
I am a neuroscientist with a broad background in genetics, neuroscience, and molecular cell biology. My research seeks to establish innovative new gene therapies for the group of devastating neurodegenerative disorders termed leukodystrophies - genetic diseases of the central nervous system white matter associated with an early onset, substantial mortality, and a lack of effective treatment options. My research has significantly advanced the understanding of these diseases and successfully utilised refined CNS-targeted gene therapy to rescue disease pathology in mice. I have over 13 years of experience in translational neuroscience including in vivo disease modelling and the development of targeted gene therapies.
At UNSW Sydney, I co-lead the CNS Gene Therapy group within the Translational Neuroscience Facility. I am a committee member of the UNSW Animal Care and Ethics Committee and engage with the non-scientific community through my work for two not-for-profit organisations. I am the Vice President and Scientific Advisor of Leukodystrophy Australia, an organisation that provides information, support, and advocacy to those affected by leukodystrophies. I am also Scientific Advisory Board Member to the Mission Massimo Foundation, aimed at accelerating the discovery of genetic variations responsible for childhood leukodystrophies and to translate these findings into clinical treatments.
I have established a comprehensive research program focused on developing innovative new gene therapy strategies for a group of devastating neurodegenerative disorders termed leukodystrophies. My research program can be split into two main activities:
Professional Engagement
Social Engagement
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My Research Supervision
I currently supervise one PhD student project:
My Teaching
I contribute to teaching and student supervision into Science and Medicine courses, including lecturing Current Trends in Biotechnology, facilitating in the phase 1 medicine program, tutoring, and demonstrating.