معرفی
Dr Lorenzo Odierna is a Lecturer in Clinical Neuroscience at the School of Science and Technology, University of New England (UNE), where he joined in 2025. His work bridges fundamental neuroscience with clinical applications in neurodegenerative and neuromuscular diseases.
Dr Odierna earned his BSc(Hons) and PhD from the University of Queensland, followed by postdoctoral research at the University of Sydney, Queensland Brain Institute, and the Menzies Institute at the University of Tasmania. His training has equipped him with expertise in diverse model systems including Drosophila, zebrafish, and rodent models.
His research focuses on synapse physiology, neurotransmitter release, neurodegeneration, and nervous system development. Using multidisciplinary approaches, he has uncovered novel mechanisms in synaptic homeostasis, Dscam2 signaling, and sex-specific vulnerability in motor neuron disease. He teaches key neuroscience units such as NEUR330/530, NEUR501, and NEUR502, contributing to UNE's growing neuroscience program.
The recent publications highlight a strong trajectory in understanding synaptic dysfunction across neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. His work spans molecular mechanisms in Drosophila, in vitro zebrafish models for autism and epilepsy, and rodent models of ALS, with a recurring emphasis on synaptic integrity, neural circuit stability, and therapeutic targeting of neuromuscular transmission.
His scientific recognition includes:
- Academic Title Holders, tutor, Clinical, Research or Professional Practice Supervisors Award (2019)
- International Postgraduate Symposium Presentation Award (2015)
- Annual Australian Fly Meeting Presentation Award (2015)
Dr Odierna has supervised Honours, Masters, and PhD students, and his research has been supported through affiliations with leading neuroscience institutes. Although specific grants are not listed, his publication record in high-impact journals such as Brain, Journal of Neuroscience, and Journal of Cell Biology reflects sustained research productivity. He is an active member of the Australasian Neuroscience Society and the Australia and New Zealand Society for Cell and Developmental Biology, contributing to the broader neuroscience community.
While no dedicated lab is explicitly mentioned, his methodological innovations—such as the long-term culture of embryonic zebrafish neurons—suggest leadership in assay development and experimental neuroscience. Future work is likely to expand on sex differences in neurodegeneration, synaptic resilience mechanisms, and translational applications of cannabinoid signaling in neuromuscular disorders.
