معرفی
Rebecca Robker is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology at Monash University, affiliated with the Biomedicine Discovery Institute. She is also an NHMRC Senior Research Fellow, with research activities spanning reproductive biology, oocyte development, and the developmental origins of health and disease (DoHaD). Her research team operates across Monash University and the University of Adelaide, supervising multiple PhD students and postdoctoral researchers.
Research Interests: Dr. Robker’s work centers on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating ovarian function, particularly how oocytes acquire developmental competence. Her lab investigates how maternal conditions such as obesity and aging impair ovarian and embryo health, focusing on lipid metabolism, mitochondrial function, and the impact of environmental signals on fertility. A key area of interest is how events at conception influence lifelong health trajectories in offspring, contributing to the field of DOHaD.
Publication Trends: Recent publications highlight a strong focus on mitochondrial dynamics in oocytes and embryos, the effects of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) on offspring health, and interventions to improve ovarian function. Her work frequently employs animal models and integrates findings with clinical fertility research and agricultural science.
- Scientific Awards:
- NHMRC Senior Research Fellow
Advising and Grants: Dr. Robker currently supervises several PhD students at Monash and the University of Adelaide. She is a Chief Investigator on the national MitoHOPE: Introducing Mitochondrial Donation in Australia project (2023–2029), a multi-institutional initiative exploring mitochondrial donation to prevent mitochondrial disease. This project involves collaboration with major research institutes, hospitals, and ethics and policy experts across Australia.
Labs and Teams: Her research team includes postdocs, PhD students, and research assistants based at both Monash University and the University of Adelaide. The group actively collaborates with fertility clinics and agricultural scientists to translate findings into human reproductive health and animal production improvements.
