Find Academic Supervisors

• Personalized immunotherapy
• Melanoma diagnosis and prognosis
• High-dimensional pathology
• +3 more

James Wilmott is an NHMRC Investigator Fellow and Research Fellow at the Melanoma Institute Australia, affiliated with the University of Sydney's Charles Perkins Centre. His work focuses on translational research integrating clinicopathology, genomics, and immunology to improve melanoma diagnosis, prognosis, and immunotherapy personalization. He leads major programs like the Personalised Immunotherapy Program (PIPdx), funded by the Cancer Institute NSW ($3.7M, 2022-2026), and collaborates internationally on projects studying drug resistance mechanisms and rare melanoma subtypes. Education and affiliations include membership in the International Cancer Genome Consortium and leadership roles in genomics-focused research networks. His research has led to landmark studies on melanoma genomics, including a Nature paper and multiple Nature Communications studies on 570 melanoma genomes. Research interests center on personalized therapies, high-dimensional spatial pathology, and understanding tumor microenvironment dynamics. Awards include the 2021 Young Researcher of the Year (Society of Melanoma Research) and multiple NSW Premier's Awards for Translational Cancer Research. Key grants include the MRA Team Science Award ($1.4M, 2020-2023) for studying in-transit melanoma therapies. Collaborators include institutions like the Garvan Institute, QIMR Berghofer, and international consortia. Labs/teams: Principal investigator of the Melanoma Institute Australia's PIPdx program and leader of the genomics and biomarkers theme in the Centre of Research Excellence in Melanoma.

Crispin SzydzikView profile

Research Fellow

• Microfluidics
• Biosensors
• Lab-on-a-Chip Systems
• +3 more

Crispin Szydzik is a Research Fellow in the Research & Innovation Department at RMIT University, specializing in interdisciplinary engineering and biomedical research. His work focuses on integrating microfluidics, photonics, and nanotechnology to develop advanced biosensing systems, lab-on-a-chip devices, and point-of-care diagnostics. Research interests include microfluidic systems for cellular assays, nanoplasmonic biosensors, and optofluidic platforms for real-time biological monitoring. He has pioneered projects such as self-sufficient micro-droplet generation systems and hemocompatible microvalve designs. His research spans applications in cancer diagnostics, antiplatelet drug screening, and biomarker detection. Dr. Szydzik supervises PhD and Masters students on topics like lab-on-a-chip integration for ovarian cancer diagnosis, optical interrogation strategies for biosensors, and spatial transcriptomic analysis via microfluidic fabrication. He collaborates on projects involving photonic biosensors, active micropump-mixers, and integrated photonics for diagnostics. His contributions include over 30 peer-reviewed publications in journals like Biosensors and Bioelectronics , Lab on a Chip , and Small . Key innovations include plasmonic nanoprobe-based cancer cell discrimination and optical frequency comb-based sensor interrogation systems.

Jake GrattenView profile

Professor

• Psychiatric Genetics
• Neurological Genetics
• Cognitive Health Genomics
• +3 more

Honorary Professor Jake Gratten is affiliated with the University of Queensland's Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences, leading the Cognitive Health Genomics group at Mater Research Institute. He holds a PhD from UQ and has conducted postdoctoral research in evolutionary genetics at the University of Sheffield. His research focuses on psychiatric and neurological genetics, integrating whole-genome datasets to understand disease etiology. Gratten has secured over $5M in funding from NHMRC, Autism CRC, and philanthropic organizations. Education: Bachelor of Science, University of Queensland Bachelor (Honours) of Science, University of Queensland Doctor of Philosophy, University of Queensland Research Interests: Dr. Gratten investigates genetic mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, autism) and neurological conditions. His work emphasizes genomic analysis, polygenic risk, and microbiome interactions. He employs multi-omics approaches and large-scale statistical methods to dissect disease heterogeneity and identify therapeutic targets. Grants & Awards: NHMRC Career Development Fellowship (2017) NARSAD Young Investigator Grant (2015) Leadership of NHMRC-funded projects on MS pathophysiology and Parkinson's cellular genomics Supervision & Teams: Gratten supervises PhD/Master's candidates in genomic medicine and systems biology. Current projects include multi-omics analysis of autism comorbidities and MS mechanisms. He collaborates with international teams on large-scale genomic studies. Labs/Teams: Directs the Cognitive Health Genomics group, specializing in statistical genomics and translational neurogenetics.

Gal EyalView profile

Research Fellow

• Coral Reef Ecology
• Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems
• Marine Physiology
• +3 more

Gal Eyal is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Research Fellow at the Marine Palaeoecology Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland. His research focuses on mesophotic coral ecosystems, coral physiology, and reef resilience under climate change. He holds a PhD from Tel-Aviv University (2017) and has held postdoctoral positions at multiple institutions including the Steinhardt Museum of Natural History. Eyal has taught courses on marine biology, coral reef systems, and underwater research methods across institutions like Ruppin Academic Center and the Interuniversity Institute for Marine Science in Eilat. His work spans ecological studies of mesophotic reef dynamics, coral adaptation mechanisms, and the impacts of environmental stressors. Key research areas include coral fluorescence regulation, depth-dependent physiological adaptations, and the role of mesophotic reefs as climate refugia. Eyal collaborates with global institutions such as the University of Southampton and Bar Ilan University, contributing to initiatives like the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies. Publications emphasize methodological innovations (e.g., 3D modeling for benthic assessment), ecological insights into mesophotic communities, and conservation implications of coral reproductive strategies. His research integrates molecular, physiological, and ecological approaches to advance understanding of reef ecosystem resilience.

• Plant Genetics
• Agricultural Biotechnology
• Crop Improvement
• +3 more

Dr. Chaoqun Shen is a Research Fellow at the University of Adelaide's School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, focusing on plant genetics and crop improvement. Their work primarily involves studying the molecular mechanisms underlying plant development, particularly in barley, with a focus on genes regulating inflorescence architecture and responses to environmental stresses like high temperatures. Research interests include genetic regulation of floral organs, microRNA roles in grass development, and spatial transcriptomics of barley grain. Key contributions involve the MADS1 and MADS8 genes' roles in spike morphology and reproductive resilience, with applications to boost crop yields under climate challenges. No scientific awards or grants are explicitly listed. Advising history is unavailable. Located at the Waite Building, Shen's research aligns with the University's agricultural and genomic initiatives, contributing to sustainable crop solutions.

• Medical Oncology
• Medical Biochemistry
• Metabolomics
• +3 more

Professor Ken O'Byrne is a Professor of Medical Oncology at QUT's Faculty of Health (School of Medicine). His research focuses on medical biochemistry, metabolomics, and medical microbiology, with a strong emphasis on cancer treatment and immunotherapy. He has published extensively in high-impact journals such as Journal of Thoracic Oncology and Lung Cancer , investigating topics like long-term survival outcomes of immunotherapy combinations, KRAS mutations in NSCLC, and spatial biology of tumour microenvironments. His work bridges clinical and translational research, including phase trials of novel therapies (e.g., ILLUMINATE trial for EGFR-mutant NSCLC) and biomarker discovery. He collaborates on projects like spatial profiling of PD-1/PD-L1 interactions and metabolic signaling in tumour immunity. Supervision topics include tumour microenvironment spatial analysis and improving platinum-based chemotherapy efficacy. Professor O'Byrne holds an MD and Diploma in Child Health. His lab explores oncological mechanisms using cutting-edge techniques like multiplexed immunofluorescence and liquid biopsy analysis. He is affiliated with QUT's research centers in health and oncology.

Ulrike SchumannView profile

Research Fellow

• Non-coding RNAs
• Retinal Degeneration
• MicroRNA
• +6 more

Dr. Ulrike Schumann is a Research Fellow at the Australian National University (ANU), affiliated with the John Curtin School of Medical Research (JCSMR) and the Eccles Institute of Neuroscience. She holds key roles in the Shine-Dalgarno Centre for RNA Innovation and the Division of Neuroscience. Her research focuses on non-coding RNAs, particularly miRNAs, in retinal degeneration, cancer biology, and epigenetic mechanisms. She completed a PhD in Microbiology and a Master's in Biotechnology. Her work spans translational medical research, including studies on RNA biomarkers for disease diagnostics and therapeutic interventions. Dr. Schumann collaborates with the Natoli Group (Clear Vision Research Lab) and Wen Group (Computational Biology of RNAs). Her recent publications emphasize miRNA roles in retinal degeneration, DNA damage in tumors, and innovative biosensor technologies for point-of-care diagnostics. Collaborative efforts include epigenetic studies in cancer and RNA methylation analyses. Dr. Schumann is registered to supervise research students but currently lists no advisees. Her research integrates computational biology, molecular genetics, and translational medicine to address unmet clinical needs in vision science and oncology.

• Data Science
• Bioinformatics
• Systems Biology
• +3 more

Hieu Nim is a Senior Research Fellow at the Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI), Monash University, leading the Developmental Systems Biology laboratory under Prof. Mirana Ramialison. He is affiliated with Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Data Science & AI research group (Faculty of IT), and the Rheumatology Group at Monash Health. With a PhD (2013) from National University of Singapore and MIT, his work focuses on applying data science techniques to biomedical challenges, particularly in heart diseases and multi-omics analysis. Research interests include cloud-based platforms for heart disease modeling (VISIONET, TrawlerWeb, 3D Cardiomics), bioinformatics tools for multi-omics profiling, and immersive visualization systems using AR/VR technologies. He has published >33 peer-reviewed papers in journals like Nature Biotechnology and The Lancet Rheumatology, and secured ~$1.7M in grants including Victoria Cancer Agency and NHMRC funding. Teaching roles include lecturing in Monash's FIT4012 (Honours) and BRM5012 (Masters programs), with 4+ years of academic instruction and supervision of 8 completed PhD/Master’s students. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through biomedical innovations.

• Mass Spectrometry
• Proteomics
• Glycobiology
• +3 more

Clifford Young is a Research Fellow at the University of South Australia (UniSA), based in the Clinical & Health Sciences school. His research focuses on mass spectrometry-based technologies, proteomics, and glycobiology, with applications in biomedical research, brewing science, and cancer biology. He has contributed to the development of MALDI-MSI protocols for spatial mapping of biomolecules in tissues and has explored the physiological roles of yeast strains in beer production. His work also includes studies on biomarkers for septic shock, colorectal cancer liver metastases, and metabolic stress responses in cells. Key collaborations involve institutions such as Coopers Brewery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and Royal Adelaide Hospital. His research often integrates proteomic, lipidomic, and transcriptomic data to uncover disease mechanisms and industrial process optimizations. Notable grants include support from Bioplatforms Australia and the RAH RACP Foundation. Young has advised on research degrees and contributed to peer-reviewed journals like Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry and Clinica Chimica Acta. His work bridges fundamental science and applied technologies, with a focus on translational outcomes in health and industry.

• Life cycle assessment
• Industrial ecology
• Composite and hybrid materials
• +3 more

Dr. Di He is a Researcher at UNSW Canberra , focusing on sustainability and circular economy in manufacturing. Their work bridges industrial ecology with material flow analysis, particularly examining technological transitions like electrification and lightweighting in the automotive sector. PhD and B.E (Hon) from the Australian National University 2021 LEO Award for Best Paper at CIRP Conference on Life Cycle Engineering Collaborated with Ford Motor Company 's Research and Innovation Centre in the U.S. Research interests include life cycle assessment , industrial ecology , composite materials , and transportation sustainability . Notable media engagements include interviews with ABC NEWS and Flow Mountain Bike discussing carbon fiber recycling solutions. Article trends reveal expertise in ophthalmology and molecular pathology , with recent work on retinal degeneration, choroidal vascularity, and smoke exposure effects. Their publications span transcriptomic profiling of ocular cells to inflammatory response analysis in eye diseases. Scientific Awards LEO Award for Best Paper (2021) Key Collaborations Ford Motor Company (U.S.) Australian National University UNSW Sydney Media Engagements ABC NEWS (2020, 2023) Flow Mountain Bike (2021) Australian National University blog (2019)

Akwasi AmoakoView profile

Associate Professor

• Endometriosis
• Endocannabinoid System
• Obstetrics
• +6 more

Associate Professor Akwasi Amoako is a Conjoint Associate Professor at the Royal Brisbane Clinical Unit within the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences at the University of Queensland. His research spans reproductive medicine, obstetrics, and gynaecology with particular expertise in endometriosis, the endocannabinoid system, and pregnancy outcomes. Professor Amoako's research interests focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms of reproductive disorders, particularly endometriosis and its relationship with the endocannabinoid system. His work examines how endocannabinoid regulation varies across the menstrual cycle and in endometriosis, with implications for novel therapeutic approaches. He also investigates clinical obstetric topics including preterm birth risk factors, cesarean section techniques and outcomes, antibiotic prophylaxis, and the impact of maternal obesity on pregnancy outcomes. His research spans basic science investigations of molecular pathways through to large clinical cohort studies and randomized controlled trials. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on endometriosis research using advanced techniques like spatial transcriptomics and organoid models. His work demonstrates how genetic susceptibility influences endometrial function in endometriosis and how hormonal treatments affect lesion gene expression. In obstetrics, he has conducted significant research on cesarean delivery techniques, particularly examining safety differences between classical and low transverse incisions in preterm births, and investigating antibiotic prophylaxis protocols. His publications span high-impact journals in reproductive medicine, obstetrics, and molecular biology. Professor Amoako actively supervises PhD students, serving as Principal Advisor for research on endocannabinoid system regulation in endometriosis and as Associate Advisor for projects utilizing spatial transcriptomics to personalize endometriosis treatment. His collaborative approach is evident through numerous co-authorships with researchers including Dr. Brett McKinnon, Dr. Keisuke Tanaka, and Professor Grant Montgomery across multiple institutions.

• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Alzheimer's Disease
• Alcohol-Related Brain Damage
• +4 more

Associate Professor Greg Sutherland is a research group leader in neuropathology and Associate Professor in Neuroscience at the University of Sydney’s School of Medical Sciences. He serves as Director of the NSW Brain Tissue Resource Centre and leads the 'Brain and Body' research node at the Charles Perkins Centre. His work bridges neuropathology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics to study neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's and alcohol-related brain damage. He is affiliated with the Brain and Body Research Node, Sydney Centre for Healthy Societies, Brain and Mind Centre, and Charles Perkins Centre. Education: PhD in Molecular Medicine (University of Auckland, 2004); 13 years in veterinary clinical practice and commercial research prior to academia. His research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, combining spatial and molecular data from human postmortem brain tissue. He explores microglial roles in Alzheimer's and alcohol-related brain damage, models Alzheimer's progression via postmortem pathology, and uses machine learning on datasets like UK Biobank and ROSMAP to identify early biomarkers. His team collaborates internationally with institutions in the US and New Zealand. Recent publications highlight transcriptomic signatures in alcohol use disorder, lysosomal dysfunction in Alzheimer's, and bioinformatics approaches to neurodegeneration. He has secured grants from NIH, NHMRC, and the University of Sydney, including SOAR fellowships. Scientific awards: 2015 Sydney Medical School Foundation Research Fellowship 2016 Sydney Medical School Accelerator Fellowship 2017 Sydney Medical School Award for Outstanding Research and Teaching 2019–2020 SOAR Fellowship He supervises research students and teaches medical, dental, and science students, coordinating Masters units like PATH5000 and IMPA3888. His lab, Sydney Brainomics, integrates neuroimaging, stem cells, and animal models to study neurodegenerative disease mechanisms.

Antonia Ru Jia SunView profile

Research Fellow

• Osteoarthritis Research
• Biomedical Engineering
• Tissue Analysis
• +5 more

Dr. Antonia Ru Jia Sun is a Research Fellow at Queensland University of Technology's School of Mechanical, Medical & Process Engineering, specializing in osteoarthritis research with a focus on molecular mechanisms, tissue analysis, and novel therapeutic approaches. Her work bridges biomedical engineering and clinical orthopedics, with particular emphasis on obesity-associated osteoarthritis and synovial inflammation. Dr. Sun's research interests center on osteoarthritis pathogenesis , with specific focus on spatial tissue analysis , nanoparticle drug delivery systems , and the relationship between obesity and joint inflammation . Her work explores how cellular orientation, iron metabolism, and inflammatory mediators contribute to disease progression, employing advanced techniques including hyperspectral imaging, microfluidic models, and spatial transcriptomics. Analysis of Dr. Sun's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on translational approaches to osteoarthritis treatment. Her work spans from fundamental molecular investigations to clinical applications, with growing interest in personalized medicine approaches for osteoarthritis patients based on pain phenotypes and inflammatory profiles. The research demonstrates increasing integration of engineering solutions with biological insights, particularly in developing novel drug delivery systems and tissue analysis methodologies. Dr. Sun serves as an Associate Supervisor for PhD research on spatial analysis of osteoarthritis tissues, working alongside Dr. Indira Prasadam and Professor Zhiyong Li. Her collaborative work involves numerous research groups at QUT and demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between engineering, medical science, and clinical practice. Her laboratory work focuses on osteoarthritis tissue analysis , utilizing advanced imaging techniques and developing novel sample preparation methods for high-throughput analysis. The research team employs both in vitro models and animal studies to investigate disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions, with particular attention to the bone-cartilage interface and synovial tissue pathology.

• Plant Pathology
• Agricultural Sustainability
• Fungicide Resistance Management
• +4 more

Professor Mark Gibberd holds the position of John Curtin Distinguished Professor at Curtin University's School of Molecular and Life Sciences (Faculty of Science and Engineering). His research focuses on crop disease management, fungicide resistance dynamics, and agricultural sustainability. He collaborates with the Centre for Crop Disease Management (CCDM) and has expertise in environmental DNA (eDNA) applications, spatial analysis of crop pathogens, and socio-economic aspects of agricultural practices. Key research interests include: Fungicide resistance in fungal pathogens like Pyrenophora teres On-farm experimental design and spatial statistics eDNA-based ecological monitoring Climate impact on crop resilience and wine production Economic analysis of crop protection strategies Recent articles emphasize gene flow of fungicide resistance, socio-economic impacts of disease management, and innovations in plant pathology imaging. His work bridges experimental agriculture, computational analysis, and policy-oriented research.

• Respiratory Diseases
• Inflammation
• Immunology
• +3 more

Izabela Galvao is a Visiting Fellow at the School of Life Sciences , University of Technology Sydney (UTS). Her research focuses on respiratory diseases, immunity, and inflammation, with particular emphasis on chronic conditions like COPD and asthma. She employs advanced techniques such as transcriptomics, single-cell analysis, and animal models to investigate disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Her work bridges molecular biology and clinical translation, addressing topics like neutrophil dysfunction, microbiome impacts on disease, and epigenetic modifications in musculoskeletal disorders. Key contributions include studies on cigarette smoke-induced pathogenesis and inflammatory mediator pathways. Galvao collaborates internationally with experts in immunology, pulmonology, and microbiology. Her publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches to understanding inflammation resolution, cell signaling in chronic diseases, and translational applications of genomic data. While no awards are explicitly listed, her highly cited research (e.g., miR-21/COPD work) reflects recognition within the scientific community.