Tara Walker

Dr. Tara Walker is a Senior Research Fellow at the Queensland Brain Institute (QBI), University of Queensland. She leads research on adult neurogenesis mechanisms, focusing on its regulation by exercise, diet, and systemic factors. Her work addresses neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, and aging-related cognitive decline. Dr. Walker holds a PhD in Plant Biotechnology from Queensland University of Technology, transitioning to neuroscience in 2003.

Education

• Bachelor of Biotechnology, Queensland University of Technology (Australia)
• PhD in Plant Biotechnology

Research Focus

Dr. Walker investigates:

• Exercise-induced platelet activation effects on hippocampal neurogenesis
• Selenium's role in neuroprotection against ferroptosis
• Systemic communication between blood and brain via exerkines
• Stroke recovery and cognitive rejuvenation strategies

Key Projects

• Funded studies on XCL1 exerkines and brain rejuvenation (Donald & Joan Wilson Foundation)
• NHMRC grants for platelet-derived biomolecules in Alzheimer's

Grants & Collaborations

Current funding includes:

• Can the Exerkine XCL1 Promote Rejuvenation of the Aged Brain? (2025-2026)
• Combatting Alzheimer's disease with platelet-derived bioactive molecules (2025-2027)

Supervision

Available to supervise PhD projects on:

• Ferroptosis inhibition in aging/stroke
• Exercise-diet interactions in brain plasticity

Labs & Teams

Leads the Neurogenesis Laboratory at QBI, collaborating with Professors Perry Bartlett and Gerd Kempermann. Active in stroke research and clinical translation initiatives.