Find Academic Supervisors

Professor Michael Tonkin is a leading academic in the Department of Surgery at the Northern Clinical School of the University of Sydney. He specializes in pediatric hand surgery, congenital anomalies of the upper limb, and reconstructive microsurgery. His work focuses on classification systems for congenital hand defects (e.g., OMT classification) and surgical outcomes for conditions like thumb hypoplasia, polydactyly, and syndactyly. Professor Tonkin holds clinical roles with associated phone (+61 2 9926 7778) and fax (+61 2 9926 6311) contacts. Research interests include embryology of congenital defects, surgical techniques for thumb reconstruction, and functional assessment of hand anomalies. His 2013 grant explored rheumatoid synoviocyte biology. Over 50 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters since 2002 reflect his expertise in congenital anomaly management, tendon transfers, and pediatric surgical innovations. Key contributions include defining thumb opposition metrics, developing functional assessment scores for hypoplastic thumbs, and advancing pollicization techniques. He collaborates with international experts in hand surgery and has mentored multiple researchers evident through co-authorships.

• Surgery
• Microsurgery
• Congenital Hand Anomalies
• +5 more

Dr. Neil Pillinger is a Clinical Lecturer affiliated with the Central Clinical School at the University of Sydney. His research focuses on prehabilitation strategies, surgical outcomes, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing in cancer surgery patients. He has contributed to international studies on postoperative delirium management, preoperative risk stratification, and functional capacity assessment. Dr. Pillinger’s work emphasizes improving patient outcomes through evidence-based interventions and multidisciplinary collaboration. His research priorities include validating predictive models for surgical outcomes, optimizing prehabilitation protocols, and enhancing understanding of physiological mechanisms like the endothelial glycocalyx. He has led and contributed to pilot trials, systematic reviews, and international Delphi studies to advance perioperative care. Dr. Pillinger’s publications span journals in anesthesiology, oncology, and surgical specialties, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach. His work bridges clinical practice and research, aiming to reduce complications and improve recovery trajectories for surgical patients.

• Prehabilitation
• Surgical Outcomes
• Cancer Surgery
• +3 more

Saiuj Bhat serves as a Clinical Senior Lecturer at The University of Western Australia Medical School within the Department of Surgery. Based at the university's Perth campus (M306, 35 Stirling Highway), Dr. Bhat maintains an active research profile focused on evidence-based surgical practices and ophthalmic epidemiology. Research interests center on systematic reviews and meta-analyses across multiple domains including: Surgical techniques for hand and thumb conditions Indigenous health disparities in ophthalmology Ageing surgeon performance metrics Cataract and refractive error epidemiology Recent work demonstrates strong emphasis on comparative surgical efficacy and health equity in Australian populations. Scientific contributions include: 17 total research outputs comprising 8 articles and 7 review articles h-index of 7 with 444 citations Active collaboration networks across Indigenous health research Dr. Bhat's supervisory and grant activities focus on surgical outcomes research and meta-analytical methodologies, with particular attention to vulnerable populations. Current projects involve multi-institutional studies on cataract surgical coverage and surgeon competency frameworks.

• Systematic Review
• Meta-Analysis
• Echocardiography
• +3 more

Dr. Susan Coulson is a Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy at the University of Sydney's Faculty of Health Sciences, with expertise in neurological rehabilitation, particularly facial nerve disorders. She holds a PhD in Physiotherapy and has over 20 years of clinical and research experience in improving outcomes for patients with facial paralysis. She currently leads the Master of Physiotherapy Program and is an acting Course Director. Education: PhD (Physiotherapy), University of Sydney MAppSc (Exercise & Sport Science) BAppSc (Physiotherapy) Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies (Higher Education) Research Interests: Dr. Coulson focuses on facial nerve rehabilitation, neuroplasticity, and the psychosocial impact of facial disorders. Her work includes developing treatment protocols for synkinesis, oral competence, and smile rehabilitation. She co-founded the Sydney Facial Nerve Service, a multidisciplinary initiative addressing facial nerve injuries from cancer, Bell's palsy, and developmental causes. Publications: Her research spans facial nerve assessment tools, botulinum toxin therapy, and telemedicine applications in facial paralysis care. Recent work explores oral competence measures and pelvic floor rehabilitation post-cancer surgery. Awards: Early Career Research Excellence Support Award (2008) Tempe Mann Award (2005) Australian Postgraduate Award (2002) Teaching/Grants: Dr. Coulson coordinates units in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, professional practice, and cultural competence. She has led grants on facial nerve neuroplasticity and observational learning techniques. Her team's projects include investigating cortical changes via fMRI in facial paralysis recovery. Labs/Teams: Active member of the Sydney Facial Nerve Service and collaborates with the Neurological Rehabilitation Research Group. She also contributes to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Curriculum Group in the Faculty of Health Sciences.

• Neurological Rehabilitation
• Facial Nerve Disorders
• Physiotherapy Rehabilitation
• +4 more

Guy Stanley is a Clinical Lecturer in the Department of Surgery at the UWA Medical School, The University of Western Australia, specializing in plastic and reconstructive surgery with a focus on burn care, delirium, and collaborative research methodologies. His work significantly contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being. His educational background includes: Master of Surgery (Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery) from the University of Sydney (2018-2019) Diploma in the Medical Care of Catastrophes from The Worshipful Society of Apothecaries (2015-2019) Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene from Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (2017-2018) Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Nottingham (2011-2015) Stanley's research centers on improving surgical outcomes through international collaborations, with primary interests in burn injury management, delirium in surgical patients, and innovative suture techniques. His expertise extends to artificial intelligence applications in medicine and large-scale epidemiological studies of conditions like keloids. This work often intersects with global health challenges and disaster medicine, reflecting his dual qualifications in tropical medicine and catastrophe care. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on evidence-based surgical practice through systematic reviews, prospective cohort studies, and international collaborations. Key themes include delirium epidemiology in burn units, comparative effectiveness of surgical materials (particularly sutures), global variations in keloid prevalence, and surgical system strengthening across 119 countries. His research consistently leverages multi-center frameworks like CANVAS and the Keloid Survey Collaborative to generate high-impact, generalizable findings. His scientific recognition includes: Adjunct Research Fellow awarded by the Fiona Wood Foundation (2021) Stanley actively contributes to surgical education and research governance as ACTPRAS pre-SET lead since 2001, while previously serving as Cynthia Banham Burn Injury Research Fellow (2021-2023). His collaborative approach is evident in leadership roles within the CANVAS Collaborative and Keloid Survey teams, which facilitate multi-national studies involving over 1600 hospitals. These efforts have secured research funding through institutional fellowships and collaborative grants focused on burn injury and surgical innovation. He directs multiple research initiatives including the CANVAS study on suture techniques and keloid epidemiology projects spanning four continents, working closely with the Fiona Wood Foundation and international surgical networks to translate findings into clinical practice improvements.

• Plastic Surgery
• Burn Surgery
• Delirium
• +5 more

Priscilla Tan is an Adjunct Professor at the UWA Medical School, University of Western Australia. She holds the academic title of Adjunct Senior Lecturer and specializes in ophthalmology and vascular biology. Her research focuses on microvascular systems, particularly in the retina and orbital regions, utilizing advanced imaging techniques like confocal microscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Education: MBBS, DCH, FRACGP (Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners), and PhD. Research Interests: Her work spans endothelial cell biology, retinal microvasculature structure, vortex vein system dynamics, and clinical applications in orbital diseases. She explores pathogenic mechanisms in ocular conditions and evaluates therapeutic interventions, such as Rituximab for IgG4-related orbital disease. Awards: Recognized as a FRACGP, reflecting her expertise in general practice and medical research. Collaborations: Engages with multidisciplinary teams, including researchers like Dr. Yu and Dr. Cringle, focusing on vascular imaging and disease mechanisms. Contributions extend to clinical case studies and peer-reviewed publications in journals like Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Eye .

• Ophthalmology
• Vascular Biology
• Medical Imaging Techniques
• +3 more

Associate Professor Sydney Ch'ng is a plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon at the University of Sydney's Central Clinical School, specializing in head and neck cancer surgery and melanoma treatment. She holds affiliations with Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, and Melanoma Institute Australia. Her surgical training includes fellowships at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (Taiwan) and MD Anderson Cancer Center (USA). Her research focuses on head and neck melanoma, facial reconstruction techniques, vascularized composite allotransplantation, and patient-reported outcomes in reconstructive surgery. She leads significant studies on tumor biology and surgical innovations for skin cancers. Dr. Ch'ng's publications demonstrate consistent focus on surgical oncology outcomes, with recent work emphasizing neoadjuvant therapies, genomic profiling of skin cancers, and AI applications in surgical outcome measurement. Her research has influenced global skin cancer management guidelines. Key Awards: Top 100 Women of Influence in Australia (2015) Young Investigator Award (ANZHNCS) Louis Barnett Prize for Best Free Paper Sydney Local Health District Research Honor She actively supervises surgical trainees and medical students as Research Lead for Plastic Surgery at RPA Hospital, and has convened international surgical courses. Her team collaborations span medical oncology, radiation oncology, and pathology specialists.

• Head and neck surgery
• Melanoma research
• Facial reconstruction
• +3 more

Professor Owen Ung is the Mayne Chair and Head of the Mayne Academy of Surgery at the University of Queensland. He is a breast and endocrine surgeon, Director of the Metro North Comprehensive Breast Cancer Institute (CBCI), and Program Lead for Breast Reconstruction at the Herston Biofabrication Institute (HBI). His roles include Vice President of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) and President of Breast Surgery International (BSI). Ung completed his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery and Medical Science at the University of Queensland. His research focuses on multidisciplinary breast cancer care, biofabrication, tissue engineering, and improving patient outcomes through innovations like 3D-printed breast scaffolds and novel surgical techniques. Key research contributions include leading the RACS SNAC trials evaluating sentinel node biopsy versus axillary clearance, advancing intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT), and pioneering clinical trials using biofabricated PCL scaffolds for breast reconstruction. His work emphasizes reducing treatment-related morbidity while maintaining clinical efficacy, with a focus on Indigenous health equity and global disparities in breast cancer care. He has over 90 peer-reviewed publications and collaborates internationally, notably with QUT’s Prof Dietmar Hutmacher. Current projects include Phase 1 trials for biofabricated breast scaffolds and planning international multicenter trials. Grants include NHMRC funding for the SNAC1 trial and MNHHS support for the CBCI’s reconstruction program.

• Breast Cancer Care
• Biofabrication
• Tissue Engineering
• +4 more

Associate Professor Martin Batstone is a Clinical Lead in the Facial Stream and Director of the Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Unit at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. He earned his Medical and Dental degrees from the University of Queensland and completed advanced training in head and neck cancer surgery in Liverpool, UK, culminating in a Fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons of England. Martin is a member of the Queensland Regional Surgical Committee, overseeing Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) training, and a Past President of the Australian and New Zealand Head and Neck Cancer Society. Director, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Member, Queensland Regional Surgical Committee Educational Background: University of Queensland (Medical & Dental Degrees), Royal College of Surgeons of England (Fellowship) Research Interests Martin's research focuses on head and neck cancer , reconstructive surgery , and salivary biomarkers for oral cancer detection. His work explores: Bioresorbable scaffolds for bone regeneration using 3D printing. Virtual reality systems to enhance surgical training. miRNA and exosome profiling in saliva for early cancer diagnosis. Clinical quality indicators for multidisciplinary head and neck cancer care. Impact of surgical delays and prognostic models for postoperative outcomes. Dental management in patients undergoing head and neck radiation therapy. Publications Overview His recent publications highlight advancements in oncological surgery , reconstructive techniques , and digital health . Key themes include biomaterials , immunotherapy resistance , and global surgical preparedness , particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic .

• Head and Neck Cancer Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• +6 more

Dr. Edmund Pickering is a Senior Lecturer at Queensland University of Technology, School of Mechanical, Medical & Process Engineering. He serves as a postdoctoral researcher in both the Biomechanics and Spine Research Group (BSRG) and the Biofabrication and Tissue Morphology (BTM) group, where he applies his expertise in mechanical engineering to biomedical challenges. Edmund completed his PhD at Queensland University of Technology, preceded by a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours) and a Master of Engineering Management. His educational background has equipped him with a strong foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of engineering. His research interests span spinal modeling, bone adaptation simulations, mechanical behavior of 3D printed stents, and mechanical characteristics of nanowires. Edmund combines experimental and numerical approaches in his work, utilizing extensive image processing, 3D modeling, and finite element simulation techniques. His research in engineering education examines academic integrity issues, as evidenced by his recent publications on cheating tools like Chegg. Analysis of Edmund's publication trends reveals a strong focus on biomechanics, biomaterials, and engineering education. His work frequently bridges mechanical engineering principles with biomedical applications, particularly in bone mechanics, tissue engineering, and prosthetics development. The increasing publication output in recent years (with significant contributions in 2024 and 2025) demonstrates growing research productivity and expanding collaborations across multiple disciplines. As an educator, Edmund has teaching experience across various mechanical engineering subjects including Stress Analysis, Dynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Automatic Control. His research in engineering education complements his teaching practice, creating a synergistic approach to academic development. Edmund is actively involved with the Biomechanics and Spine Research Group and the Biofabrication and Tissue Morphology group, where he contributes to cutting-edge research in spinal biomechanics, bone adaptation, and advanced manufacturing techniques for medical applications.

• Biomechanics
• Spinal modeling
• Bone adaptation simulations
• +5 more

Kevin Ho-Shon is an Associate Professor at Macquarie Medical School and Clinical Director of Medical Imaging and Interventional at Macquarie University Clinical Associates (MUCA). He serves as Head of the Discipline of Medical Imaging at the Macquarie University Health Science Centre and maintains active clinical practice as a Staff Specialist at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital where he works as an interventional radiologist. Education: Doctor of Medicine, Sydney University (1993) Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours, Sydney University (1994) Master of Science, Sydney University (completed during PET registrar position) PhD in Mathematics, Sydney University (2008) Dr. Ho-Shon's research spans multiple disciplines at the intersection of medical imaging and clinical applications. His work focuses on advanced imaging techniques including magnetic resonance lymphography, indocyanine green visualization, and computational approaches to medical imaging. He has made significant contributions to understanding lymphedema, developing novel interventional radiology techniques, and improving surgical outcomes through advanced imaging guidance. His expertise encompasses general radiology, interventional radiology, interventional oncology, and complex interventional procedures. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on applying medical imaging to solve clinical challenges in lymphedema management, pulmonary interventions, and surgical planning. His work combines technical innovation in imaging with direct clinical applications, particularly in the use of indocyanine green for visualization and magnetic resonance techniques for diagnostic purposes across multiple medical specialties. Scientific Awards and Memberships: Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiology (2003) Member of the Interventional Radiology Society of Australasia Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors Dr. Ho-Shon has established several medical imaging businesses and was one of the founders of Macquarie Medical Imaging at Macquarie University Hospital. He currently serves as a Chief Investigator on the "Literature Review: Low Value Care in Medical Imaging" project scheduled for 2025. Dr. Ho-Shon's work bridges clinical practice, academic research, and business development in the medical imaging field, with his research having been cited 372 times and an h-index of 12. As Head of the Discipline of Medical Imaging, Dr. Ho-Shon leads initiatives that integrate clinical practice with academic research. His interdisciplinary approach connects radiology with computer science (particularly deep learning and image segmentation), plastic surgery, pulmonology, and oncology, creating a robust research environment focused on practical clinical applications.

• Radiology
• Interventional Radiology
• Interventional Oncology
• +5 more

Dr. David Gillett is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the UWA Medical School within the Department of Paediatrics at The University of Western Australia. He is also a practicing Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at the Perth Children’s Hospital since 1994. His work focuses on paediatric surgical care and reconstructive procedures for children. Education: He earned his MB, BS (Medicine) from the University of New South Wales (1979–1984). Research interests align with his clinical expertise in paediatric surgery and plastic reconstruction, though specific grants or awards are not detailed here. No advised students or published articles are listed in the provided text. Labs/Teams: Affiliated with the Institute for Paediatric Perioperative Excellence at UWA.

• Paediatric Surgery
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• Paediatric Medicine
• +1 more

Dr. Karan Gulati is a Senior Lecturer and Research Group Leader at the University of Queensland School of Dentistry , serving as Deputy Director of the Centre for Orofacial Regeneration, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation (COR3). His pioneering work in electrochemically nano-engineered dental implants addresses critical challenges in osseointegration , soft-tissue integration , and immunomodulation for patients with osteoporosis, diabetes, and aging conditions. Education: PhD in Nano-Engineered Bone Implants (University of Adelaide, 2015) Research Focus: Development of cost-effective, scalable nano-engineered implant surfaces with tailored drug release and enhanced bioactivity Grants: NHMRC, ITI Foundation, Australian Dental Research Fund grants totaling over $500,000 Recent Publications demonstrate expertise in: Anodization techniques for controlled nanotopographies Electrochemically driven bioactivity enhancement Multi-functional implant surfaces combining osteogenic and antibacterial properties Advanced characterization of nanostructured biomaterials Clinical translation of surface-engineered implants Awards include: Dean’s Commendation for Doctoral Thesis Multiple conference best presentation awards International fellowships (NHMRC, JSPS, Erasmus+) Supervision of PhD students in implant engineering through the GATORs research group (Group for Anodized Therapies for Osseointegration, Regeneration and Stimulation).

• Biomaterials
• Biomedical Engineering
• Dental Materials
• +5 more

Dr. Helen Mackie is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Health Sciences at Macquarie University and a Specialist Clinician with Macquarie University Clinical Associates (MUCA). She serves as Medical Lead of the ALERT program and Medical Director of the Mt Wilga Private Rehabilitation Hospital's Lymphoedema Program. Her roles include past President and Medical Adviser of the Australasian Lymphology Association, Examiner for the Australasian Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, and Fellowships with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and Australasian Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine. Her research focuses on lymphedema management, breast cancer-related lymphedema, lipoedema diagnosis, and the late effects of poliomyelitis. She has pioneered the use of Indocyanine Green (ICG) lymphography and multidisciplinary approaches to lymphatic disorders. Recent projects include studies on lymphedema pharmacokinetics and imaging techniques for head/neck cancer-related lymphedema. Publications emphasize surgical outcomes for lymphedema, diagnostic methods for distinguishing lipoedema/lymphedema, and clinical updates in management strategies. Her work bridges clinical practice and innovation, with a focus on improving patient care through advanced diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Advisory roles include Ramsay Health HREC membership and ongoing contributions to medical education. She leads multidisciplinary teams in complex cases, integrating surgical, imaging, and rehabilitation expertise. Current projects address unmet needs in lymphatic disease treatment and diagnostic accuracy.

• Lymphedema Management
• Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema
• Lipoedema Diagnosis
• +3 more

Gunesh Rajan is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Surgery at the UWA Medical School, University of Western Australia. He specializes in head and neck surgery, hearing restoration, and surgical reconstruction. His work contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through advancements in cochlear implantation, genetic studies of hearing loss, and oncological surgical techniques. He leads a research group investigating outcomes in head and neck cancer, middle ear mechanics, and skull base surgery. Rajan has authored over 100 publications and secured grants including a 2013–2023 project on electoracoustic stimulation funded by MED-EL. Education: Medical degree (MD Zur.) and FRACS surgical fellowship. His research focuses on optimizing surgical outcomes using innovative techniques like the SCIP flap for reconstruction and indocyanine green imaging for cancer detection. He explores genetic markers influencing cochlear implant efficacy and evaluates growth factors for wound healing. Rajan collaborates internationally on projects linking peripheral and central auditory effects of implantation. Recent work highlights include a 73-case SCIP flap study, a genetic analysis of CI patients, and in vitro FGF-2 wound healing assessments. He has supervised five academic works and maintains active collaborations globally.

• Head and Neck Surgery
• Hearing Restoration
• Cochlear Implantation
• +5 more