Haleagrahara Nagaraja

Nagaraja Haleagrahara, PhD, Grad CertEd (Academic Practice), is an Associate Professor and Head of Foundation Studies at the College of Medicine & Dentistry. With a master’s in medical physiology, his PhD explored the “Pathophysiological Changes in the Neuroendocrine System during Stress” at Manipal University, a leading university in collaborative biomedical research. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of human diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, neurodegenerative diseases, and diabetes. His continuing research has enabled further discoveries in disease pathophysiology and novel therapeutics, resulting in over 100 publications in international peer-reviewed journals, over 3200 citations, an h-index of 32 and an i10 index of 57.

Nagaraja has extensive experience teaching physiology and pathophysiology in the tertiary setting. He lectured in an undergraduate medical programme at Manipal University in 1989 and has taught across a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and content areas. Moving to IMU University, Malaysia, in 2004, he held positions as a Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor.

As an extensively experienced and internationally recognised physiology educator, Nagaraja is a staunch advocate for quality medical education. His dedication to fostering student learning and engagement is truly inspiring. In 2023, he was honoured with the Australian Medical Students Association (AMSA) National Teaching Award for his outstanding contribution to medical education. This recognition underscores his enduring commitment to student learning. His excellence in teaching has also been acknowledged with multiple Dean’s Teaching Excellence Awards, including in 2017, 2018, 2020, and 2022, further solidifying his reputation as a leading educator in his field. He has played a key role in developing innovative curricula that promote active learning, incorporating blended learning techniques and case-based teaching to engage students in complex medical concepts.  Nagaraja has been consistently active in education research since 2005, with a keen interest in medical education, focusing on problem-based learning, blended learning, and learning technologies.

His diverse research interests include oxidative stress, antioxidants, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes foot ulcer, and neurodegeneration. One of his key research projects, funded by Arthritis Australia, explored the potential of flavonoids as an anti-inflammatory therapy for rheumatoid arthritis, identifying the therapeutic properties of quercetin. His research team at IMU University also showed the neuroprotective and therapeutic effects of tocotrienol fraction against neuronal degeneration in Parkinson’s disease. This work has garnered international attention and collaboration.

As an educator, Nagaraja Haleagrahara has successfully supervised numerous Honours, Master’s, and PhD students, many of whom have gone on to contribute to cutting-edge research in their fields. His passion for supporting students' full engagement in their education is profound, focusing on cultivating a lifelong commitment to learning rather than merely achieving high grades. His leadership as Head of Foundation Studies at the College of Medicine & Dentistry reflects his dedication to academic excellence and student success.

 Nagaraja Haleagrahara’s work extends beyond Australia, with active collaborations with institutions such as the Manipal University, IMU University in Malaysia, Monash University Malaysia, and the Malaysian Palm Oil Board. These international research partnerships have produced impactful results, particularly in rheumatoid arthritis and neurodegenerative disease therapies. His interdisciplinary and globally-minded approach to research is impressive. He continues to advance medical science and education, solidifying his reputation as a leader in the field of physiology.

Proven Expert Capabilities:

Excellence in Tertiary Teaching – leadership; high performance on student evaluation/performance; national recognition for teaching excellence.

Best Practice Medical Education – research and presentations since 2004.

Collaborative Educational Leader - strong cross-disciplinary partnerships within and outside the university

Strategic and Relevant Curriculum Development and Reform – innovation in new learning modules; peer collaboration; increased blended learning; improved learning outcomes and student satisfaction.

Successful Academic Researcher and Publisher – high quality and high volume in research publications; internationally cited; contribution to public wellbeing.

Intellectual Leadership in Research – advanced international knowledge on (i) the cause and molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease and (ii) how flavonoids will help protect against nerve degeneration. (iii) novel proteins from hookworm as antiinflammatory therapeutics in rheumatoid arthritis

Mentorship Advocate - actively mentor academic staff and students - fostering an inclusive environment. 

Procurement and Management of Research and Teaching Grants – internal and external.

Strategic and Resource Leadership – establishing the JCU Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Research Program through applying for competitive grants.

Professional and Highly Collaborative Approach to Teaching, Learning, Research and Service, establishing both internal and external partnerships – local and international.

Effective Student Supervision – all honours students published, ongoing supervision of Honours, Masters, PhD students.

Leadership Committee and Membership Roles – service and engagement.Leadership Committee and Membership Roles – service and engagement.

Expert Reviewer and Assessor – member of editorial boards; expert assessor of grant applications; invited peer reviewer for publications; reviewer for scientific journals.