Noor Saleem Mohammed Jarbou
Peri-Natal Infant Mental Health Research
‘The effects of treated and untreated depression during pregnancy on offspring behaviour and brain development ‘
University of Wollongong, NSW
Awarded 2018
Co-funded by Rotary Club of Liverpool West
“It is important that depressive symptoms during pregnancy are effectively treated as untreated maternal depression can have adverse consequences to both mother and child. ”
Researcher Profile
I came from Jordan, I have a master’s degree in Science of Medical Laboratory, with a good experience in pathology and medical science teaching. All my certificates have been recognised here in Australia, and I have registered myself with Australian Institute of Medical Scientist (AIMS).
My passion is in science specially in medicine through research and study. When I had finished my master’s degree I was aiming for my PhD, but it was meant to be back then.
I started volunteering with SCARF (Strategic Community Assistance for Refugee Families) and join any possible social activities around our president. By the time, I have been offered a casual job at a private school called Amity College, to join their postural care program. Somehow my self confident has started to come back to me, then I thought it is the time to chase my passion, which is go for my PhD.
I started with a course at TAFE, English for Academic Purposes, it helped a lot with my English; reading and writing, and even in researching and referencing. After I completed the course I started looking for the next step in going into University of Wollongong. I was lucky to meet with my current supervisor that day, she saw a potential in me, and she advise me to apply for a scholarship through the university.
Project Summary
The aim of this project is determine the effects of maternal antidepressant treatment during pregnancy on behaviour and brain development of offspring. Furthermore, we aim to determine whether exercise during pregnancy, either alone or in combination with antidepressant treatment, has the ability to lead to more favourable outcomes for both mother and offspring. To achieve these aims we will use a rodent model of depression.
Rodents will be treated with antidepressant drugs and / or provide with access to exercise; behaviours related to mental health will then be assessed in both the rat dam as well as the juvenile and adolescent offspring. Furthermore, we will examine brain development profiles in these offspring.
Supervisors: Associate Professor Kelly Newell