POSTGRADUATE AND HONOURS RESEARCH PROJECTS 2021 - Monash ...
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POSTGRADUATE AND HONOURS RESEARCH PROJECTS 2021
The Monash Health Translation Pre- cinct’s Translational Research Facili- ty (TRF) is a purpose-built research space designed to foster innovation and health translation and the result of an $87.5 million investment in translational medicine. Set across six levels, the TRF co- locates researchers from Monash University and Hudson Institute with clinicians from Monash Health to en- hance collaboration and links be- tween basic and clinical research and patient care to expedite transla- tion of vital discoveries to the bed- side.
Contents
Why do your graduate research at the monash health translation precinct (mhtp)?................... 2
Next steps ........................................................................................................................................ 2
Technology platforms ..................................................................................................................... 3
The School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health (SCS) ............................................................. 4
Hudson Institute of Medical Research............................................................................................ 5
A Message From the Head of School, Professor Eric Morand ...................................................... 6
A Message From the CEO and Institute Director, Hudson Institute of Medical Research,
Professor Elizabeth Hartland .......................................................................................................... 7
Courses available ............................................................................................................................ 8
How to apply .................................................................................................................................... 9
Research themes ........................................................................................................................... 11
Bone and Muscle Health ............................................................................................................... 11
Cancer ............................................................................................................................................ 12
Cardiovascular .............................................................................................................................. 14
Chronic Disease Prevention and Ageing…………………………………………………………………16
Emergency Medicine ..................................................................................................................... 16
Endocrinology and Metabolism .................................................................................................... 17
Fetal, Infant and Child Health ........................................................................................................ 18
Genetic Diseases ........................................................................................................................... 20
Haematology .................................................................................................................................. 21
Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases and Immunology ............................................................ 22
Neuroscience and Psychiatry ....................................................................................................... 26
Nutrition, Dietetics And Food........................................................................................................ 29
Precision Medicine ........................................................................................................................ 31
Reproductive Health and Biology ................................................................................................. 32
Rheumatology ............................................................................................................................... 33
Sleep and Respiratory ................................................................................................................... 34
Stroke ............................................................................................................................................. 35
Supportive and Palliative Care...................................................................................................... 36
Surgery .......................................................................................................................................... 37
Women’s Health............................................................................................................................. 38
CLINICAL SCIENCES AT MONASH HEALTH - POSTGRADUATE AND HONOURS RESEARCH PROJECTS 2021 | 1
WHY DO YOUR GRADUATE RESEARCH AT THE
MONASH HEALTH TRANSLATION PRECINCT
(MHTP)?
IGNITE PASSION A CLINICAL FLAVOUR
Forever change the way you perceive the Many of our projects relate directly to disease
process of how medical knowledge is advanced. and are supervised by clinician-scientists.
In some it will ignite the passion for a career in However, there is also plenty of opportunity for
biomedical research. important basic science projects, studying
fundamental mechanisms of disease.
WORK WITH THE BEST
Our supervisors have international reputations MAKE A DIFFERENCE
for excellence in their fields. Basic science projects and clinical studies focus
on our disease. Use your knowledge and skills to
improve human health.
SIZE IS IMPORTANT
Thousands of research students have been
successfully guided to completion, with a well-
established infrastructure conducive to success.
NEXT STEPS
MAKE THE DECISION ACT!
to do a research project. For research degree applications (PhD and
Masters) go to Monash University Institute of
Graduate Research: monash.edu/graduate-
MAKE CONTACT research/future-students/apply
with a potential supervisor or the head of the For Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours)
unit in which you are interested. applications go to:
monash.edu/medicine/som/bmedsc-
hons/how-to-apply
SELECT
a topic. For Honours degree applications go to:
monash.edu/study/courses
(Find more detailed information about the
application process on following pages.)
FOR A FULL PROJECT LIST, VISIT - MONASH.EDU/MEDICINE/SCS | 2
TECHNOLOGY PLATFORMS
SCIENTISTS ARE SUPPORTED BY WORLD-LEADING TECHNOLOGY PLATFORMS
AT THE MHTP AND AT MONASH UNIVERSITY, SO THAT THEY CAN PURSUE
INNOVATIVE APPROACHES AND ADVANCES IN MEDICAL RESEARCH BY
GENERATING EVIDENCE AND DATA.
CLINICAL SCIENCES AT MONASH HEALTH - POSTGRADUATE AND HONOURS RESEARCH PROJECTS 2021 | 3
THE SCHOOL OF CLINICAL SCIENCES AT MONASH
HEALTH (SCS)
The School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health (SCS) is a health
professional school and research centre of excellence based at campuses of
Monash Health; Victoria’s largest hospital network.
SCS is at the forefront of clinical translational research with demonstrated strengths in cancer,
cardiovascular disease, endocrinology, infectious and inflammatory diseases, neurosciences,
nutrition, and women’s and children’s health. Our senior academic staff are mostly health
professionals who work closely with colleagues in Monash Health, translating scientific discoveries
into clinical practice in an innovative and collaborative environment. The Monash Health Translation
Precinct (MHTP) consists of SCS, the Hudson Institute of Medical Research, and Monash Health, and
provides exceptional collaboration opportunities.
SCS AT A GLANCE
FOR A FULL PROJECT LIST, VISIT - MONASH.EDU/MEDICINE/SCS | 4
HUDSON INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL RESEARCH
Progressing scientific knowledge into new treatments and cures Hudson
Institute is a leading Australian medical research institute recognised
internationally for research into cancer, inflammation, reproductive health and
pregnancy, and infant and child health. Our medical research programs span
discovery science and translational research, and clinical trials.
The Institute’s 475 scientists and students study human health and disease at a fundamental
molecular and cellular level to discover how biological systems work and how disease can be
prevented or treated.
Translational research requires the combined skills of scientists and clinicians taking laboratory
discoveries through to clinical application, harnessing both scientific and clinical expertise to produce
new drugs, devices or treatments that will improve patient lives.
Hudson Institute’s onsite partners, Monash Health and Monash University, are key to our discoveries.
Our research programs are driven by medical need resulting in new preventative approaches,
therapies and medical devices.
HUDSON INSTITUTE AT A GLANCE
CLINICAL SCIENCES AT MONASH HEALTH - POSTGRADUATE AND HONOURS RESEARCH PROJECTS 2021 | 5
A MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL,
PROFESSOR ERIC MORAND
The School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health in the Faculty of
Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences comprises the Faculty’s
academic departments based at Monash Health. It is the Faculty’s
largest clinical school and also hosts its Department of Nutrition,
Dietetics and Food (based at Notting Hill). There is close integration
between Monash Health clinical services and the departments
including Medicine, Psychiatry, Surgery, Paediatrics, Obstetrics &
Gynaecology, Imaging, and Nutrition and Dietetics. Moreover, the
School has extensive laboratory-based research programs that are
integrated with clinical research activities across multiple disciplines,
and also hosts three major University Centres of Excellence: The
Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, The Ritchie Centre (jointly with
Hudson Institute), and the Monash Cardiovascular Research Centre.
Many group leaders are recognised as international leaders in their
fields.
There is a strong focus on both basic and
translational research with real clinical issues driving research questions
addressed in the laboratories. Similarly, laboratory-derived discoveries can be
rapidly tested in relevant clinical settings.
The School has a strong track record of welcoming and supporting research students in productive
graduate (Honours and Doctoral) programs. A growing number of gifted students have progressed
from Honours or BMedSc through successful PhDs and Postdocs to become successful, independent
researchers and biomedical professionals in the School and beyond.
SCS is proud of its partnership with Monash Health, Victoria’s largest and most comprehensive health
service, and the Hudson Institute, and its basic and clinical research is equal to the best in the world.
Somehow we manage to have a happy workplace culture too – I think this is because we all know we
are doing good. So for research in a clinically-enriched environment, you will not find a more high-
impact, or welcoming, place than SCS.
FOR A FULL PROJECT LIST, VISIT - MONASH.EDU/MEDICINE/SCS | 6
A MESSAGE FROM THE CEO AND INSTITUTE
DIRECTOR, HUDSON INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL
RESEARCH, PROFESSOR ELIZABETH HARTLAND
Hudson Institute medical research programs span
the full spectrum, from discovery to translational
research and clinical trials. While excellence in
biomedical research is at our core, every scientist
and student at Hudson Institute has the opportunity
to see their research impact real-world change.
As part of a vibrant medical research hub, our scientists work
alongside Monash Health clinicians and staff. This fundamental
science-clinic-patient connection means our scientific discoveries
are informed by patient need and positioned for clinical development
into new drugs, devices or treatments that improve the lives of
patients. Our game-changing outcomes for Australian and global
health are the result of those essential partnerships.
As a leading medical research institute, we have the welcome duty of training brilliant young minds to
reach their full potential. Our students are valued members of our more than 50 research groups. We
believe every student has the potential to become a research leader - the people who will solve
today’s health problems and build tomorrow’s industries.
As a member of a world-class research group, and through one-on-one supervision and mentorship,
our students develop confidence, skills and thinking, necessary to pursue robust scientific discovery
and thrive in an international research community. In 2019, Hudson Institute students were first
authors on 43 peer-reviewed publications.
Our training also equips students with a range of dynamic and transferrable skills for careers in
biomedical and clinical research and beyond, from commercialisation to the pharmaceutical industry.
Student retreats, mentorship programs, seminars, networking programs and a dynamic student
society are a big part of student life at Hudson Institute. In addition, our academic partnership with
Monash University, Australia’s largest university, ensures our students have access to comprehensive
training programs and shared state-of-the-art research facilities.
Hudson Institute provides an outstanding environment for discovery and applied biomedical research.
I am proud of the work of our incredible researchers and students, and know you’ll be warmly
welcomed when contacting a Supervisor for advice at any stage.
CLINICAL SCIENCES AT MONASH HEALTH - POSTGRADUATE AND HONOURS RESEARCH PROJECTS 2021 | 7
COURSES AVAILABLE
HONOURS PROGRAMS Dr Tony White
E: anthony.white@monash.edu
• Bachelor of Biomedical Science
(Honours)
Ms Pianca Schwarz
• Bachelor of Science (Honours) –
E: BMedSc.Hons.SCS@monash.edu
including Bachelor of Biotechnology
T: 03 857 22771
(Honours)
• Bachelor of Medical Science
(Honours)
• Bachelor of Nutrition (Honours)
POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH
• Bachelor of Behavioural Neuroscience PROGRAMS
(Honours) • Doctor of Philosophy
• Doctor of Medicine
For further information about an Honours
• Research Masters
program contact:
• Master of Reproductive Sciences
Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours)
For further information about Masters or PhD
Professor Mark Hedger projects contact:
E: mark.hedger@hudson.org.au
Professor Kate Loveland
Head of Postgraduate Studies
Dr Paul King E: phd.scs@monash.edu
E: paul.king@monash.edu
Postgraduate Enquiries
Ms Gabrielle Cunniffe
Postgraduate Research Programs Officer
E: gabrielle.cunniffe@hudson.org.au
E: scs.gradresearch@monash.edu
T: 03 857 22552
T: 03 857 22787
Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours)
FOR A FULL PROJECT LIST, VISIT - MONASH.EDU/MEDICINE/SCS | 8HOW TO APPLY
EXTERNAL APPLICATIONS (NON-
MONASH STUDENTS) The Biomedical Research Project component of
Applications from external students (both your Honours year (BMS4100) is run by the
international and Australian) are very welcome. School of Clinical Sciences (SCS)/ Hudson
In addition to the information in the following Institute, based at the Monash Medical Centre.
pages, you will need to provide details of courses The course work component of the Honours year
you have studied and a certified transcript of your (BMS4200) is run jointly by SCS/Hudson Institute
academic record so Monash University can give and the School of Biomedical Sciences.
you appropriate credit.
The BMS Honours application form can be
accessed from monash.edu/discovery-
HONOURS institute/honours
The Honours courses aim to provide students
with a higher level of experience in independent Apply online at E-Admissions:
analysis and research in their chosen area of monash.edu/admissions/apply/online in early
expertise. November (check the website for the exact date).
Each Honours course has its own requirements
BACHELOR OF MEDICAL SCIENCE
and deadlines. Therefore, it is advisable to check
the relevant Faculty and department websites (HONOURS)
and begin looking for potential research This one-year research program is available to
projects/supervisors early in second semester. students who have successfully completed at
least 3 years of medical studies. There is also
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) the opportunity to convert the BMedSc(Hons) to
You must meet the requirements of the a PhD. This new initiative of MBBS/MD-PhD
department in which you intend to undertake the allows students to accelerate their research
coursework component of the degree. This is studies and complete a PhD in 2 rather than 3
usually a Distinction-grade average (70%), or years. Eligible students require a mark of H1 for
above, in 24 points of studies in relevant units at their BMedSc(Hons) project and can apply for a
level three. The coursework component of your scholarship to complete their PhD. Students
Honours year will be run by the department in intermit from Medicine whilst pursuing this
which you enrol. This will be the one most program. Students wishing to take this
appropriate to your research component, and opportunity should discuss the possibility with
need not necessarily be the one in which you their supervisor early in their BMedSc(Hons) year
undertook your level three major studies. Your and also with the Director of Medical Student
research component can also be carried out at Research megan.wallace@monash.edu
Hudson Institute.
Students who are undertaking a medicine
The Honours application form can be program at a university other than Monash must
downloaded from: monash.edu/science/future- have completed equivalent studies
students corresponding to a minimum of 3 years of the
Monash University undergraduate BMedSc/MD
BACHELOR OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE program.
(HONOURS) There is now the option of completing a
You must meet the requirements of the BMedSc(Hons) after graduation with an
department in which you have majored; for Australian or New Zealand BMedsc/MD.
Monash students this is usually a Distinction-
grade average (70%), or above, in BMS2031, Information regarding the program is available
BMS3042 and 12-24 points of studies at level online monash.edu/medicine/som/bmedsc-
three units. Acceptance of external applicants is hons
based on an individual assessment of their
academic record in relevant areas of study.
CLINICAL SCIENCES AT MONASH HEALTH - POSTGRADUATE AND HONOURS RESEARCH PROJECTS 2021 | 9BACHELOR OF NUTRITION (HONOURS) Masters or PhD degree. The pre-requisite for
This program is for top-ranking graduates of a enrolment in these programs is an Honours
degree H2A or above, or equivalent.
dietetic or nutrition science course. It will allow
participants to develop their research skills and Introduced in 2015, the new Monash Doctoral
competencies, learn specific techniques and gain Program includes a coursework or professional
a deeper understanding of a selected aspect of development component, setting the Monash
human nutrition. PhD apart from all other Australian PhDs. There
are three different programs available across the
The program consists of an individual major
Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences
research project and a compulsory coursework
component. The coursework is conducted in and students can tailor their program to suit their
individual needs.
Semester One, and includes modules on
literature reviewing, study design, data collection, The minimum duration of PhD candidature
data analysis, scientific report-writing, and enrolment is three years of full-time. Typically, a
submitting work for peer review. In turn this PhD candidate holds a scholarship, which
contributes towards the successful completion of provides support for a maximum of 3.5 years.
a research project. Thesis assessment is made by examiners
Projects are chosen from either clinical or external to the department in which you are
community/ population nutrition areas or studying and selected because of their expertise
in the candidate’s field of research.
metabolism and are supervised by an
experienced member of staff of the Department Applications for PhD and Masters can be made
of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food. any time throughout the year. It is essential to
More information is available here: have obtained a supervisor before commencing
monash.edu/medicine/scs/nutrition/teaching/ the application process.
bnd-honours There are four scholarship rounds per year
offered by Monash University. Closing dates are:
BACHELOR OF BEHAVIOURAL
31 March – International Applicants
NEUROSCIENCE (HONOURS)
The Honours year in Behavioural Neuroscience 31 May – Domestic Applicants
aims to extend research training in specialised
areas of behavioural neuroscience, and to help 31 August – International Applicants
students acquire sophisticated research skills. It 31 October – Domestic Applicants
is a course requirement that the research project
component of the Honours year has significant To apply for either candidature or a scholarship,
‘behavioural neuroscience content’ (students please refer to: monash.edu/graduate-
must gain course coordinator’s approval prior to research/future-students/apply
the initiation of the research project).
There may be departmental scholarships
Honours in the Bachelor of Behavioural available. Contact individual supervisors for
Neuroscience is offered to students who have details of these. Information regarding Monash
completed the undergraduate BBNSc degree University Research scholarships is available
with 70% average or better in 24 credit points of through the Monash University website:
core third year behavioural neuroscience monash.edu.au/scholarships
subjects, as well as meeting entry requirements
for their chosen program. NEW GRADUATE CERTIFICATE &
Information regarding the program is available DOCTORAL PROGRAM IN
from the Online Handbook: TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
monash.edu/medicine/psych Unique to Monash University, this program
delivers the ‘knowhow’ to bring your work from
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PHD)/ bench to bedside.
RESEARCH MASTERS DEGREES Topics include:
Students wishing to complete advanced research
training should enrol for either a Research
FOR A FULL PROJECT LIST, VISIT - MONASH.EDU/MEDICINE/SCS | 10• Clinical trial, good clinical practice, POSTGRADUATE STUDENT
bioethics
• Bioinformatics, bioprocessing,
COMMITTEE
biobanking, bioimaging The Committee aims to ensure that each student
• Phenomics is able to manage their workload, expectations,
career development and any conflict issues that
• Industry engagement, research
may arise. The Committee coordinates Graduate
commercialization, new biomedical
Research confirmations, progress reviews, final
technologies, intellectual property
reviews seminars and PhD scholarship
• Dissemination of translational research
applications. It also runs instructional sessions
For more information: on time management, thesis writing and
monash.edu/medicine/ccs/translational scholarship applications. Students are monitored
annually and have the opportunity to present at
the annual SCS/Hudson Institute Student
Symposium.
RESEARCH THEMES
BONE AND MUSCLE HEALTH
The Bone and Muscle Health Group
conducts clinical trials investigating
effects of new and current
pharmaceuticals, calcium, vitamin D,
and exercise on bone structure, body
composition, physical function, falls and
fractures.
We conduct observational studies into determinants
and consequences of osteoporosis and sarcopenia
in older adults. We also investigate the ethnic
differences in musculoskeletal health to gain a better
understanding of the prevalence of osteoporosis and
sarcopenia. We offer diagnostic tools to support a
comprehensive platform for bone health and body
composition assessment including DXA (Dual-
energy X-ray Absorptiometry), used primarily to
evaluate bone mineral density and total body
composition, and high-resolution peripheral
quantitative computed tomography, which assesses
peripheral bone mineral density, geometry and
microarchitecture.
CLINICAL SCIENCES AT MONASH HEALTH - POSTGRADUATE AND HONOURS RESEARCH PROJECTS 2021 | 11PUBLICATIONS ARISING FROM STUDENT PROJECTS
Mesinovic J, McMillan LB, Shore-Lorenti Wearable Plantar Force Measurement between dietary inflammatory index and
C, De Courten B, Ebeling PR, Scott D Device. IEEE Sensors Journal 1-1 musculoskeletal health in community-
(2019) Metabolic Syndrome and Its dwelling older adults. Clin Nutr doi:
Associations with Components of Dang M, Shore-Lorenti C, McMillan LB, 10.1016/j.clnu.2019.02.031
Mesinovic J, Hayes A, Ebeling PR, Scott
Sarcopenia in Overweight and Obese
D (2019) Associations of Serum 25-
Older Adults. Journal of Clinical Medicine Rodríguez AJ, Lewis JR, Scott DS, Kiel
8:145 Hydroxyvitamin D with Physical DP, Schousboe JT, Ebeling PR, Prince
Performance and Bone Health in RL (2018) Aortic Calcification is
McMillan LB, Treuheim TDPV, Murphy A, Overweight and Obese Older Adults. Int Associated with FiveYear Decline in
Zengin A, Ebeling PR, Scott D (2019) J Environ Res Public Health 16:509 Handgrip Strength in Older Women.
Development and Validation of a Calcif Tissue Int 103:589-98.
Cervo MM, Shivappa N, Hebert JR, et al.
(2019) Longitudinal associations
AVAILABLE PROJECTS
Associate Professor Frances Milat Dr Ayse Zengin
fran.milat@hudson.org.au Ayse.Zengin@monash.edu
Secondary theme(s): Endocrinology and Secondary theme(s): Cardiovascular,
Metabolism, Women’s Health Endocrinology and Metabolism
• Optimising Osteoporosis Management in • Ethnic differences in body composition
Chronic Disease and the effects on bone health in ageing
adults from The Gambia and India
Dr Nora Mutalima • Ethnic differences in bone geometry in
Nora.Mutalima@monash.edu men and women from India and The
• A prospective, multi-centre randomised Gambia
comparative study of implant fit of the • Study of Indigenous Muscle & Bone
Stryker Accolade II® Hip Stem Ageing (SIMBA): why fall and fracture
compared to the Corail Hip Stem risk increased.
• Understanding interactions between
vascular-bone health in The Gambia,
West Africa
CANCER
Cancer, a disease that can develop within
almost every part of the human body and
affects hundreds of thousands of Australians
every year, results from the abnormal and
uncontrolled proliferation of cells to form a
tumour which can then spread to distant parts
of the body, a process called metastasis.
Cutting edge research is vital to finding a cure
to this devastating disease and cancer
researchers are at the forefront in tackling the
most pressing challenges in understanding,
diagnosing and treating both adult and
childhood cancers.
They undertake basic and translational research into the molecular mechanisms underlying the
development, growth and metastasis of tumours, as well as the relationship between the adaptive
immune system and the tumour. The goal is to explain the fundamental mechanisms of tumour
FOR A FULL PROJECT LIST, VISIT - MONASH.EDU/MEDICINE/SCS | 12biology and to use research discoveries for the development of novel cancer therapies and
biomarkers of cancer.
AVAILABLE PROJECTS
Dr Minna-Liisa Anko • Transcriptional regulators as cancer
Minni.Anko@hudson.org.au targets: new models and therapeutic
Secondary theme(s): Reproductive Health and approaches
Biology • Understanding cancer resistance to
• Discovering the role of miRNA chemotherapy
processing in cancer
• No nonsense – regulated RNA degration Dr Daniel Gough
as a novel way to control gene daniel.gough@monash.edu
expression Secondary theme(s): Precision Medicine
• RNA biology of blood cell production – • Defining mechanisms of mitochondrial
how platelets get their RNA protein import
• Defining the mechanisms regulating
Dr Jason Cain macrophage metabolic reprogramming
jason.cain@hudson.org.au • Functional genomic screening to identify
Secondary theme(s): Precision Medicine novel approaches to overcome drug
• Defining the roles of epigenetic resistance in Small Cell Lung Cancer
dysregulation in Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine • Targeting purine and pyrimidine
Glioma (DIPG) synthesis to treat Small Cell Lung
• Exploiting Epigenetic Dysregulation in Cancer
SWI/SNF-Deficient Solid Tumours
Professor Paul Hertzog
Dr Simon Chu paul.hertzog@hudson.org.au
simon.chu@hudson.org.au • Characterisation of a novel cytokine in
Secondary theme(s): Endocrinology and mucosal immune responses to infections
Metabolism • Innate immune responses regulating
• Molecular pathogenesis of granulosa cell breast cancer metastases
tumours of the ovary • Structure-function studies of interferon
• Role of XIAP in Endocrine Cancer signaling
(Ovarian and Thyroid) • Systems biology of innate immune
• The role of a novel cytokine in
Dr Ron Firestein endometrial and cervical cancer
ron.firestein@hudson.org.au
Secondary theme(s): Genetic Diseases, Professor Graham Jenkin
Neuroscience and Psychiatry, Precision graham.jenkin@monash.edu
Medicine Secondary theme(s): Infectious and
• Development of new 3-dimensional Inflammatory Diseases and Immunology,
models of cancer to model drug Precision Medicine
resistance and develop new cancer • Elimination of cancer stem cells using
treatment chimeric antigen receptor T cells
• Functional genomic screens to identify • Genetically engineered human MSCs as
new therapeutic targets for bowel cancer supporting inducers of in vitro t-cell
• How can we do a better job detecting production
cancer in patients ? Devising new • Isolation and Expansion of Umbilical
strategies and technologies using blood Cord Blood Stem Cells for Regenerative
based biomarkers Medicine
• Precision Medicine for Childhood Brain • Next-generation micro-bead signalling
Cancer systems for T-cell generation and cancer
treatment.
CLINICAL SCIENCES AT MONASH HEALTH - POSTGRADUATE AND HONOURS RESEARCH PROJECTS 2021 | 13• Optimising the function of anti-cancer • Identification of novel immune regulators
killer T cells:the role of endogenous TRC in stomach (gastric) cancer
in CAR-T function and overcoming • Precision medicine for innate immune
exhaustion to supercharge CAR-T cells pattern recognition receptors in
• Re-engineering the function of natural pancreatic cancer
killer cell receptors via CRISPR/Cas9: a
new approach for ‘off-the-shelf’ Dr Andrew Stephens
immunotherapy andrew.n.stephens@hudson.org.au
Secondary theme(s): Precision Medicine,
Professor Brendan Jenkins Women’s Health, Infectious and Inflammatory
brendan.jenkins@hudson.org.au Diseases and Immunology
Secondary theme(s): Chronic Disease • Identifying New Drug Targets in Ovarian
Prevention and Healthy Ageing, Infectious and Cancer Stem-Like Cells
Inflammatory Diseases and Immunology, • Photodynamic Therapy for Cancer
Precision Medicine Treatment
• Identification of immune system
regulators as therapeutic targets in lung
cancer
CARDIOVASCULAR
Monash Cardiovascular Research
Centre (MCRC) is the research
entity of MonashHeart. MCRC
coordinates a very active program
of clinically orientated research
with an international reputation for
first-in-human studies and novel
percutaneous techniques for
structural heart disease. Areas of
particular strength include
Transcatheter aortic valve
implantation, intra-coronary imaging, testing of novel coronary stent designs,
arterial function and coronary CT imaging. There is a very active training
program for registrars and fellows, as well as generally 2-3 PhD candidates
and 1-2 BMedSc(Hons) students. If you are interested in BMedSc(Hons) or
other postgraduate research opportunities in the cardiology field, please
contact Professor Stephen Nicholls, Director of MCRC at:
stephen.nicholls@monash.edu.
At Hudson Institute, we undertake basic research to improve understanding of the role of steroid
hormones and their receptors in heart disease and other metabolic conditions. We are seeking to
determine the mechanisms by which antagonists and coregulators of the mineralocorticoid receptor
(MR) reduce symptoms and improve survival in patients with heart failure. In addition to its effects in
cardiomyocytes, we are researching the role of the MR in peripheral blood monocytes and tissue
macrophages in the pathogenesis of heart failure. We also have projects investigating novel MR
signalling pathways in cardiomyocytes and how they can be dysregulated in heart failure. The aim of
FOR A FULL PROJECT LIST, VISIT - MONASH.EDU/MEDICINE/SCS | 14our work is to determine targets for clinical therapies to reduce heart disease and inflammation with
minimal side effects. Please contact Dr Morag Young at morag.young@hudson.org.au) to discuss
projects for Honours, Masters and PhD degrees.
RECENT PUBLICATIONS ARISING FROM STUDENT PROJECTS
Fahey JK, Williams SM, Tyagi S, Powell Ha FJ, Nogic J, Montone RA, Cameron confidence in patients with heart failure:
DR, Hallab JC, Chahal G, Ramialison JD, Nerlekar N, Brown AJ. Drug eluting A prospective observational study. Heart
MSM, White AJ. The Intercellular Tight versus bare metal stents for Lung. 2018 Jan - Feb;47(1):54- 60.
Junction and Spontaneous Coronary percutaneous coronary intervention of doi:10.1016/j.hrtlng.2017.09.006. Epub
Artery Dissection. J Am Coll Cardiol. saphenous vein graft lesions: An 2017 Oct 21. PubMed PMID: 29066116.
2018 Oct 2;72(14):1752- 1753. doi: updated meta-analysis of randomized
10.1016/j.jacc.2018.07.040. PubMed controlled trials. Cardiovasc Revasc Ha FJ, Hare DL, Cameron JD, Toukhsati
PMID: 30261968. Med. 2018 Oct - Nov;19(7 Pt B):837-844. SR. Heart Failure and Exercise: A
doi:10.1016/j.carrev.2018.03.025. Epub Narrative Review of the Role of Self-
Fahey JK, Ihdayhid AR, White AJ. A 42- 2018 Apr 3. PubMed PMID: 29685385. Efficacy. Heart Lung Circ. 2018
yearold woman with acute myocardial Jan;27(1):22-27. doi:
infarction. Heart. 2018 Oct;104(19):1607. Nerlekar N, Ha FJ, Cheshire C, Rashid 10.1016/j.hlc.2017.08.012. Epub 2017
doi: 10.1136/ heartjnl-2017-312779. H, Cameron JD, Wong DT, Seneviratne Sep 12. Review. PubMed PMID:
Epub 2018 Jun 28. PubMed PMID: S, Brown AJ. Computed Tomographic 28969981.
29954857. Coronary Angiography-Derived Plaque
Characteristics Predict Major Adverse Ha FJ, Barra S, Brown AJ, Begley DA,
Nogic J, Baey YW, Nerlekar N, Ha FJ, Cardiovascular Events: A Systematic Grace AA, Agarwal S. Continuous and
Cameron JD, Nasis A, West NEJ, Brown Review and Meta-Analysis. Circ minimallyinterrupted direct oral
AJ. Polymer-free versus permanent Cardiovasc Imaging. 2018 anticoagulant are both safe compared
polymercoated drug eluting stents for the Jan;11(1):e006973. doi:10.1161/ with vitamin K antagonist for atrial
treatment of coronary artery disease: A CIRCIMAGING.117.006973. PubMed fibrillation ablation: An updated
meta-analysis of randomized trials. J PMID: 29305348. metaanalysis. Int J Cardiol. 2018 Jul
Interv Cardiol. 2018 Oct;31(5):608-616. 1;262:51-56.
doi: 10.1111/joic.12522. Epub 2018 May Ha FJ, Toukhsati SR, Cameron JD, doi:10.1016/j.ijcard.2018.03.095. Epub
24. PubMed PMID: 29797804. Yates R, Hare DL. Association between 2018
the 6-minute walk test and exercise
AVAILABLE PROJECTS
Dr Monique Kilkenny Emeritus Professor Ban-Hock Toh
Monique.Kilkenny@monash.edu Ban-Hock.Toh@monash.edu
Secondary theme(s): Stroke Secondary theme(s): Infectious and
• Risk factors for patients with stroke Inflammatory Diseases and Immunology, Stroke
developing acute coronary syndrome in • Immune inflammatory mechanisms in
Australia Atherosclerosis-based heart attacks and
strokes
Dr Gina Kusuma
Gina.Kusuma@hudson.org.au Associate Professor Sarah Zaman
• Bioengineering strategies to enhance Sarah.Zaman@monash.edu
stem cell therapeutics for vascular Secondary theme(s): Infectious and
regeneration Inflammatory Diseases and Immunology,
• Novel formulations of stem cell-derived Women’s Health
exosomes for vascular regeneration • COVID-19 Pandemic and Impact on
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for
Associate Professor Rebecca Lim Coronary Artery Disease
Rebecca.lim@hudson.org.au • Prevention and treatment of heart
• Treatment of Critical Limb Ischemia with disease in women
Stem Cell based nanomedicine
CLINICAL SCIENCES AT MONASH HEALTH - POSTGRADUATE AND HONOURS RESEARCH PROJECTS 2021 | 15CHRONIC DISEASE PREVENTION AND HEALTHY
AGEING
AVAILABLE PROJECTS
Professor Barbora De Courten • Nutrigenomics as a tool for prevention of
Barbora.DeCourten@monash.edu cardiometabolic risk factors
Secondary theme(s): Endocrinology and • Nutritional lipidomics
Metabolism, Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, • Prevention and treatment of chronic
Precision Medicine diseases
• Carnosine supplementation for • The impact of “food addiction”
prevention of chronic diseases explanations for obesity on public and
• Health economics for chronic diseases patient attitudes and behaviour
• Microbiome composition in chronic
diseases
EMERGENCY MEDICINE
Adult emergency medicine research
interests include:
• Clinical decision rule application and
validation
• Treatment and assessment of
nausea/vomiting and confirmation of
antiemetic effectiveness
• Alcohol harm and interventions for
reduction
• Treatment of paracetamol poisoning
• Assessment of toxicity of emerging
and novel pharmaceuticals in deliberate
self-poisoning
• Toxicovigilance and poisoning
trends and outcomes of poisoning in south-eastern Melbourne
Our paediatric emergency medicine group has wide interests in all aspects of the paediatric
emergency care, including critical care and resuscitation, common illnesses and clinical procedures,
diagnostic testing, pain management and clinical decision rules.
RECENT PUBLICATIONS ARISING FROM STUDENT PROJECTS
PhD A primer for clinical researchers in the Paracetamol metabolite concentrations
emergency department: Part VI. following low risk overdose treated with
MicroRNA from a 12-h versus 20-h Measuring what matters: Core outcome an abbreviated 12-h versus 20-h
acetylcysteine infusion for paracetamol sets in emergency medicine research S acetylcysteine infusion A Wong, N
overdose A Wong, C Nejad, M Gantier, Craig, A Graudins, SR Dalziel, CVE Homer, JW Dear, KW Choy, J Doery, A
KW Choy, J Doery, A Graudins Human & Powell, FE Babl Emergency Medicine Graudins Clinical Toxicology, 2018: In
experimental toxicology, 2019 (Early on- Australasia 2019: 31 (1), 29-34 Press)
line) 0960327119833740
Randomized Placebo‐controlled Trial of Hepatotoxicity after paracetamol
The NACSTOP Trial: A Multicenter, Droperidol and Ondansetron for Adult overdose in a patient with cystic fibrosis
Cluster‐ Controlled Trial of Early Emergency Department Patients With despite early acetylcysteine and utility of
Cessation of Acetylcysteine in Nausea R Meek, MJ Mee, D Egerton‐ microRNA to predict hepatotoxicity A
Acetaminophen Overdose A Wong, R Warburton, A Graudins, A Meyer, Wong, B Cheung, C Nejad, M Gantier, A
McNulty, D Taylor, M Sivilotti, S Greene, ...Academic Emergency Medicine. 2018 Graudins Clinical Toxicology 2019: 56
N Gunja, A Graudins Hepatology 2019: (In Press) (10), 904-906
69 (2), 774-784
FOR A FULL PROJECT LIST, VISIT - MONASH.EDU/MEDICINE/SCS | 16Honours Extended‐release quetiapine overdose is quetiapine overdose L Taylor, A
associated with delayed onset of toxicity Graudins Emergency Medicine
compared to immediate‐release Australasia 2019 (In Press)
AVAILABLE PROJECTS
Adj Clin Prof Diana Egerton-Warburton Dr Pourya Pouryahya
Diana.Egerton-Warburton@monash.edu Pourya.pouryahya@monash.edu
• Conservative treatment of primary Secondary theme(s): Imaging
spontaneous pneumothorax - A Post • Melbourne Hip Rules
Implementation Study
• Health Promoting Emergency Associate Professor Anselm Wong
Departments (HPED): Innovation, Anselm.Wong@monash.edu
Opportunity and Overcoming Barriers • Development of liver injury despite early
acetylcysteine in paracetamol overdose
ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM
The complex endocrine system impacts all aspects of health and disease. Our
goal is to improve understanding of the role of hormones in human biology
and disease to tackle key health challenges facing Australian and global
communities, including reproductive health, metabolic bone disease,
hypertension and cardiovascular disease, endocrine cancer and obesity.
Clinical translation of our findings to improve diagnosis, therapeutic
intervention and prevention of disease remains a key focus.
RECENT PUBLICATIONS ARISING FROM STUDENT PROJECTS
Aleksova J, Wong P, McLachlan R, Choy fracture in men on dialysis therapy. Gonadal hormones in the pathogenesis
KW, Ebeling PR, Milat F, Elder GJ Kidney Int 94:372-380. and treatment of bone health in patients
(2018) Sex hormone-binding globulin is a with chronic kidney disease: a systematic
biomarker associated with nonvertebral Aleksova J, Rodriguez AJ, McLachlan R, review and metaanalysis. Curr
Kerr P, Milat F, Ebeling PR (2018) Osteoporos Rep 16:674-692.
AVAILABLE PROJECTS
Adj Assoc Prof Colin Clyne Secondary theme(s): Reproductive Health and
colin.clyne@hudson.org.au Biology, Cancer, Cardiovascular
Secondary theme(s): Cancer • Mineralcortiocoid receptor regulation of
• Nuclear Receptor Pharmacology gene expression in reproductive tissue
• Understanding resistance to breast • Molecular Pathogenesis of Granulosa
cancer therapies Cell Tumours of the Ovary
• Structure - function relationships of the
mineralcorticoid receptor
Professor Barbora De Courten
Barbora.DeCourten@monash.edu
Secondary theme(s): Chronic Disease Dr Jun Yang
Prevention and Healthy Ageing Jun.Yang@hudson.org.au
• Carnosine supplementation for Secondary theme(s): Cardiovascular, Precision
prevention of chronic diseases Medicine
• Clinician and population attitude towards
hypertension treatment and primary
Professor Peter Fuller
aldosteronism
peter.fuller@hudson.org.au
• Developing assays using modern
platforms to improve diagnostic precision
CLINICAL SCIENCES AT MONASH HEALTH - POSTGRADUATE AND HONOURS RESEARCH PROJECTS 2021 | 17• Establish a national PA registry to enable
comprehensive data collection
FETAL, INFANT AND CHILD HEALTH
The Fetal, Infant and Child Health theme
encompasses five key research areas
Respiratory and Cardiovascular
Research projects include: improving the transition at birth in
asphyxiated infants, fetal lung growth and development, and
imaging the entry of air into lungs at birth.
Brain injury and Neurodevelopmental
Research projects include: new therapies for neonatal
seizures, neuro-steriods as brain growth and protection
factors, causes of perinatal brain injury and how to prevent
them, and prenatal origins of cerebral palsy and mental
disorders (autism, schizophrenia).
Infant and Child Health
Research projects include: sudden infant death syndrome,
infant cardio-respiratory development, and childhood sleep
disorders.
Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine
Current research projects include: placental stem cells, lung and brain repair, neural and blood vessel
regeneration, cerebral palsy, biomatrices and stem cells, and stem cell expansion.
Infection, Inflammation and Immunity
Research projects include: early life inflammation and cardiovascular disease, maternal immunisation
against whooping cough – effect on fetal and postnatal brain development, effect of maternal asthma
on fetal/neonatal lung development and function, vaccine safety for use in general practice, and novel
anti-inflammatory approaches for currently untreatable diseases of the preterm baby
RECENT PUBLICATIONS ARISING FROM STUDENT PROJECTS
Tamanyan K, Walter LM, Weichard A, A, Polglase GR. Fetal growth restriction Bui CB, Pang MA, Sehgal A, Theda C,
Davey MJ, Nixon GM, Biggs SN, Horne is associated with an altered Lao JC, Berger PJ, Nold MF, Nold-Petry
RSC. Age Effects on Cerebral cardiopulmonary and cerebral CA. Pulmonary hypertension associated
Oxygenation and Behavior in Children hemodynamic response to surfactant with bronchopulmonary dysplasia in
with Sleep-disordered Breathing. Am J therapy in preterm lambs. Pediatr Res. preterm infants. J Reprod Immunol. 2017
Respir Crit Care Med. 2018 Jun 2019 Apr 14. doi: 10.1038/s41390- 019- Nov;124:21-29. doi: 10.1016/j.
1;197(11):1468-1477. doi: 10.1164/ 0398-4. [Epub ahead of print] jri.2017.09.013. Epub 2017 Oct 2.
rccm.201709-1825OC. Review.
Kashyap AJ, Crossley KJ, DeKoninck
Shepherd KL, Yiallourou SR, Odoi A, PLJ, Rodgers KA, Thio M, Skinner SM, Paton MCB, Allison BJ, Fahey MC, Li J,
Brew N, Yeomans E, Willis S, Horne Deprest JA, Hooper SB, Hodges RJ. Sutherland AE, Pham Y, Nitsos I, Bischof
RSC, Wong FY. Effects of Prone Neonatal cardiopulmonary transition in RJ, Moss TJ, Polglase GR, Jenkin G,
Sleeping on Cerebral Oxygenation in an ovine model of congenital Miller SL, McDonald CA. Umbilical cord
Preterm Infants. J Pediatr. 2019 diaphragmatic hernia. Arch Dis Child blood versus mesenchymal stem cells for
Jan;204:103-110.e1. doi: 10.1016/j. Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2019 Feb 6. pii: inflammationinduced preterm brain injury
jpeds.2018.08.076. Epub 2018 Oct 5. fetalneonatal-2018-316045. doi: 10.1136/ in fetal sheep. Pediatr Res. 2019 Mar 11.
archdischild-2018-316045. [Epub ahead doi: 10.1038/ s41390-019-0366-z. [Epub
Malhotra A, Miller SL, Jenkin G, Hooper of print] ahead of print]
SB, Allison BJ, Sozo F, Zahra V, Sehgal
FOR A FULL PROJECT LIST, VISIT - MONASH.EDU/MEDICINE/SCS | 18AVAILABLE PROJECTS
Dr Beth Allison
beth.allison@hudson.org.au
Secondary theme(s): Cardiovascular
Professor Graham Jenkin
• What role does the uterine environment
graham.jenkin@monash.edu
have in cardiovascular disease?
Secondary theme(s): Infectious and
Inflammatory Diseases and Immunology,
Dr Alison Crichton Neuroscience and Psychiatry, Women’s Health
Ali.Crichton@monash.edu • Isolation and Expansion of Umbilical
Secondary theme(s): Neuroscience and Cord Blood Stem Cells for Regenerative
Psychiatry, Sleep and Respiratory, Stroke, Medicine
Women’s Health
• A systematic review to examine
Associate Professor Rebecca Lim
pharmacological and behavioural
Rebecca.lim@hudson.org.au
interventions for sleep disturbance or
• Activating the Stem Cell Niche
fatigue in children with acquired central
nervous system disorders
• Application of everday memory skills Dr Atul Malhotra
group to clinical practice in child brain Atul.Malhotra@monash.edu
injury Secondary theme(s): Women’s Health,
• Child and adolescent sleep and fatigue Nutrition, Dietetics and Food
after brain injury - a prospective study. • Interprofessional simulation based
PROJECT ON HOLD education
• VicFAS database • Understanding the body composition of
low birth weight infants
Dr Kelly Crossley
kelly.crossley@hudson.org.au Dr Courtney McDonald
• Reducing the risk of pulmonary courtney.mcdonald@hudson.org.au
hypertension in infants with a congenital Secondary theme(s): Fetal, Infant and Child
diaphragmatic hernia. Health
• Transition to life after birth • Developing 3D brain organoids to model
perinatal brain injury
• Developing a combination stem cell
Professor Stuart Hooper
therapy for preterm inflammation induced
Stuart.Hooper@monash.edu
brain injury
• Imaging the Entry of Air into the Lungs at
• Development of a novel MRI method to
Birth
deliver neural stem cells to the
• Transition to Life After Birth
developing brain
Professor Rosemary Horne Associate Professor Suzanne Miller
rosemary.horne@monash.edu
suzie.miller@hudson.org.au
Secondary theme(s): Sleep and Respiratory
• Improving functional deficits associated
• Are Sleep Spindles Associated with
with fetal growth restriction
Neurocognitive Deficits in Children with
Sleep Disordered Breathing?
• Obstructive sleep apnoea in children with
Professor Marcel Nold
Down syndrome Marcel.Nold@monash.edu
Secondary theme(s): Infectious and
Inflammatory Diseases and Immunology
• Baby Microbiome: Investigating the
Human Neonatal Lung and Gut
CLINICAL SCIENCES AT MONASH HEALTH - POSTGRADUATE AND HONOURS RESEARCH PROJECTS 2021 | 19Microbiome and its Impact on Health • The use of cell-free DNA testing in
Outcome. screening for fetal chromosomal
• Exploring a new frontier: The immune abnormalities - analysis of an expanded
and coagulation systems of the panel with genome wide analysis.
premature infant and their relevance for Professor Euan Wallace
the risk of the major diseases of Euan.Wallace@monash.edu
prematurity Secondary theme(s): Reproductive Health and
• Investigating Novel Anti-Inflammatory Biology, Women’s Health
Approaches for Currently Untreatable • Reducing preterm birth
Diseases of the Preterm Baby
Associate Professor Megan Wallace
Associate Professor Claudia Nold Megan.Wallace@monash.edu
claudia.nold@hudson.org.au • Evaluating the outcomes of
Secondary theme(s): Bone and Muscle Health, undergraduate medical and biomedical
Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases and student research
Immunology
• Novel Anti-Inflammatory Approaches for
Professor Katrina Williams
Currently Untreatable Diseases of the
Katrina.Williams@monash.edu
Preterm Baby
• Making best use of existing data to
understand autism spectrum disorders,
Associate Professor Graeme Polglase changes over time and service needs in
graeme.polglase@monash.edu Australia.
• Improving breathing of preterm • Understanding the development and
newborns exposed to inflammation outcomes of children who lose skills
during pregnancy before they develop autism.
• Improving the transition at birth in
asphyxiated infants
Associate Professor Flora Wong
Flora.Wong@monash.edu
Dr Daniel Rolnik Secondary theme(s): Cardiovascular
Daniel.Rolnik@monash.edu • Using heart rate variability to predict
Secondary theme(s): Reproductive Health and clinical disease in preterm babies
Biology, Women’s Health, Genetic Diseases
• Incidence, risk factors and prediction of
Dr Tamara Yawno
stillbirth: a large state-wide retrospective
tamara.yawno@hudson.org.au
study utilising data linkage.
• Ganaxolone: a new treatment for
neonatal seizures
GENETIC DISEASES
Many of the diseases that affect us originate from changes present at or just
after fertilisations and are known as inherited disorders. It was originally
thought that these diseases were primarily caused by mutations to the genes
inherited by our parents. However, it is becoming increasingly evident that
many diseases also arise from the number of copies of a gene present in our
cells and the changes to epigenetic regulators, which are factors that control
how and if the gene is expressed.
By looking into the very earliest stages of development, when genetic and epigenetic disorders first
manifest, we can understand the underlying mechanisms of disease and provide a platform for the
development of tomorrow’s therapies and clinical practices. Our aim is to provide explanations for
FOR A FULL PROJECT LIST, VISIT - MONASH.EDU/MEDICINE/SCS | 20how a large number of diseases are passed from one generation to the next. Researchers investigate
how very early epigenetic markers in sperm and eggs are controlled during development, and how
they will affect our children and their children, if they are poorly regulated. Another area of research
looks at genetic perturbations in sex-specific pathways in the gonads and the brain that lead to clinical
disorders, including intersex conditions and gender dysphoria, and sex bias in neurological conditional
such as Parkinson’s disease, ADHA and schizophrenia. A hallmark of this work is the translation of
basic science research into clinically useful tools that improve patient health.
RECENT PUBLICATIONS ARISING FROM STUDENT PROJECTS
Croft B, Ohnesorg T, Hewitt J, Bowles J, Prokopuk L, Hogg K, Western PS (2018) maternal EED results in postnatal
Quinn A, Tan J, Corbin V, Pelosi E, van Pharmacological inhibition of EZH2 overgrowth. Clin Epigenetics 10:95.
den Bergen J, Sreenivasan R, Knarston disrupts the female germline epigenome.
I, Robevska G, Vu DC, Hutson J, Harley Clin Epigenetics 10:33. Jarred EG, Bildsoe H, Western PS
V, Ayers K, Koopman P, Sinclair A (2018) Out of sight, out of mind? germ
(2018) Human sex reversal is caused by Prokopuk L, Stringer JM, White CR, cells and the potential impacts of
duplication or deletion of core enhancers Vossen R, White SJ, Cohen ASA, epigenomic drugs. F1000Res 7:F1000
upstream of SOX9. Nat Commun 9:5319. Gibson WT, Western PS (2018) Loss of Faculty Rev-1967.
AVAILABLE PROJECTS
Professor Vincent Harley • Identifying the genes responsible for
vincent.harley@hudson.org.au Disorders of Sex Development (DSD)
Secondary theme(s): Reproductive Health and • Role of Estrogen Receptor Beta in
Biology, Neuroscience and Psychiatry, gonadal development and Parkinson's
Endocrinology and Metabolism disease
• ATR-X syndrome & gonadal • SRY: A Risk Factor for Parkinson’s
development disease in Males?
• Characterisation of novel gonadal targets • The biological basis of gender identity
of Sox9
• FGF9 signalling and sex reversal Professor Paul Hertzog
• How are male and female brains paul.hertzog@hudson.org.au
different • Systems biology of innate immune
signalling
HAEMATOLOGY
The Oncology and Haematology
units at Monash Health have one
of Australia’s largest and most
active clinical trial centres,
performing Phase I-IV trials in
multiple disease types.
Biospecimens from these trials
are a rich source of specimens
that can be studied to understand the causes, progression and response to
treatment of these tumours.
AVAILABLE PROJECTS
Dr Minna-Liisa Anko Secondary theme(s): Cancer
Minni.Anko@hudson.org.au
CLINICAL SCIENCES AT MONASH HEALTH - POSTGRADUATE AND HONOURS RESEARCH PROJECTS 2021 | 21• RNA biology of blood cell production - Secondary theme(s): Genetic Diseases,
how platelets get their RNA Precision Medicine
• Epigenetic modifications of the human β-
Dr George Grigoriadis globin locus: new therapeutic targets for
George.Grigoriadis@monash.edu haemoglobin disorders
• Deregulation of Key Signalling Molecules • Harnessing RNA interference in gene
in the NF-kB Pathway and their links to therapy vectors for β-thalassaemia
Chronic Disease Development • Impact of impaired immune function in
haemoglobin disorders
Dr Jim Vadolas
Jim.Vadolas@hudson.org.au
INFECTIOUS AND INFLAMMATORY DISEASES AND
IMMUNOLOGY
The immune response will be important to nearly
every disease you research, study or treat in your
career as a basic scientist or clinician-scientist.
Therefore, understanding immunology and the clinical
and experimental techniques used to study infectious
and inflammatory diseases and cancer will be
invaluable to your development as a scientist or
clinician. Choosing a research project with one of the
supervisors below will provide you with outstanding
training in infectious/inflammatory disease research.
You will conduct high quality discovery and clinical
research using the latest technologies, contributing to translation of research into preventions,
diagnostics and treatments for patients. You will also have the opportunity to publish your research in
leading journals.
Diseases we study include bacteriology, functional genomics and
Autoimmune diseases: systemic lupus bioinformatics, preclinical models of disease,
erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, clinical research, clinical practice in inflammatory
glomerulonephritis, vasculitis and hepatitis. diseases, and you will also receive training in
Causes of liver, kidney and lung scarring and communication (written & oral), organisational
loss of function are a focus. and other professional skills.
Infectious disease: HIV, Zika virus, Influenza, A project in immunology, infectious or
Chlamydia, Helicobacter pylori, Herpes simplex inflammatory diseases or cancers with an
virus, Human metapneumovirus, Respiratory inflammatory component offers:
syncytial virus. • Internationally-recognised researchers
and clinicianscientists as your
Inflammation-based disorders: stroke, sepsis,
supervisors.
COPD and inflammatory bowel disease.
• Strong links to Monash Health clinical
Cancers: with an inflammatory component departments (Departments of
including pancreatic, lung, breast, ovarian, Nephrology, Rheumatology,
endometrial and gastric. Gastroenterology and Hepatology,
Monash Infectious Diseases, Clinical
The techniques covered by our PhD program Immunology and Monash Lung and
include experimental immunology, innate Sleep).
immunity, biochemistry, protein interactions and
signal transduction, molecular and cell biology,
FOR A FULL PROJECT LIST, VISIT - MONASH.EDU/MEDICINE/SCS | 22You can also read
