
Research Focus
Mitochondria are the primary site of energy production within cells. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked with a number of inherited and acquired human diseases and has also been implicated in the aging process. A major focus of our studies is to examine how alterations in mitochondrial function in different tissues influences insulin action in obesity and type 2 diabetes. We are interested in how certain drugs and different types of dietary fats (e.g. medium chain fatty acids) affect mitochondrial content and metabolism. We are also examining the role of post-translational modification in the function of mitochondrial proteins. Another area of research is the importance of alterations in mitochondrial bioenergetics in certain types of cancers.
Education
BSc (Hons Class 1), University of Wollongong (1999)
PhD, University of Wollongong (2004)
Professional Experience
Lecturer, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Wollongong, Australia (2004)
Visiting Research Fellow, AstraZeneca R&D, Mölndal, Sweden (2006)
Visiting Research Fellow, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, USA (2007)
Research Officer/Senior Research Officer/Group Leader, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia (2005-2012)
Honours and Awards
University Medal, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Science, University of Wollongong (2000)
Australian Postgraduate Award (2000-2003)
NHMRC Peter Doherty Postdoctoral Fellowship (2005-2007)
Scientific Travel Grant USA, Australian Academy of Science (2007)
NHMRC Career Development Award (2008-2011)
ARC Future Fellowship (2012-2016)
Dean’s Rising Star Award, UNSW Medicine (2013)
School of Medical Sciences Century Club - recognising 100 career publications (2015)
School of Medical Sciences Researcher of the year (2018)
UNSW Faculty of Medicine Researcher of the year (2018)
School of Medical Sciences HDR Supervisor of the year (2019)
Professional Activities
Associate Editor for Frontiers in Endocrinology Obesity Section
Editorial Board for American Journal of Physiology Endocrinology and Metabolism
Editorial Board for Journal of Applied Physiology
Editorial advisory board member for Biochemical Journal
Member of the Scientific and Medical Advisory Panel for the Mito Foundation
Chair of the Metabolism and Molecular Medicine special interest group for the Australian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Council member of the Australian & New Zealand Obesity Society