises PhD students and early-career researchers, fostering a collaborative environment. He is the Primary Chief Investigator on multiple funded projects from organizations like the Trish MS Research Foundation and the 1More Foundation, focusing on preclinical development of therapies for MS. His lab, the Petratos Group, is part of the Centre for Neuroscience at Monash and works on translational research aimed at bridging laboratory findings to clinical applications. He contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being through his work on neurological disorders.
Dr. Michael Landsberg is an Affiliate Associate Professor at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience and Associate Professor at the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences , University of Queensland . He specializes in single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and structural biology , focusing on molecular machines involved in microbial pathogenesis and innate immunity . His research spans from studying bacterial pore-forming toxins to viral infection mechanisms and protein trafficking . Education: BSc (Chemistry), Central Queensland University PhD (Biochemistry), University of Queensland (2003) Research interests include revolutionizing structural biology through cryo-EM to study membrane proteins and multi-component complexes without crystallization. His work on ABC toxins has implications for biopesticides and targeted protein delivery . He also investigates immune signaling pathways (e.g., TIR domains ) and neurodegenerative mechanisms (e.g., SARM1 ). Scientific grants include >$13.5M in competitive funding from Australian Research Council (ARC) and National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) . He supervises PhD students in projects spanning toxin specificity , immune signaling , and virus structures . Key article trends reveal expertise in macromolecular complexes , infectious disease mechanisms , and innovative biotechnological tools . His work bridges structural biology with practical applications in health and agriculture .
Mehdi Mirzaei is an Honorary Associate Professor at Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University. His research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's and glaucoma, with emphasis on proteomics and neuroprotective mechanisms. He has been actively involved in projects such as 'Modified Serpin as a Dual Function Therapeutic Agent in Glaucoma' (2023–2027) and 'Retinoid X Receptors and Rexinoids: Harnessing Neuroprotective Effects in Glaucoma' (2020–2023). His work integrates molecular biology, protein folding studies, and translational medicine to address retinal and brain pathologies. Research Interests: Proteomics, neurodegeneration, glaucoma pathophysiology, retinal ganglion cell protection, amyloid and tau protein dynamics, and neuroinflammation. His recent studies explore therapeutic targets like RXR agonists and neuroserpin gene therapy to mitigate neurodegenerative processes. Publications: Over 180 research outputs since 2009, with recent focus on retinal Alzheimer’s biomarkers, tau modulation in glaucoma, and protein folding mechanisms in neurodegeneration. Key themes include neuroprotective signaling pathways (e.g., PI3K/Akt, BDNF), immunomodulation, and extracellular vesicle-based therapies. Grants & Projects: Leads or collaborates on 14 projects, including biomolecular discovery initiatives and clinical trials targeting glaucoma and Alzheimer’s. Active in international collaborations, such as the Biomolecular Discovery and Design Research Centre (2017–present). Labs & Teams: Engaged in interdisciplinary teams at Macquarie Medical School, focusing on translational proteomics and neurodegenerative disease modeling. Collaborates with institutions globally on retinal and brain pathology studies.
Associate Professor Anna Leonard is part of the School of Biomedicine at the University of Adelaide, within the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. She leads the Spinal Cord Injury Research Group, focusing on understanding secondary injury processes post-SCI, particularly oedema, haemorrhage, and neuroinflammation. Her research utilizes porcine and rodent models to explore translational therapies and chronic outcomes like cognition and neuropathic pain. Dr. Leonard completed her PhD in 2012 (awarded Dean’s commendation and University Doctoral Medal) and has held postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Adelaide and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She currently supervises research students at all levels and holds national recognition in neurotrauma research. Educational background: PhD (2012, University of Adelaide), postdoctoral training at UoA and UAB. Research interests include: neuroinflammation, spinal cord trauma mechanisms, neuroprotective interventions, and translational clinical models. Scientific achievements: Developed Australia’s first clinically relevant large-animal spinal cord injury model. Awards include the University Doctoral Medal (2012). Active in mentoring HDR students and grant acquisition. Currently investigates peripheral stimulation therapies, aging effects on SCI recovery, and concomitant brain injury impacts.
Professor Cindy Lin is the inaugural Kam Ling Barbara Lo Chair in Neurodegenerative Disorders at the University of Sydney's Faculty of Medicine and Health, affiliated with the Brain and Mind Centre. She holds qualifications in Biomedical Engineering (Auckland University) and completed her PhD in Neurosciences at UNSW Sydney. Her career bridges engineering and clinical neuroscience, with postdoctoral training at University College London. She specializes in neurophysiological techniques like threshold tracking, clinical biomarker development for neurodegenerative disorders, and translational research across pediatric to aging populations. Research interests include diabetic neuropathies, neuromuscular diseases, immune-mediated neuropathies, and chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity. She leads international collaborations with institutions in Taiwan, Japan, and the UK, focusing on biomarker development and clinical translation. Key projects include studying CIDP immunotherapy responses, diabetic neuropathy biomarkers, and SMA outcome measures. Her awards include the NHMRC CJ Martin Fellowship and grants from USYD-NTU and USYD-FUDAN partnerships. She supervises postgraduate students and trains clinicians in nerve excitability techniques globally. Current collaborations involve CSL Behring for IVIG research and Dexcom for diabetic neuropathy monitoring. Affiliations: Brain and Mind Centre, Central Clinical School Education: PhD (UNSW Sydney), MEngSci (UNSW), BE (Auckland University) Grants: Multiple international grants including dementia roadmap projects and neuroimaging collaborations Key Collaborations: National Taiwan University, Chiba University, UCL London
Dr. Jacqueline Rushby is a Conjoint Senior Lecturer at the School of Psychology, University of New South Wales. Her position involves part-time academic engagement in psychophysiological research and neuropsychological rehabilitation. Her research investigates disorders of social cognition and emotional processing in clinical populations, with emphasis on traumatic brain injury (TBI), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and frontotemporal dementia. Key methodologies include EEG/ERP analysis, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and autonomic arousal measurement to explore neural correlates of empathy deficits and emotion regulation. Recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on neurorehabilitation mechanisms, with frequent examination of tDCS efficacy, emotion recognition impairments, and autonomic dysregulation in TBI populations. Studies increasingly integrate multimodal physiological measures (e.g., HRV biofeedback, facial EMG) with neurocognitive assessments. No scientific awards or prizes are documented in the provided materials. Information regarding student advising, research grants, laboratory affiliations, or team collaborations is unavailable in the source text.
Dr. Yun Shi is an ARC DECRA Fellow and NHMRC Investigator (Emerging Leadership) at Griffith University's Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics. He holds a PhD in Chemistry from Simon Fraser University (2015) and has led research in NAD+ metabolism mechanisms, fragment-based drug discovery, and structural enzymology. His work focuses on neurodegenerative diseases and infectious disease targets, leveraging computational and biochemical methods. Key achievements include developing NMR-based drug discovery platforms and elucidating SARM1's role in axon degeneration. Research interests span molecular pharmacology, structural biology, and biochemistry. Recent work highlights include structural characterization of bacterial immune systems (2025), SARM1 inhibition strategies (2022–2023), and computational approaches for binding affinity prediction (2022). Awards include a 2024 Research Excellence Award and Young Scientist Fellowship (2024). Grants include NHMRC funding ($433k, 2025–2029) for neuroprotection research and ARC DECRA support ($503k, 2025–2027). He leads research groups within Griffith's interdisciplinary biomedicine institutes, collaborating internationally on drug discovery and structural biology.
Dr. Xue Yan Ho is an Honorary Fellow at the Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland. Her research focuses on understanding molecular and cellular mechanisms of axonal repair and neurodegeneration using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system. She holds a PhD in Neuroscience from the same institute (2020). Her work explores axonal fusion processes, metalloprotease roles in repair, and oxidative stress impacts on neuronal health. Recent studies investigate dynamin GTPase regulation of fusogens and ADM-4 metalloprotease’s role in axonal regeneration. Publications appear in PNAS Nexus , Science Advances , and Journal of Neuroscience . Research spans axonal regeneration pathways, neurodegenerative mechanisms, and molecular signaling in neurons. No scientific awards are listed. Her PhD thesis (2020) details axonal repair studies using C. elegans models. Collaborative work includes studies on dopaminergic neurodegeneration and transthyretin protein’s neuroprotective effects.
Geoffrey Chan is a Senior Research Fellow at The University of Western Australia , affiliated with the UWA Medical School and Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science (Lions Eye Institute). His research focuses on retinal and optic nerve pathologies, including glaucoma , macular telangiectasia , and neovascular glaucoma . In recent work, he has analyzed intraocular lens power calculation in angle closure disease corneal complications post-cyclodiode in Coats disease anti-retinal antibody biomarkers in macular degeneration pandemic-induced disruptions in glaucoma care glial-neuronal interactions in optic nerve structure His expertise aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals for health and well-being (SDG 3), leveraging advanced imaging techniques like optical coherence tomography and collaborating internationally on ophthalmic research networks.
Associate Professor Anai Gonzalez Cordero is a Group Leader at the Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) and Conjoint Senior Lecturer at The University of Sydney. She leads research in stem cell-based therapies for deafness and blindness, focusing on retinal and auditory degenerative diseases. Her work involves developing organoid models to study human development and disease mechanisms. She established the Stem Cell & Organoid Facility at CMRI to support collaborative research. Education: PhD in retinal regeneration (Wellcome Trust Programme, 2013). Research expertise includes stem cell biology, developmental biology, and translational medicine. Research Interests: Stem cell-derived organoids for modeling diseases like Usher syndrome, gene and cell therapies, and mechanisms of sensory cell degeneration. Key projects involve retinal and inner ear organoid differentiation to advance treatments for inherited conditions. Grants & Collaborations: Multiple grants from NHMRC, MRFF, and other bodies for projects on stem cell therapies, retinal degeneration, and gene therapy development. Active collaborations include the Luminesce Alliance and University College London. Students: Advises PhD candidates Jasmeen Issar, Vivienne Kaiser, and William Yates on projects involving retinal diseases and gene therapy. Labs/Teams: Stem Cell Medicine Lab and Stem Cell & Organoid Facility at CMRI, fostering collaborative research in stem cell applications and disease modeling.
Dr. Andrew Phipps is a Lecturer in Dementia Studies at the University of Tasmania’s Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre. He holds a PhD from the University of Tasmania (2019) and has been engaged in postdoctoral research since 2021, transitioning to his current faculty role in 2024. His research focuses on molecular and epigenetic mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s and motor neuron disease (MND). Dr. Phipps has secured over $2.3M in research grants, including major awards from FightMND and the Motor Neurone Disease Research Australia. He has supervised one completed Master’s student and currently guides two PhD candidates. His work emphasizes epigenetic alterations in aging and disease, using advanced techniques like next-generation sequencing and CRISPR/Cas genomic editing. Key research interests include axon degeneration in MND, gene-environment interactions in ALS, and epigenetic reprogramming in Alzheimer’s models. Collaborations span national and international institutions, including the University of Cambridge. Dr. Phipps is also active in community advocacy, serving on the MND Association of Tasmania board. His publications in journals like Neurobiology of Aging and Frontiers in Ageing Neuroscience reflect expertise in histone modifications, DNA methylation, and neurodegenerative mechanisms. Awards include prestigious scholarships from Alzheimer’s Australia and the Yulgilbar Foundation.
