Peter Mark

Dr. Peter Mark is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia. His research focuses on reproductive endocrinology, placental function in intrauterine growth retardation, and the effects of glucocorticoids on fetal and neonatal development. He investigates circadian rhythms' role in developmental programming, particularly how maternal stress and environmental factors influence fetal outcomes. His work integrates molecular biology, animal models, and clinical studies to understand mechanisms like placental glucocorticoid barriers and metabolic programming.

• Key Projects: CIRCA DIEM Trial (circadian cues in neonatal care), placental clock gene expression studies, and the impact of dietary omega-3 fatty acids on placental inflammation.
• Grants: Includes NHMRC-funded projects on large animal biotelemetry and neonatal respiratory interventions.

Research Interests: Fetal programming pathways, maternal mental health effects on cortisol regulation, and the interplay between diet, obesity, and circadian gene expression in pregnancy. His studies also explore developmental consequences of glucocorticoid excess and therapeutic potentials of natural compounds like mulberry extracts.