Caitlin Sien Ming Cowan

Dr Caitlin Sien Ming Cowan is a Scientia Senior Lecturer at the School of Psychology, University of New South Wales (UNSW), and an NHMRC Investigator Fellow. Her research focuses on the microbiome-gut-brain axis, exploring how the developing gut microbiome influences mental health risk and resilience through translational approaches combining behavioural neuroscience and clinical psychology.

• PhD and M.Psych (Clinical) from UNSW
• Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship at APC Microbiome Ireland (University College Cork)

Cowan’s work bridges developmental psychology and neurobiology, investigating the role of gut microbiota in childhood mental health outcomes. Her expertise in both behavioural neuroscience and clinical psychology enables a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the gut-brain connection.

Scientific recognition includes:

• 2023-24 Superstars of STEM
• 2022 Young Tall Poppy Award
• 2021 APS Rising Star
• Multiple travel and publication awards (2012-2023)

Her current research is funded by a 2021-2025 NHMRC Investigator Grant for studying the microbiome as a predictor of mental health risk, following a 2018-2020 Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship for GutMIND: Gut microbiota-Microglia Interactions in NeuroDevelopment.