Current Funding

Jordan completed her Master of Biomedical Science in 2017 from the University of Melbourne (UoM), where her project looked at utilising adult stem cells to prevent and treat heart failure in patients following myocardial infarction. Following this, she worked as a Junior Research Assistant at the Centre for Eye Research Australia, establishing induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines and optic cup organoids from patients with Primary Open Angle Glaucoma.

With a background in Information Technology in the corporate world, Phillipa changed careers around 2015, delving into the world of natural therapies. Building upon a passion for helping others, Phillipa completed a Graduate Diploma in Psychology at Monash University in 2021 and went on to undertake an honours degree in Psychological Sciences at Swinburne University in 2022. During her honours degree, Phillipa discovered a passion for research that was nurtured by her supervisors.

Phillipa is now undertaking a PhD in Clinical Psychology at Swinburne University with a particular interest in complex trauma, men’s mental health, and the mental health experiences of Australians living in regional and/or rural areas.

My name is Nina Perry, I am 24 years old and have recently commenced my PhD after completing my Honours program in Neuroscience. My Honours research was completed at the Autism Clinic for Translational Research at The University of Sydney, with a focus on addressing ways to effectively support people with neurodevelopmental conditions in clinical settings.

My PhD project will expand on this area of research, with the overarching aim to improve the wellbeing of people living with various health challenges on daily basis. Aside from research, I am also actively involved in the community, being a Weekend Play volunteer at the Sydney Children’s Hospital for the past 4 years.

My name is Mikhail Dias, I recently completed an honours year at Monash University where I researched an in silico approach to studying synthetic lethality in cancer to identify novel gene targets.

I am become passionate about cancer biology during my undergraduate studies at RMIT university, where I learned about cancer genomics and how genetic alterations can lead to devastating consequences. I pursued a pathway into research by undertaking an honours year project at Monash University. During my honour’s year, I developed sought after computational skills and experience which I will continue to use throughout my research career.

For the past several years, I have volunteered as a peer-support counsellor, workshop facilitator, and well-being support officer for various LGBTQIA+ organisations. Since completing my Bachelor of Psychology (Hons) in 2019, I have worked as a mental health and disability support worker and more recently as a research assistant within the gender research team at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.

Through these roles, I have developed a passion for working with LGBTQIA+ youth who, due to stigma and lack of family support, are disproportionately at risk of developing mental health difficulties.

Dr Dennis Chan is a physician who is undertaking research to improve the management of neuroendocrine tumours. He completed his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery alongside a Master of Bioethics and Health Law at the University of Otago, New Zealand, in 2012. Since then, he has undertaken specialist training with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians as a Specialist Endocrinologist and General Physician.

In 2019, he completed a Master of Science at Barts and the London School of Medicine focusing on Cushing’s Syndrome caused by neuroendocrine tumours. This has led him to pursue a PhD in translational research at the University of Sydney focusing on neuroendocrine tumours and their management.

I have always been passionate about making a difference in the lives of people living with chronic disease, and I feel the best way of doing so is through research. Over the past 5 years, I have pursued a career in scientific research, developing my knowledge and skills as a scientist and researcher.

Growing up in regional Victoria, the opportunities to explore science is limited. The first science program I was involved in was the Rotary’s National Youth Science Forum. In my last year of high school, I was accepted to take part in the National Youth Science Forum, participating in the Brisbane session at the University of Queensland.

I am a trained teacher and mum of 2 young boys and taught in the independent school system for a number of years.

I joined the University of Melbourne as a research assistant in 2018 to work on a NHMRC funded randomized controlled trial and evaluation of teen Mental Health First Aid in ten schools around Victoria. I also volunteer in community development in a disadvantaged neighbourhood in Geelong. I have a research interest in mental health literacy, student well-being, community education and effective use of mental health promotion and intervention in schools.

Rebecca completed a Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Genetics and Neuroscience) from the University of Western Australia in 2020. With a keen interest in both disciplines, she pursued an Honours project using RNA-sequencing to characterise changes in the cells of the brain following a burn injury, forming a collaboration between the Brain Plasticity lab (Perron Institute) and the Fiona Wood Foundation.

With experience in bioinformatics and a fascination to study the brain, this PhD was formed where Rebecca hopes to use transcriptomics to better understand how non-invasive brain stimulation can be optimised as a tool to promote healthy brain ageing.

Michelle Gossner is currently a PhD student at Central Queensland University under the supervision of Dr Cassandra Dittman and Dr Lisa Lole. She began her career as a primary school teacher working across various educational contexts in Australia and the United Kingdom. Michelle recently completed her Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) and received a First-Class classification. Prior to commencing her PhD, Michelle undertook an undergraduate Summer Research Scholarship and interned on various research projects.

She has a strong interest in child and adolescent development, particularly the influence of family context, parenting practices and parental mental health. Michelle is passionate about conducting research that can impact the community in a meaningful way.