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Epigenetic mechanisms in cognitive deficit after ischemic stroke
Determining the molecular mechanisms and pathways behind pathology is essential in the understanding and treatment of disease. The deterioration in cognition after ischemic stroke has been linked to epigenetic modifications. The Bioruptor is a sonicator that allows gentle, reproducible shearing of chromatin, DNA, RNA and cell/tissue disruption, which can be used for many downstream applications.
Exploring the sexual dimorphism of ischemic stroke outcome by analysing the role of epigenetics in the regulation of angiopoietin1. (Rising Star - personal award)
Stroke is the second biggest cause of mortality in Australia and has a huge socio-economic burden to the health care system and affects more women than men according to the National Stroke Association.
This project aims to elucidate whether the differences in male and female stroke outcome is associated with differences in the expression of a key protein. The epigenetic mechanism by which this protein is regulated will also be explored and could provide novel targets for intervention. This project will allow me to establish an epigenetic research lab with high throughput sequencing at JCU.
HART-BEAT: Diabetes Research from the Bench to Real World Practice
The HART-BEAT (Health practitioners And Researchers Together-Blood, Endothelium And Tissue) research group forms an alliance between laboratory based researchers, health practitioners and their patients within one research group to tackle the issues of diabetes and it’s associated complications. Individuals with diabetes have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, impaired wound healing, mental health issues or catching a secondary pathogenic infection with the risk even higher for the Indigenous community. The expected outcome from the HART-BEAT studies is a better understanding of the underlying disease mechanism of diabetes and it’s complications and development of more targeted therapies.
Establishing a rodent model for stroke
Advance Queensland Women's Academic Fund Application
Stroke is the second biggest cause of mortality in Australia and has a huge socio-economic burden to the health care system. Our research aims to look at how cerebral ischemic stroke outcome can be improved.
I aim to establish an animal model for cerebral ischemic stroke, explore the mechanism behind the reduction of a key protein after stroke and assess the effect this protein has on improving patient outcome. This research will provide a reproducible stoke model, establish whether our protein of interest can improve stroke outcome and help explain the mechanism behind the regulation of this protein.
Dissecting cadavers at the molecular level
The aims of the project are 1) to assess whether DNA can be extracted from cadaveric tissues after they have been embalmed. 2) Determine which of 2 recommend methods are more effective at extraction DNA. 3) Test a number of different tissues in the cadavers to determine which tissues can be utilised in the future.
Experiences of men who have sex with men on dating apps
Dating app preferences among men who have sex with men (MSM) privileges partner profiles that depict norms of masculinity and particular ethnicities. Concerningly, preoccupation to appear masculine and internalisation of race-based sexual stereotypes are linked with health disparities. This study will attempt to elucidate the role of bias in partner preferences among MSM within the Australian context. Specifically, the study will explore the impact of masculinity and ethnicity in partner preferences on dating apps. It will also explore how self-esteem, body image and social identity influence MSM’s dating preferences.
A Research Capacity Building and Mentor Program for Clinicians and Academics in Far North Queensland - From PICO to Pitch.
The overall aim of this project is to develop a research capacity building and mentorship program for local clinicians and academics from CHHHS and JCU to improve their ability to design and implement a research project at work.
Abattoir on the Mooove
A small Blended Learning and Innovation (BLING) grant from Learning, Teaching and Student Engagement
Assessment of Practical on Recoverable Surgery Performed on Barramundi by Final Year JCU Veterinary Science Students
Survey of final year vet students on their view of the recoverable fish surgery practical. These students are the only students in Australia to get such a practical.
Early Child Health Intervention Using Breathing Sound
Early Child Health Intervention Using Breathing Sound. Insu Song and Joachim Diederich of the James Cook University in Singapore propose a cell phone-based system for collecting and analyzing time location-tagged children's crying and breathing sounds to detect respiratory infections. This system provides treatment information for parents and generates public health data regarding the spread of infectious diseases.