Find Academic Supervisors

• RNA Sequencing
• Transcriptomics
• Hepatocellular Carcinoma
• +3 more

Elena Denisenko is a Research Fellow affiliated with the UWA Medical School and the UWA Centre for Medical Research at The University of Western Australia. She is also affiliated with the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research. Her research focuses on cancer biology, transcriptomics, and immunotherapy, with a particular emphasis on hepatocellular carcinoma and tumor microenvironments. Her work contributes to Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being. Key research interests include RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and the development of preclinical models for liver and cancer research. Denisenko has been an investigator in four grants funded by Cancer Council WA and NSW, focusing on ovarian cancer resistance mechanisms and liver disease biomarkers. Recent articles highlight her contributions to understanding tumor biomarkers in chemoimmunotherapy, immunotherapy resistance mechanisms, and spatial genomic analysis of ovarian cancer. She has created datasets on single-cell RNA sequencing biases and liver disease biomarkers, contributing to open-access research resources. Denisenko’s interdisciplinary collaborations span molecular biology, oncology, and immunology, with a focus on translating genomic insights into clinical applications. She actively engages in grant leadership and collaborative research projects addressing cancer heterogeneity and therapy response.

Khaing HmonView profile

Researcher

• Transcriptomics
• Oncology
• Plant Genetics
• +3 more

Dr. Khaing Hmon is a Researcher affiliated with the UWA Medical School and the UWA Centre for Medical Research (affiliated with the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research), The University of Western Australia. She holds a PhD from Tsukuba University, Japan, focusing on plant genetics and Sorghum inflorescence genes. Her current work involves single-cell profiling of tumor samples for the Western Australian Cancer Single Cell Genomics Consortium, emphasizing transcriptomics and tumor microenvironment analysis. Her research spans oncology, plant genetics, and genomics, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals through medical and agricultural advancements. Dr. Hmon’s expertise includes spatial transcriptomics of ovarian cancer subclones, heat stress tolerance in Brassica rapa, and photoperiodic flowering response in Amaranthus. She collaborates internationally and has published in high-impact journals like Nature Communications and Genes . Her work bridges plant genetics with medical oncology, exploring genetic mechanisms across biological systems. Research highlights include identifying tumor-autocrine loops in ovarian cancer and discovering QTLs for stress tolerance in crops. She is part of the Systems Biology and Genomics Lab, leading innovative studies in single-cell genomics and cancer biology.

Mark AdamsView profile

Academic

• Biochemistry and Cell Biology
• Oncology and Carcinogenesis
• Genomics
• +2 more

Dr. Mark Adams is a Senior Research Fellow at the Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT). With a PhD in Genomics from QUT and postdoctoral experience at the Translational Research Institute (TRI), his research focuses on exploiting cellular programs regulating genome instability, cell cycle, and growth to develop novel therapeutic strategies for lung cancers. Education: PhD (QUT), Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) in Life Science (QUT), Bachelor of Applied Science in Biotechnology (QUT) His work published in journals like Nature Communications and Nucleic Acids Research explores: DNA repair mechanisms in cancer cells Therapeutic targeting of cell cycle regulators Spatial profiling of tumor microenvironments Computational approaches to drug discovery Scientific contributions include: Patent filings for cancer therapies Funding from NHMRC and Cancer Australia Over 10 major awards including the Young Tall Poppy Award Articles demonstrate expertise in: Lung cancer immunotherapy response prediction Novel protein interactions in DNA repair Metabolic regulation of DNA damage pathways Spatial heterogeneity in tumor biology Translational models for precision medicine

• Ophthalmology
• Cell Biology
• Retinal Degeneration
• +5 more

Clinical Associate Professor Michele Madigan is affiliated with the University of Sydney's Faculty of Medicine and Health, based at the Save Sight Institute. Her research focuses on ocular biology, retinal degeneration, uveal melanoma, and vitreous-related disorders. She has contributed to over 100 peer-reviewed publications since 2001, emphasizing translational research in ophthalmology. Her work integrates molecular biology, immunology, and clinical management strategies for eye diseases. Key research interests include retinal cell biology, ocular melanoma mechanisms, dry eye pathophysiology, and advancements in diagnostic imaging. Collaborations span cellular culture models for meibomian gland dysfunction and drug discovery for uveal melanoma. Her studies often bridge fundamental science with clinical applications, such as spatial transcriptomics in retinal degeneration and therapeutic targeting of oncogenic pathways. Publications highlight contributions to understanding choroidal melanoma microenvironment, Müller cell functions in AMD, and molecular mechanisms in corneal diseases. Her work has been published in journals like Communications Biology , Progress in Retinal and Eye Research , and Nature (2011). Madigan's research also addresses clinical challenges such as choroidal detachments, LASIK complications, and the role of motilin receptors in lacrimal gland function. She actively collaborates with interdisciplinary teams in Sydney and internationally, advancing treatments for ocular surface disorders and retinal diseases.

• Neurosciences
• Mental Health
• Neurobiology
• +6 more

Dr. Natalie Matosin is a Research Fellow and Director of the MINDS Lab (Mental Illness, Neurobiology, and Disorders of Stress) at the University of Sydney's Charles Perkins Centre. She holds prestigious fellowships, including the Sydney Horizon Fellowship and the Al & Val Rosenstrauss Rebecca L Cooper Medical Research Foundation Fellowship. Her research focuses on single-cell resolution analysis of brain cells to develop personalized therapies for brain illnesses such as mental disorders, dementias, and traumatic brain injury. She has established an independent laboratory at the University of Wollongong in 2018 before joining Sydney. Education: Dr. Matosin earned her PhD in neuroscience from the University of Wollongong in 2015. Postdoctoral training at UNSW Sydney and the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry in Munich honed her expertise in next-generation sequencing and advanced histology techniques for analyzing postmortem human brain tissue. Research Interests: Her work integrates molecular biology, bioinformatics, and translational research to study stress physiology, synaptic pathology, and epigenetic mechanisms (e.g., DNA methylation of FKBP5). Key themes include the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and depression, as well as the impact of stress on brain structure and function. She emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, leveraging spatial omics and multi-omic data to map disease mechanisms. Scientific Awards: Forbes 30 Under 30 in Europe (2020), TEDx speaker, NHMRC Fellow, International Brain Research Organisation Fellow, Humboldt Foundation Fellow. Advising & Grants: Matosin leads international collaborations and has secured grants including the Australian Research Council Discovery Projects (DP24), Sydney Horizon Fellowship (2023), and Faculty of Medicine and Health startup funding (2024). Her grants investigate adult neurogenesis, cortical aging effects, and stress-induced molecular changes in psychiatric disorders. While no specific advisees/students are listed, her lab (MINDS) actively engages in collaborative research across multiple countries. Labs & Teams: The MINDS Lab is central to her work, focusing on neurobiology of stress and mental health. Her team spans institutions in Australia, USA, Canada, Germany, Croatia, Iceland, and Sweden, emphasizing global partnership in translational neuroscience projects.

• Infectious Diseases
• Immunology
• Microbiome Research
• +4 more

Dr. Archita Mishra is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Medical Sciences at the University of Sydney's Faculty of Medicine and Health. She holds prestigious affiliations with the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre, Charles Perkins Centre, Kids Research Institute, and Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute. Her research focuses on host-microbiota interactions, oncology, and infectious diseases with an emphasis on spatial biology and immunological mechanisms. Dr. Mishra leads the FMH Start-up Scheme grant (2024) and has published extensively on topics such as onco-fetal reprogramming in cancer, neonatal sepsis, and novel antimicrobial therapies. Her work integrates cutting-edge technologies like single-cell RNA sequencing and multiplex imaging to address critical questions in immunology and oncology. Her research portfolio spans disciplines including spatial biology, tumor microenvironment dynamics, and translational medicine. Current projects investigate how fetal immune programming influences adult disease susceptibility and develop novel diagnostic tools for liver cancer using Orion™ imaging technology.

• Cancer Genomics
• Skin Cancer Genomics
• Melanoma Research
• +3 more

Dr. Ismael Vergara Correa is a Senior Lecturer (Adjunct) and Senior Computational Biologist at the University of Sydney's Faculty of Medicine and Health, affiliated with the Melanoma Institute Australia. With over 10 years of experience in cancer research, he specializes in computational biology, genomics, and machine learning applications in oncology. His multidisciplinary expertise spans computer science, biostatistics, and biotechnology. He has contributed to over 60 publications (>4800 citations, h-index 28) and holds 3 international patents related to prognostic methods. Research focuses on melanoma genomics, particularly in identifying prognostic biomarkers and molecular signatures. Notable work includes the discovery of the MIADx ancillary test for melanoma diagnosis and analysis of immune microenvironment dynamics in immunotherapy responses. His studies explore tumor heterogeneity, aneuploidy mechanisms, and therapeutic targets in skin cancers. Publications emphasize clinical translation of genomic insights, including immune checkpoint blockade efficacy, seasonal toxicity patterns in immunotherapy, and spatial T cell profiling in metastatic melanoma. His work bridges computational analysis with clinical outcomes, aiming to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment personalization. Scientific achievements include 3 international patents and recognition through high-impact journals in oncology and immunology. His collaborations span academic and industry partnerships, driving innovation in cancer research and precision medicine.

• Survival Analysis
• Causal Inference
• Data Linkage
• +3 more

Dr. Lin Zhu is a Research Fellow and Biostatistician at the Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney. His work focuses on evaluating long-term effects of interventions, particularly for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, and improving risk prediction tools. He leads a project examining ethnic inequalities in cardiovascular health in New South Wales using linked data. Research Interests: Survival Analysis, Causal Inference, Data Linkage, Clinical Epidemiology, and Health Equity. Current Projects: Investigating ethnic disparities in cardiovascular disease incidence, prognosis, and management through linked administrative datasets. Awards: EMCR Boost Scheme Award (USYD) and Australian Government Research Training Program (UTS). Advising & Grants: Supervising Peiyao XU on ethnic inequalities in cardiovascular disease. Active in associations like the Australasian Epidemiological Association and International Society for Clinical Biostatistics. Labs/Teams: Collaborates on interdisciplinary projects combining biostatistics, epidemiology, and public health policy.

David PowellView profile

Professor

• Genomics
• Immunology
• Data Science in Health
• +3 more

David Powell is a Professor at the Monash e-Research Centre, Monash University. His research focuses on genomic analysis, immunology, and data-driven approaches in health and disease. He actively collaborates internationally and leads multiple projects addressing cancer, infectious diseases, and environmental health. Powell manages key research infrastructure including High-Performance Computing and the HELIX data platform. Research Interests : His work spans genomic studies of pathogens (e.g., Clostridioides difficile), T-cell biology, and computational methods in healthcare. Recent studies explore immunotherapy resistance mechanisms in cancers and cerebellar atrophy patterns in epilepsy. Projects : Current initiatives include The One Water Consortium (sustainable water systems), pediatric cancer therapeutic targets, and immune checkpoint research. He has secured funding for over 20 projects since 2015. Equipment : Oversees facilities like Immersive Visualisation Capability and Research Cloud, supporting large-scale data analysis in life sciences.

Minh Ngoc TranView profile

Researcher

• Bioinformatics
• Health Data Science
• Cancer Cell Biology
• +5 more

Dr Minh Ngoc Tran is a Researcher at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences. His work focuses on bioinformatics, health data science, and artificial intelligence applied to cancer research and molecular biology. Tran specializes in spatial analysis of cancer tissues, integrating single-cell sequencing with imaging to study tumor microenvironments and immune responses. His research also explores computational frameworks for multi-omics data and epigenetic mechanisms underlying aging and disease. Key areas of interest include colorectal cancer heterogeneity, SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, and translational bioinformatics for precision medicine. Tran's research employs advanced techniques such as spatial transcriptomics, multiplexed imaging mass cytometry, and AI-driven diagnostic models. His work bridges computational innovations with clinical relevance, particularly in oncology and infectious diseases. Recent projects include developing robust platforms for spatial multi-omics analysis and identifying early biomarkers for severe COVID-19 outcomes. While his articles emphasize cancer biology and immunology, they also highlight contributions to virology, epigenetics, and genomic technologies. Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams at UNSW and beyond drives his efforts to translate scientific discoveries into clinical applications.

Renee M WhanView profile

Associate Professor

• Fluorescence Microscopy
• Cell Biology
• Drug Delivery
• +6 more

Associate Professor Renee M Whan serves as the Executive Director of the Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre (MWAC) at the University of New South Wales . With over 18 years of experience managing core research facilities, she provides strategic leadership for advanced scientific instrumentation and infrastructure, supporting interdisciplinary research in medicine, materials science, and biotechnology. Research Interests Renee specializes in Fluorescence and lightsheet microscopy Drug delivery and mechanisms of action Spatial proteomics and transcriptomics Data reliability and reproducibility 2D/3D cellular models Rhe leads collaborations with commercial partners to develop innovative imaging technologies for research translation. Recent Publications Her publications highlight expertise in cancer cell biology , fluorescence imaging , and nanomedicine , featuring work on copper chelation in gliomas, cryogenic correlative microscopy, and lipid droplet biogenesis.

Frederik SteynView profile

Associate Professor

• Motor Neurone Disease (MND)
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Metabolism
• +4 more

Associate Professor Frederik Steyn is a leading researcher in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Motor Neurone Disease (MND), focusing on metabolic and physiological aspects. He leads the Heterogeneity in Neurodegenerative Disease Research Group at the University of Queensland's School of Biomedical Sciences and directs the Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research . His work integrates clinical studies, pre-clinical models, and digital health technologies to advance understanding of MND heterogeneity and therapeutic development. Key projects include the MEND-MND study (metabolic dysfunction) and EATT4MND (appetite regulation). Education and Background: His career began with research in hypothalamic energy regulation. He transitioned to MND research in 2015, establishing a translational research program at UQ. He holds a Doctoral Diploma from the University of Otago. Research Interests: Metabolic dysregulation in MND, hypermetabolism, appetite loss, digital health biomarkers (e.g., actigraphy), and clinical trial development for therapies targeting metabolism. His lab collaborates with industry and international teams to validate biomarkers and test drugs like trimetazidine. Recent Article Trends: His 2023–2025 publications emphasize appetite neuroscience, metabolic biomarkers, wearable device applications, and clinical trial outcomes. They highlight interdisciplinary approaches to addressing MND heterogeneity and improving patient care. Grants & Collaborations: Active funding includes Cure for MND Foundation grants for EVs in ALS pathology and spatial transcriptomics. Collaborators span UQ (Shyuan Ngo, Robert Henderson), international institutions (King’s College London), and industry partners. Labs & Teams: The Heterogeneity Group focuses on MND subtypes (e.g., B-LONG for slow-progressing cases) and digital tools (DIGITALS program). The Centre for MND Research unites clinicians, scientists, and patient advocates.

• Virology
• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases
• +3 more

Professor Kirsty Short holds the NHMRC Senior Principal Research Fellow position at the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland. She is affiliated with the Centre for Cardiovascular Health and Research and the Centre for Extracellular Vesicle Nanomedicine within the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences. Her research focuses on viral pathogenesis, immune responses to respiratory viruses, and the interplay between metabolic conditions (e.g., diabetes) and infectious diseases. She is actively involved in supervising PhD students and has secured significant funding for projects addressing pandemic preparedness, antiviral strategies, and post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2. Dr. Short’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Science (Honours), and a PhD, all from the University of Melbourne. Her work spans virology, immunology, and molecular biology, with a particular emphasis on influenza and coronaviruses. She investigates how metabolic disorders influence viral disease severity and immune responses, contributing to translational research aimed at mitigating pandemic threats. Her research highlights include studies on glycemic variability’s impact on cardiovascular outcomes in diabetes, the role of vagal sensory neurons in influenza pathogenesis, and the development of antiviral polymers. She collaborates widely, leveraging interdisciplinary approaches to address global health challenges.

Arutha KulasingheView profile

Associate Professor

• Immuno-oncology
• Spatial Transcriptomics
• Liquid Biopsies
• +3 more

Associate Professor Arutha Kulasinghe is a Principal Research Fellow at the Frazer Institute and Founding Scientific Director of the Queensland Spatial Biology Centre. He leads the Clinical-oMx Lab, specializing in spatial transcriptomics, proteomics, and interactomics. His research focuses on immuno-oncology (lung, skin, head and neck cancers), spatial omics applications in solid tumors and infectious diseases, and liquid biopsy development. Education: Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology. Research Interests: The integration of multi-omics approaches to understand tumor microenvironment dynamics, particularly in immunotherapy response. Key areas include PD-1/PD-L1 spatial interactions, metabolic signatures in lung cancer, and spatial profiling of tertiary lymphoid structures. Funding: Supported by NHMRC, MRFF, US Department of Defense, Cure Cancer Australia, and Wesley Research Institute grants. Notable projects include the METASPATIAL Study (lung cancer spatial analysis) and Queensland Spatial Biology Centre initiatives. Supervision: Actively supervises PhD and Master's students in spatial omics, immunotherapy biomarkers, and pediatric cancer profiling. Current projects include spatial profiling of tumor microenvironments and multi-omics analysis of hard-to-cure lung infections. Labs & Teams: Leads the Clinical-oMx Lab and directs the Queensland Spatial Biology Centre, fostering collaborations in spatial omics for precision medicine.

Weitao LinView profile

Research Fellow

• Cancer Research
• Single-cell RNA sequencing
• Spatial transcriptomics
• +5 more

Weitao Lin is a Research Fellow at the UWA Medical School and the UWA Centre for Medical Research (affiliated with the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research) at The University of Western Australia. His work focuses on cancer research with expertise in single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and patient-derived models. Dr. Lin's educational background includes: PhD in Cancer Biology from The University of Hong Kong (2017), with research focused on 'Establishment and characterization of patient-derived xenografts and cell lines from nasopharyngeal carcinoma' Dr. Lin's research interests span multiple areas of cancer biology and technology application. He specializes in establishing and characterizing patient-derived xenografts and cell lines, with particular focus on nasopharyngeal carcinoma and Epstein-Barr virus-related cancers. His work employs cutting-edge technologies including single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to investigate tumor microenvironments and cell-cell interactions. This research aims to identify novel therapeutic targets for cancer patients, with recent emphasis on metastatic uveal melanoma, circulating tumor cells across various cancer types, and immune checkpoint expression. Dr. Lin's publications demonstrate a strong focus on applying single-cell and spatial genomic technologies to understand cancer heterogeneity, metastasis, and immune interactions. His work spans multiple cancer types including lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and uveal melanoma, with particular attention to circulating tumor cells and their molecular characteristics. Scientific awards and recognition: Spatial Pioneers Fellowship (10x Genomics, 2021) Visium Spatial Biology Kickstarter Award (10x Genomics, 2021) Dr. Lin has demonstrated strong leadership in research funding and academic service. As a chief investigator, he has secured over $170,000 in research funding since 2019, including a Cancer Council Western Australia Collaborative Grant as CIA for metastatic uveal melanoma research. He has supervised 3 PhD students (2 completed). Dr. Lin serves on the Telethon Kids Institute Animal Ethics Committee (2021-present), has served on the Pre-doctoral Grants Advisory Subcommittee at Cancer Council WA (2021-2022), and was part of the early-career research symposium organizing committee for the Human Genome Meeting in 2020. He has also served as a guest editor for Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology and as a reviewer for journals including Cancers, Frontiers in Microbiology, and Scientific Reports. Dr. Lin leads the project on analysis of metastatic uveal melanoma across multiple laboratories and hospital departments as part of the Western Australian Cancer Single Cell Consortium. His research group applies state-of-the-art technologies to study cell-cell interactions in the tumor microenvironment, working collaboratively across institutions to translate findings into potential therapeutic approaches.