Dr. Yogambha Ramaswamy is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Biomedical Engineering at The University of Sydney and a member of the Sydney Nano Institute. She holds a Master’s in Biotechnology from the University of Queensland and a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Sydney (2009). Her postdoctoral career began as a Vice-Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of New South Wales, followed by a Peter Doherty Early Career Fellowship in 2013 before joining the University of Sydney in 2015. Dr. Ramaswamy’s research focuses on biomaterials, tissue engineering, and mechanobiology, with a particular emphasis on developing calcium silicate-based ceramics and biopolymers for orthopedic and regenerative applications. Her recent work explores the role of physical cues in modulating stem and cancer cell behavior. She teaches courses such as AMME1961 (Introduction to Biomedical Engineering B) and AMME5962 (Introduction to Mechanobiology). Her research has been supported by grants including the NHMRC Early Career Fellowship and collaborations with institutions like the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology and the University of Otago. Her publications span biomaterials, nanotechnology, and mechanobiology, with recent work addressing atherosclerosis, hydrogel design, and nanomedicine. She currently supervises PhD students Frank (biomaterials) and Alexander (atherosclerosis research).
Dr. Susan Hua is an Associate Professor at the University of Newcastle's School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, specializing in translational nanopharmaceutics and therapeutic targeting. She established the first translational nanopharmaceutics laboratory in the Hunter region, focusing on drug delivery systems for gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, and reproductive pathologies. Education: Bachelor of Pharmacy with Honours, University of Queensland (UQ) PhD in Neuroscience and Nanotechnology, UQ Research Interests: Her work centers on using nanotechnology to create targeted drug delivery systems for diseases such as chronic pain, inflammatory conditions, and obstetric complications. Key focuses include oxytocin receptor-targeted liposomes for uterine therapies and localized drug delivery to bypass biological barriers. Awards & Recognition: 2020 DVC(A) Educator Innovation Award 2017 NSW Premier's Early Career Researcher of the Year 2015 HMRI Early Career Researcher of the Year Grants & Collaborations: A/Prof Hua has secured over $5.5M in grants, including NHMRC and ARC funding. She collaborates with institutions like HMRI, John Hunter Hospital, and global teams on projects like nanoparticle-based treatments for preterm labor and uterine hemorrhage. Teaching & Leadership: She coordinates pharmacy programs, emphasizing clinical application and innovation. Her courses include Pharmacotherapeutics and Pharmacy Practice, with awards for teaching excellence (2020, 2011). Labs & Programs: Head of Therapeutic Targeting Program, University of Newcastle Director, Translational Pharmaceutics & Medical Technologies Theme (HMRI)
Professor Hala Zreiqat AM is a leading biomedical engineer at The University of Sydney , serving as the Director of the ARC Training Centre for Innovative BioEngineering . A Fellow of all major Australian academies (AAS, ATSE, FAHMS, FRSN), she develops 3D printed bioceramics for bone regeneration while championing diversity through initiatives like the IDEAL Society and BIOTech Futures mentorship program. Her work bridges academia, clinical practice, and industry in musculoskeletal research . Research Focus: Her lab creates synthetic bone scaffolds that mimic natural bone architecture, strength, and porosity, enabling non-rejected bone regeneration via patient-matched implants. Key applications include orthopaedic, dental, and maxillofacial repair , with over $18M in competitive funding and multiple patents. Current projects explore AI-driven scaffold performance prediction and anti-senescence strategies for aging-related bone loss. Scientific Trends: Recent publications highlight 3D printed nanovoxelated ceramics , antisenescence biomaterials , and multifunctional theranostic platforms . Her team integrates machine learning for scaffold design, atom probe tomography for interface analysis, and two-photon imaging for cellular monitoring in 3D environments. 2021-2022 Fulbright Senior Scholar 2018 NSW Premier's Woman of the Year 2019 Eureka Prize for Innovative Use of Technology Fellow of Australian Academy of Science (2021) Over $18M in research funding Teaching & Leadership: She designed core courses like Tissue Engineering and Nanomaterials in Medicine , mentoring 158 students in 2020 alone. As Chair of CAAR (2020-2023), she strengthens Australia-Arab collaborations. Her lab trains early-career researchers , with alumni now in academia and industry.
Dr. Yi Shen is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Sydney, and Chair of RACI Women in Chemistry. She is also affiliated with multiple research institutes including Sydney Institute of Agriculture, Sydney Southeast Asia Centre, The Centre for Drug Discovery Innovation, and The University of Sydney Nano Institute. PhD in Soft Materials from ETH Zurich Postdoctoral research at University of Cambridge and Harvard University Her research focuses on protein phase behavior and functional biomaterials development, utilizing soft matter approaches and microfluidic techniques to address challenges in neurodegenerative diseases, sustainable materials, and biomedical engineering. She has published extensively in top journals like Nature Nanotechnology and PNAS, with a particular emphasis on: Protein liquid-liquid phase separation mechanisms Biomaterials from protein nanofibrils Microfluidic manipulation of biological systems Biodegradable bioplastics development Shear force effects on biomolecular systems Pathological protein aggregation dynamics Key scientific achievements include: 2022 ARC DECRA Fellowship 2022 Sydney Nano Frontier award 2018 ETH Zurich Spark Award (for Fe delivery system invention) 2012 Princeton Grand Challenges Program 2 patents pending 2 Nature Nanotechnology cover articles As an educator, she coordinates CHNG2802 Chemical Engineering Modelling and Analysis, co-teaches CHNG3804 Biochemical Engineering and CHNG5605 Bio-products: Laboratory to Marketplace, and guest lectures across biomedical and nanotechnology programs. Her lab actively collaborates with institutions in Switzerland (ETH Zurich), UK (Cambridge), and US (Harvard, Princeton), focusing on transforming biomolecular understanding into real-world applications in health, industry, and environmental sustainability.
Professor Gavan McNally is a distinguished behavioral neuroscientist at the University of New South Wales, where he serves as a Professor in the School of Psychology. He is actively engaged in research on the fundamental behavioral and brain mechanisms for learning and motivation, with applications to clinical conditions such as addictions, anxiety disorders, and mood disorders. McNally holds several prestigious editorial positions, including Editor-in-Chief of Neurobiology of Learning & Memory and Senior Editor of The Journal of Neuroscience. He also serves as President-Elect of the European Behavioral Pharmacology Society and is a Member of the Australian Research Council College of Experts. McNally's research interests span behavioral neuroscience, focusing on how fundamental brain mechanisms apply to clinical conditions. He employs a systems neuroscience approach, combining well-controlled behavioral approaches with optogenetics, chemogenetics, in vivo calcium imaging, and whole brain circuit mapping in both normal and transgenic animals. His work bridges basic science with clinical applications through collaborations with colleagues at University of Sydney, Sydney Local Health District, Monash University, and Turning Point. McNally's research particularly examines the cellular, circuit, and systems level mechanisms underlying learning, motivation, and their dysregulation in disorders like addiction. His laboratory investigates how these mechanisms translate to human conditions, with a strong emphasis on developing new treatments for psychological disorders. His extensive publication record demonstrates a clear trajectory in understanding punishment learning, addiction mechanisms, and the neural circuits underlying motivated behavior. Recent work has increasingly focused on the cognitive pathways to punishment insensitivity, the role of specific neural circuits in addiction, and translational approaches to understanding maladaptive behaviors. McNally's research bridges animal models with human studies, creating a comprehensive understanding of the neural mechanisms that govern learning and motivation, with particular attention to how these processes go awry in addiction and other psychological disorders. 2008 QEII Fellow, Australian Research Council 2009 Association for Psychological Science, International Rising Star 2010 Fellow, Association for Psychological Science 2010 UNSW Faculty of Science Staff Excellence Award for Research and Training 2011 Pavlovian Research Award, The Pavlovian Society 2012 Future Fellow (Level 3), Australian Research Council 2016 D.G. Marquis Behavioral Neuroscience Award, American Psychological Association 2017 Fellow, American Psychological Association 2019 Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia 2021 D.G. Marquis Behavioral Neuroscience Award, American Psychological Association 2022 Ross Day Plenary Lecturer, Australasian Brain and Psychological Sciences 2023 European Behavioural Pharmacology Society Plenary Lecturer 2024 Elspeth McLachlan Plenary Lecturer, Australasian Neuroscience Society 2024 D.G. Marquis Behavioral Neuroscience Award, American Psychological Association Professor McNally actively supervises several students including Bixuan Lin, Si Yin Lui, Hannah Machet, Bart Cooley, Kelly Zhuang, and Alexandra Gregory. His current research is supported by significant funding including an Australian Research Council Discovery Project (2024-2026) on "Risky choices: From cells and circuits to computations and behaviour," another Discovery Project (2025-2028) on "Multimodal mapping of punishment learning," and NHMRC grants including a Synergy Grant on "Linking clinical and basic science discovery to find new treatments for alcohol-use disorder" and an Ideas Grant on "Novel pathways to abstinence from alcohol seeking." These projects reflect his commitment to both fundamental neuroscience and translational applications for treating psychological conditions. His teaching responsibilities include PSYC2081 Learning & Physiological Psychology and PSYC3051 Physiological Psychology. McNally's laboratory employs advanced techniques including optogenetics, chemogenetics, in vivo calcium imaging, and whole brain circuit mapping to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying learning, motivation, and their dysregulation in disorders. His team works at the intersection of basic neuroscience and clinical applications, with strong collaborations across multiple institutions to translate fundamental findings into potential treatments for addiction and other psychological disorders. The lab has made significant contributions to understanding the role of brain regions like the ventral pallidum, paraventricular thalamus, and nucleus accumbens in addiction, fear learning, and punishment sensitivity.
Associate Professor Arnold Lining Ju is a biomedical engineer at the University of Sydney's School of Biomedical Engineering, affiliated with multiple institutes including the Heart Research Institute and Sydney Nano Institute. He holds academic positions in both the Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Medicine & Health. Education: BSc from Peking University, PhD from Georgia Tech and Emory University (USA). Honors include Snow Fellowship, Heart Foundation Future Leader Fellowship, and multiple awards for cardiovascular research innovation. Research focuses on mechanobiology and biomechanics of thrombosis, developing microfluidic devices and organ-on-chip systems. Key projects include AI-driven single-cell nanotools, 3D biofabrication, and anti-thrombotic peptide design. Leads interdisciplinary teams and collaborates internationally with institutions like Harvard and University of Texas. Teaching roles include coordinating advanced cellular biomechanics courses and supervising PhD/Masters students in biomedical engineering and physiology. Over 50 peer-reviewed publications, with contributions to Nature Materials, Nature Communications, and other top journals.
Distinguished Professor Dayong Jin is a leading academic in nanotechnology and biomedical engineering at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). He holds roles including Director of the Institute for Biomedical Materials and Devices (IBMD), ARC Laureate Fellow, and Chair Professor at Southern University of Science and Technology (China). His research focuses on photonics, luminescent materials, and their applications in healthcare, including cancer detection, rapid diagnostics, and super-resolution microscopy. Key innovations include 'Nano Torch' technology for disease detection and 'Super Dots' nanocrystals for imaging and anti-counterfeiting. Education: PhD from Macquarie University (2007). Leadership: Established UTS's IBMD and multiple research hubs, including the ARC IDEAL Research Hub and Australia-China Joint Research Centre. Research Interests: Transforming nanophotonics into diagnostic tools, rapid antigen tests (e.g., for COVID-19), and biomedical devices. His work bridges physics, engineering, and biology to address global health challenges. Awards: Australian Museum Eureka Prize (2015), Prime Minister's Prize for Science (2017), ARC Laureate Fellowship (2021), and Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering. Grants: Overseeing funded projects on quantum biotechnology, deep-tissue imaging, and nanoscale thermometry. Active in interdisciplinary collaborations, including with Chinese institutions. Labs/Teams: Leads IBMD, the ARC IDEAL Hub, and the UTS-SUSTech Joint Research Centre, fostering innovation in wearable biomaterials and point-of-care technologies.
Steven Meikle is a Professor of Medical Imaging Physics and Head of the Imaging Physics Laboratory at the Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney. He also serves as Deputy Director (Preclinical) of Sydney Imaging and Deputy Director of the National Imaging Facility's Sydney node. His expertise spans advanced imaging technologies, with a focus on PET/SPECT instrumentation and molecular imaging. He holds a B.App.Sc.(Hons) from the University of Technology Sydney and a PhD from the University of New South Wales. Research focuses include developing novel PET systems like Open-field PET (for freely moving rodents) and Total Body PET, which enhance imaging sensitivity and enable real-time behavioral studies alongside brain function analysis. Collaborations include Tsinghua University (China) and UC Davis (USA). He leads projects on motion correction, quantitative imaging, and AI-driven analysis. Key achievements include over 180 peer-reviewed publications, editorial roles in Physics in Medicine and Biology , and leadership in professional societies. Awards include IEEE Senior Membership and Australian Institute of Physics Fellowship. Current student projects explore Total Body PET applications, motion correction, and radiopharmaceutical evaluation. Teaching roles include medical physics courses in diagnostic radiography and medical physics programs. He advises on imaging ethics, facility implementation, and translational research bridging basic science and clinical applications.
Dr. Rebecca San Gil is a Lecturer at the School of Medical Sciences , University of Sydney, Australia. She leads the NeuroMolecular Discovery Group within the Neuroscience theme and is a member of the Charles Perkins Centre . Her research focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases such as motor neuron disease (MND) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) , with an emphasis on protein aggregation, stress responses, and therapeutic discovery. PhD, University of Wollongong (2018) Postdoctoral Research, Queensland Brain Institute (2018–2025) Endeavour Research Fellow (University College London) Her research spans molecular biology , neurosciences , and biochemistry , integrating techniques like genome-wide CRISPR screening , multi-omics analysis , and translational research . Key themes include the role of molecular chaperones , heat shock response , and protein folding dynamics in mitigating neurodegeneration. Dr. San Gil’s recent publications (2016–2025) highlight her work on TDP-43 pathology , heat shock proteins , and therapeutic strategies across ALS/FTD models. She has received awards such as the FightMND Early Career Research Fellow and the Sydney Dementia Network Future Research Leader Award (Travel Support Scheme) in 2025. Scientific Awards : FightMND Early Career Research Fellow, Sydney Dementia Network Future Research Leader Award (2025) Dr. San Gil actively mentors researchers like Celine CHYE and collaborates with institutions globally. Her team welcomes new members to explore neurodegenerative disease biology and therapeutic discovery .
Professor Ravi Shukla is a faculty member at RMIT University's School of Science, holding the title of Professor and Deputy Head of Department (Research). He specializes in Nanobiotechnology, with research spanning biomaterials, drug delivery systems, and medical diagnostics. His work integrates biosciences, materials science, and food technology to advance understanding of nanomaterial-biomolecular interactions. Academic History: Professor Shukla has held roles at RMIT since 2011, progressing from Research Fellow to his current professorship. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Missouri and Theme Leader for Nanobiotechnology at RMIT’s Center for Advanced Materials and Industrial Chemistry. His teaching focuses on fostering student belonging and innovation in biotechnology education, including coordinating RMIT’s undergraduate Biotechnology program. Research Interests: His lab explores hybrid biomaterial synthesis, nano-enabled proteomics, and non-viral gene therapy using MOFs. Recent work emphasizes applications in diabetes biosensing, CRISPR/Cas9 delivery, and antimicrobial resistance mitigation through nanostrategies. Over 130+ publications and substantial research funding highlight his interdisciplinary impact. Professional Engagement: Editor roles in Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology , Co-Editor-in-Chief of Current Research in Nutrition and Food Science , and advisor to the Australasian Association of Ayurveda underscore his leadership. He actively mentors students in projects like nano-antimicrobial wound healing and aptamer-based hepatitis A detection. Key Achievements: Pioneered nucleic acid-encapsulated MOFs for cancer therapy and developed paper-based biosensors for rapid diagnostics. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals 2 (Zero Hunger) and 3 (Good Health).
Professor Trevor Lithgow is a Research Professor in Microbiology at Monash University, affiliated with the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute. He holds a PhD from La Trobe University (1992) and has held fellowships including the ARC Federation Fellowship (2008) and ARC Laureate Fellowship (2014). His research focuses on bacterial cell biology, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and phage therapies, leveraging nanoscale imaging techniques like cryo-EM and super-resolution microscopy. He leads the Monash Centre to Impact AMR, an interdisciplinary initiative addressing global AMR challenges through collaborations across engineering, social sciences, and clinical medicine. Key achievements include the HFSP Tenth Anniversary Award (1999), Lemberg Medal (2020), and Royal Society of Victoria Medal (2017). His work on bacterial outer membrane assembly, phage-bacteria interactions, and structural analysis of the mitochondrial TOM complex has advanced understanding of pathogen resilience and novel antimicrobial strategies. Current projects include developing phage therapies and cross-sectoral AMR surveillance frameworks. Education: PhD in Biochemistry (La Trobe University, 1992) Research Interests: Bacterial cell surface visualization, nanoscale imaging, phage biology, AMR mechanisms Leadership: Director of Monash Centre to Impact AMR since 2020 Awards: 10+ national/international honors, including ARC Fellowships Publications span over 250 articles on bacterial membrane biology, AMR dynamics, and phage applications, with recent focus on polymyxin dependence in Acinetobacter and phage-driven resistance resensitization.
Suzanne Estaphan is a Senior Lecturer in Medical Science (Physiology and Clinical Pharmacology) at the Australian National University (ANU) School of Medicine and Psychology . She holds qualifications including a Doctorate of Physiology (2015) , MSc in Physiology (2012) , MBBCh (2005) , and Basic Certificate in Medical Education (2018) . Her academic roles span curriculum development, admissions, and assessment committees in the ANU Medical School. Senior Lecturer, ANU (2023–present) Academic Editor, PLOS ONE (2024–present) Review Editor, Frontiers in Physiology (2023–present) Dr. Estaphan's research bridges oxidative stress and inflammation in disease pathology with medical education innovation . Her work explores antioxidant interventions for organ damage and investigates AI/virtual reality applications in education. Recent projects include studying sleep dysfunction in eating disorders and diabetes medication effects on exercise capacity . Between 2023–2025, her 15 most recent publications span oxidative stress , medical education , and molecular pathophysiology . Themes include homeostasis , clinical reasoning , and metabolic disorders , with subfields like MMP-9 biology , pancreatic injury , and VR-based hypoxia training . Scientific accolades include the American Physiological Society Travel Award (2017) and recognition as Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2023) . She mentors medical students, contributes to national physiology curriculum consensus projects, and has secured approximately $200,000 in research funding .
Dr. Heather Murray is a Cancer Institute NSW Early Career Research Fellow at the University of Newcastle, affiliated with the School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy. She holds dual roles as a Lecturer and Postdoctoral Researcher, focusing on proteomics and phosphoproteomics to uncover therapeutic targets in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Her work combines genomic, proteomic, and clinical approaches to address treatment resistance and precision medicine in blood cancers. Education: PhD in Medical Biochemistry (University of Newcastle, 2020), MPhil, BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences, and BSc in Biological Sciences, all from the University of Newcastle. Research Interests: Proteomic characterization of leukemia subtypes, DNA repair mechanisms, and drug resistance pathways. Her lab uses phosphoproteomics to identify synergistic drug combinations targeting oncogenic pathways like FLT3 and KIT mutations. Key Collaborations: Works with clinicians like Associate Professor Anoop Enjeti and researchers at Hunter Medical Research Institute. Partnerships include institutions like the University of Southern Denmark and QIMR Berghofer. Grants & Funding: Secured over $2M in funding, including a 2022 Cancer Institute NSW Fellowship, BarbeCURE grants, and philanthropic support from organizations like the McDonald Jones Charitable Foundation. Supervision: Mentors 6 current PhD students on topics like venetoclax resistance, breast cancer biomarkers, and ex vivo AML models. Supervision history includes 6 completed Honours projects. Labs/Teams: Leads the Molecular Oncology group under Associate Professor Nikki Verrills. Member of the HMRI Precision Medicine Program and University of Newcastle ECR committees.
Salman Durrani is a Professor and Associate Director Education at the School of Engineering, Australian National University. He holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Queensland and a BSc (First Class Honours) from the University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore, Pakistan. His research spans Internet of Things networks, satellite/UAV communications, machine learning applications in wireless systems, early wildfire detection, and backscatter communications. Current projects focus on terahertz communication security, UAV-assisted networks, and IoT-based environmental monitoring. His recent publications demonstrate strong emphasis on wireless security, terahertz technology optimization, UAV network design, and IoT applications for environmental protection. Technological innovations include novel beamforming techniques and lightweight authentication protocols. AI 2000 Internet of Things Most Influential Scholar (2020, 2022, 2023) IEEE ComSoc Asia Pacific Outstanding Paper Award (2016) Australian Council of Graduate Research Excellence Award (2019) ANU Vice-Chancellor's Awards for Supervision (2018) and Education (2012) He has supervised 15 PhD students to completion and secured $1.9M in research funding as chief investigator for six grants. Current projects include participation in the ANU Optus Bushfire Research Centre of Excellence.
Adjunct Professor Evgeny Osipov is affiliated with La Trobe University's Business Analytics department. His research spans artificial intelligence, hyperdimensional computing, and neural network architectures. Academic Rank: Adjunct Professor Department: Business Analytics Email: E.Osipov@latrobe.edu.au Research interests include: Hyperdimensional computing and vector symbolic architectures Spiking neural networks and reservoir computing Hardware-efficient AI implementations Causal reasoning in large language models Self-organizing maps and spatiotemporal sequence learning Applications in smart cities and robotic navigation Recent research outputs demonstrate expertise in: Developing unsupervised learning frameworks using hypervectors Optimizing reservoir computing with cellular automata Creating memory-efficient neural network models Advancing hyperdimensional classification techniques Exploring causal graph integration in language models
