Michele Catherine Madigan

Associate Professor Michele Catherine Madigan, affiliated with the School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of New South Wales, is a leading researcher in ocular pathogenesis spanning development to aging. Her work focuses on three core areas:

• Ocular tumor microenvironment, particularly uveal melanoma therapy development
• Age-related retinal and choroidal changes in AMD
• Meibomian gland biology in dry eye disease.

Her research approach combines human donor tissue analysis with in vitro models to study disease mechanisms. Key methodologies include

• Transcriptomic profiling of ocular cells
• Environmental challenge models for ocular surface
• Melanocyte biology in tumor and aging contexts

Specializing in ocular anatomy and immunology, she advances understanding of posterior eye inflammation and therapeutic interventions.

Recent publications highlight her expertise in ocular aging markers, environmental pollutant impacts on eye health, and transcriptomic approaches to retinal degeneration. Her work reveals connections between

• Melanocortin system regulation
• Smoke exposure effects on ocular surface
• Metabolic pathways in photoreceptor protection

These studies demonstrate her commitment to translational vision science.

Scientific recognition includes:

• 2021 Scientia Education Academy Highly Commended for student engagement
• 2020 Dean’s Excellence Award for Diversity & Inclusion
• Multiple School-level Community Engagement Awards

Her research is supported by ARC Discovery Grants and Ophthalmic Research Institute of Australia funding.