Melody de Laat

Associate Professor Melody de Laat is a clinical and research veterinarian at QUT's Faculty of Science, School of Biology & Environmental Science. Her research focuses on metabolic disorders in animals, particularly equine laminitis, insulin toxicity, and incretin biology. She leads projects funded by Australian Competitive Grants, including investigations into equine PPID and gastrointestinal hormones. A Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, she coordinates Honours programs and teaches pharmacology and animal biology.

Education:

• PhD in Veterinary Science (University of Queensland)
• BVSc (Hons) in Veterinary Science (University of Queensland)

Research Interests:

• Novel drug development for metabolic diseases
• Incretin biology and insulin dysregulation
• Laminitis pathophysiology and prevention
• Wild horse health and ecology

Awards:

• Best Research with Real World Impact (SEF, 2020)
• Discovery Early Career Research Award (DECRA)

Teaching & Grants:

• Teaches Animal Biology and Drug Action
• Supervises 9 HDR students
• Grants: DP180102418 (Gastrointestinal Hormones) and LP180101000 (Equine PPID)

Labs & Collaboration: Works with interdisciplinary teams at QUT's Australian Equine Laminitis Research Unit (AELRU), focusing on translational research to improve animal welfare and clinical outcomes.