Lana McClements

Lana McClements is an Associate Professor and Lab Head of the Cardio-Obstetrics Research Group at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), School of Life Sciences. Her research focuses on women’s health, particularly preeclampsia, placental biology, and cardiovascular diseases in pregnancy. She leads a team developing 3D bioprinted models to study mechanisms of disease and novel treatments. Notable achievements include patents for preeclampsia biomarkers and a Heart Foundation Future Leader Fellowship (2022).

Education
PhD in Molecular Biology (Queen’s University Belfast, 2014)
Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (Queen’s University Belfast, 2015)
MPharm (King’s College London, 2005)

Research Interests
Her work spans preeclampsia mechanisms, biomarker discovery, 3D bioprinted placental models, and cardiovascular health post-pregnancy. Key areas include oxidative stress, mesenchymal stem cells, and digital health tools for maternal monitoring.

Articles & Trends
Recent publications emphasize FKBPL’s role in cardiovascular fibrosis and preeclampsia, sex differences in cardiovascular health, and SARS-CoV-2’s impact on placental dysfunction. She prioritizes translational tools like point-of-care diagnostics and bioprinted models.

Awards

• Newcastle Reproduction Emerging Research Leader Award (2022)
• BUPA Foundation High Commendation (2020)
• Finalist, UTS Research Excellence Awards (2020-2022)

Grants & Leadership
Secured funding from Heart Foundation, ARC, and industry partnerships. Chairs UTS Science Equity & Diversity Committee and leads initiatives like Academic Women in Science (AWiS).

Labs & Teams
Leads the Cardio-Obstetrics Research Group, collaborating with Inventia Life Sciences on placenta-on-a-chip platforms. Active in NSW Cardiovascular Research Network and international societies.