معرفی
Dr. Courtney McDonald is an Adjunct Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Monash Health and Monash University, where she is affiliated with The Ritchie Centre's Neurodevelopment and Neuroprotection Research Group. She holds an NHMRC Cerebral Palsy Alliance Early Career Research Fellowship and leads multiple research projects focused on stem cell therapies for perinatal brain injury.
- PhD, Monash University, 2013
Her research centers on the therapeutic use of umbilical cord blood stem cells to prevent or treat neonatal brain injury, with a focus on their anti-inflammatory properties, cellular composition, and mechanisms of brain repair. She investigates how these cells can modulate neuroinflammation and promote neuroregeneration in preterm and high-risk infants.
Recent publications highlight her work in clinical translation, including the CORD-SaFe phase I trial, neurodevelopmental assessments in cerebral palsy prediction, and innovative delivery methods like MRI-guided focused ultrasound. Her research spans stem cell biology, neonatology, neuroprotection, and regenerative medicine.
- Australian Postgraduate Award (2008)
- Cerebral Palsy Award for Best Research (2016)
- Conference Travel Grants (2011, 2013, 2014)
Dr. McDonald has secured competitive grants from the National Heart Foundation of Australia and the Cerebral Palsy Alliance. She serves as Primary Chief Investigator on multiple projects, including studies on endothelial progenitor cells and targeted stem cell therapy. She collaborates extensively with experts in neonatology, neurology, and regenerative medicine.
She is part of a vibrant research network at The Ritchie Centre, contributing to interdisciplinary efforts in perinatal medicine and neurodevelopment. Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being, particularly in reducing neonatal mortality and improving long-term outcomes for preterm infants.
