Higher Degree Research

Western Sydney University offers three avenues for higher degree research (HDR) at the School of Medicine:

The Master of Research is a research training degree that provides you with a pathway to PhD study and a research career. In the first year, you will undertake an intensive research training coursework program and engage with peers and academics in an interdisciplinary environment. The first year will help build your skills as a researcher, master the art of knowledge translation and develop a strong research proposal. In the second year, you will take on a research project under the supervision of a specialist in your field – culminating in the production of a 25,000 word research thesis.

The Master of Philosophy is a supervised program of original research and provides an opportunity to develop and enhance analytical and research skills through independent investigation in a specific field. The Master of Philosophy is completed within 1-2 years full-time candidature.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree provides training and supervision to build your capacity to conduct independent research at a high level of originality and quality. As a PhD candidate, you will uncover new knowledge though the discovery of new facts, the formulation of theories or the innovative interpretation of known data and established ideas. The Doctor of Philosophy is completed within 3-4 years full-time candidature.

Specific projects offered at the School of Medicine are outlined below, many are available as either a Masters or a PhD. Please contact supervisors directly for more information on the project and application process.

Research scholarships

Western Sydney University accepts applications from current and new students for higher degree research scholarships. Domestic and international students are invited to apply. Scholarships are released periodically throughout the year, and each release has specified dates and residency requirements here.

Western Sydney University offers a range of project-based scholarships to support higher degree students in undertaking their research. Scholarships are available to support both current and new postgraduate research candidates for these specific projects here.

How to Apply

Applications for doctorate degrees are made to the Graduate Research School. Applications are accepted all year round and there is no cost to apply. You kind find out more here.

You will need to ensure that you meet the minimum entry requirements for admission at Western Sydney University. You will also need to contact a suitable supervisor(s) in your area of interest, prepare documentation to support your application and write a research proposal.

HDR projects available at the School of Medicine 2024

Neuroscience

Dr Morven Cameron

m.cameron@westernsydney.edu.au

Projects offered:

• Influence of melanopsin-containing ganglion cell photoreceptors on the physiology of the mammalian retina.

  The neural network of the mammalian retina is one of the most studied within the central nervous system. However, surprises are still common, with a third type of photoreceptor discovered in recent years. Melanopsin containing ganglion cells (mRGCs) are located on the opposite side of the retina from the classical rod and cone photoreceptors, and play a role in a number of sub-conscious functions like pupil light contraction, entrainment of biological clocks to the light-dark cycle and as well as contributing to aspects of conscious visual perception.

  Additionally, mRGCs are thought to be involved with many aspects of local retinal physiology, but this research area is in its infancy. This project will use cutting-edge chemogenetic tools to assess the impact of mRGC activation on retinal function. This will be assessed using a variety of methods in transgenic mice, ranging from in vivo electroretinographic recordings, to light-induced dopamine release.

  Techniques involved will be in-vitro electrophysiology, in vivo electroretinogram, immunohistochemistry and UHPLC-MS/MS quantification of dopamine. No technical experience is necessary as full training will be given, however candidates must have an interest in neuroscience/retinal biology and a life sciences/medical background.

• Rod and cone interactions in the mouse electroretinogram

  The mammalian retina functions over a very wide range of light intensities, from dim starlight to bright Australian sunlight. It does this by using two main photoreceptive systems: rods for dim light intensities, and cones for bright light intensities. However, these two systems are intrinsically linked within the circuitry of the retina and can influence the function of one another.

  This project will investigate the interaction between rod and cone neural pathways by measuring the mouse electroretinogram in a variety of transgenic mouse models. Fundamental insights into the function of rod and cone systems will be analysed including temporal properties, spectral sensitivities and light adaptation.

  The main technique involved will be electroretinogram but immunohistochemistry and single-cell electrophysiology will complement this technique. No technical experience is necessary as full training will be given, however candidates must have an interest in neuroscience/retinal biology and a life sciences/medical background.

Dr Yossi Buskila

y.buskila@westernsydney.edu.au
Visit the Buskila Lab

Projects offered:

• Extending the ex vivo viability of body organs
  A scholarship is offered for this project find out more

  Organ transplantation is a lifesaving medical procedure in which an organ is removed from one body and placed in the body of a recipient, to replace a damaged or missing organ. According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), more than 42,000 lifesaving transplants were completed in 2022, from both living and deceased donors.

  The success rate of organ transplantation varies depending on several factors such as the type of organ transplanted, the age and health of the recipient, the underlying cause of the organ failure, and the quality of the donated organ. In general, organ transplantation has become a well-established medical procedure, and the success rates have improved over time with advancements in medical technology, surgical techniques, and immunosuppressive medications. However, while early gains in short-term survival rates after transplantation improved significantly over the past decades (from 50% to 90%), longer-term outcomes reached stagnation ranging from 55% to 85%, depending on the organ. Some of the underlying causes for this low success rate are the organ quality and its potential rejection.

  The overarching aim of this project is to design a device that would extend the ex-vivo viability of whole organs such as kidney, heart, lung, liver and intestine, to provide a significant time window to assess their quality and rejection potential. Currently, whole organs are either transplanted immediately after taken off from the donor or within a short time window of few hours, which limits the tests that are essential to assess their quality. By increasing the viability of the organs, we hypothesise that the long-term success rate of transplantations will be higher. Moreover, it will allow transportation to remote areas, which were outside the transportation zone, due to time limitations. Furthermore, extending the viability of the organs will increase the organ trafficking between countries that have high donation ratio, comparable to regions with low donation rate, due to cultural differences. Moreover, this device will provide significant time for ex-vivo research purposes, which can also be used to ameliorate diseased organs.

  Interested candidates with a background in neuroscience, biology, physiology, medical physics or related industry are encouraged to apply. Expertise using electrophysiological methods will be beneficial.

Associate Professor David Mahns

d.mahns@westernsydney.edu.au

Projects offered:

• Characterising the molecular targets that underpin the transition from acute to chronic pain.

  Normally pain serves a protective role by triggering a reflex response and warning of impending damage. However when the pain outlasts the initial injury pain can become maladaptive leading to exaggerated and persistent responses. Over the past 5 years we have developed a range of models that have allowed us to explore these changes in normal and clinical patients. In this project will test whether experimentally induced (and the discomfort experienced by chronic pain patients) can be reversed by a range of putative neuroprotective agents. These experiments will be complemented by in vivo and in vitro studies that quantify the mode of action of neuroprotective agents.

• Can trigeminal and extra- ocular expression of photoreceptors explain the photophobia experienced during migraine.

  The skin contains a myriad of different nerve however the contribution of many of these fibres to perception is poorly understood. The expression of photoreceptors in a subset of nerves innervating the skin and cornea raises the possibility that during altered states of pain processing, such as those observed during migraine, incident light may be perceived as painful. This possibility will be tested in human models of pain processing. The contribution of different photoreceptors will be tested by systematically varying the wavelength of light used to illuminate the cornea and the skin.

Behavioural Neuroscience

Dr Rose Chesworth Vieyra

r.chesworth@westernsydney.edu.au
Visit the Behavioural Neuroscience Lab

Projects offered:

• Novel treatments for drug addiction including cannabidiol (CBD) and modulation of the gut microbiome

  Recent preclinical research suggests that cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component of the cannabis plant, can limit release-like behaviour in rodent models of drug-taking for cocaine, methamphetamine, opioids and alcohol. Our recent research shows that CBD can affect the gut microbiome and also affect reward-like behaviour for cocaine in mice, suggesting CBD may act via the gut-brain axis to mediate cocaine reward. Our current projects are investigating mechanisms of CBD using analysis of gut metabolites as well as analysis of protein levels in brain regions relevant to drug use. We are also examining how drugs of abuse impact on the gut microbiome and on gut metabolites, both during drug use and after an extended washout, as well as how depletion of the gut microbiome e.g. with antibiotic treatment affects drug-taking behaviour. Together, this will greatly improve our understanding of the role of gut health in drug use disorders, and assess the potential of the gut microbiome as a treatment target for drug use disorders.

Dr Rossana Rosa Porto

r.rosaporto@westernsydney.edu.au
Visit the Behavioural Neuroscience Lab

Projects offered:

• Heat shock as an effective low-cost therapy for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's Disease
  Co-supervisor: Professor Tim Karl
  
  Current pharmacological treatments for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have severe side effects, with little improvement of symptoms and not much efficacy in delaying disease progression. Passive heating (e.g. sauna) has shown beneficial effects in chronic diseases e.g. cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and depression. Most importantly, heat therapy is also associated with beneficial effects in AD, where it was found an inverse correlation between sauna frequency with AD and dementia. Heat shock (HS) has no significant side effects, which could be easily applicable to humans and implemented into clinical settings. As its beneficial effects are achieved by the simple raise in body temperature of ~ 0.8°C in humans, it offers an alluring treatment option. For that reason, our project aims to investigate the underlying mechanisms by which body warming may improve disease pathology and behaviour impairments at early and late stages of the disease, evaluating possible sex effects. For this, we will use a mouse model of AD, in order to have an in-depth characterization of AD-like behaviour and pathology. Early changes in disease progression can provide new markers for earlier diagnosis, shedding light on mechanisms that can be targeted to ease symptoms, or even prevent the disease progression.

Professor Tim Karl

t.karl@westernsydney.edu.au
Visit the Behavioural Neuroscience Lab

Projects offered:

• Gene-environment interactions in schizophrenia
  
  Schizophrenia is a chronic and disabling mental disorder that affects 1% of the world’s population. A complex interaction of environmental and genetic risk factors appears to be causal for the development of the disease. Preclinical research has been instrumental in advancing our understanding the impact of those risk factors, both in isolation or in combination, on behaviour and brain development.
  
  Our team models schizophrenia by developing multi-factorial mouse models combining genetic and environmental disease risk factors. Genetically predisposed mouse mutants are exposed to disease-relevant environmental factors (e.g. chronic cannabis abuse, poor diet, deprived housing conditions) at critical stages of their development. Our team focuses on the neuro-behavioural characterisation of these models, applying a multitude of different neuro-behavioural phenotyping paradigms. This highly standardised research is necessary to determine disease-relevant interactions and to identify preventative and therapeutic measures for future clinical applications.
• Schizophrenia in the face of inflammation - novel treatment strategies are needed
  
  The School of Medicine is offering a research scholarship to a highly motivated PhD candidate to work within the Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory to evaluate new treatments for schizophrenia therapy. Aspects of the project are funded through a NSW Health Research Grant.
  The project will address an unmet need in schizophrenia therapy - to identify agents that can regulate and protect dopamine neurons from neuroinflammation-related damage which is evident in at least 30% of patients.
  We will use lipo-polysaccharide (LPS) to model neuroinflammation-induced midbrain dopaminergic cell dysfunction in male and female mice. LPS is a bacterial endotoxin that induces a robust immune response in the brain and also alters schizophrenia-relevant behaviours and the response to dexamphetamine (DEX)-induced locomotion, mimicking what is found early in schizophrenia.
  We expect that chronic LPS will worsen schizophrenia-relevant behaviours and molecular signatures and that this can be rescued by administration of glutamatergic agents. Thus, the project will evaluate whether chronic administration of these agents during inflammation will have therapeutic-like effects on brain and/or behaviour. The mouse model work will be accompanied by postmortem human brain tissue work carried out by our collaborators at other institutes.
  The successful candidate will be expected to independently administer LPS and therapeutic compounds to mice, conduct behavioural analyses as well as molecular analyses e.g. inflammatory markers in blood and brain regions, and analyse all behavioural and molecular data.
• Novel therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease and motor neuron disease
  
  Alzheimer's disease (AD) and motor neuron disease (MND) are neurodegenerative disorders characterised by progressive loss of cognition (AD) and motor function (MND). Unfortunately, current therapies are limited to very modest symptomatic relief. Thus, new therapeutic strategies are currently considered for both AD and MND to overcome limitations of current approaches. To provide one example, recent insights gained into the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids (constituents of the cannabis plant) suggest that particular cannabinoid isolates or a combination of selected cannabinoids (i.e. the entourage effect) may be beneficial for patients affected by AD or MND.
  The team currently has funding from philanthropy and industry partners to explore novel therapeutic strategies within the context of AD or MND. The PhD candidate will be developing a research project related to these awarded preclinical research projects. The research work will also link into established collaborations with other institutes within WSU (NICM Research Institute) and external (e.g. Macquarie University).
  The candidate would test the ability of novel therapeutic compounds to reduce the development (preventative approach) or reverse (remedial approach) the various symptoms and pathologies relevant to neurodegenerative diseases. Established mouse model systems and drug administration protocols will be utilised and their neuro-behavioural impact on disease-relevant mouse models will be comprehensively assessed in collaboration with our partners. Risks involved in using these novel treatment candidates may also be considered where clinically relevant.

Neurodegeneration

Dr Yossi Buskila

y.buskila@westernsydney.edu.au
Visit the Buskila Lab

Projects offered:

• Neuronal-Astrocytic interactions during neurodegeneration
  
  Neurodegenerative diseases are conventionally regarded as a progressive neurological disorder associated with the loss of specific populations of neurons. As such Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is associated with neurodegeneration of cholinergic neurons, while Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is associated with the specific loss of motor neurons (Buskila et al., 2019; Davies & Maloney, 1976). However, increasing evidence suggests that neuroinflammation and astrocytic dysfunction may be a significant contributor to the pathology of these diseases via abnormal function of glutamate transporters and dysregulation of extracellular K ⁺ concentration, leading to excitotoxicity (Do-Ha et al., 2018; Rothstein et al., 1995). Moreover, increased levels of pro-inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are observed in the AD brain at all stages of the disease (Mrak & Griffin, 2005). Consequently, targeting chronic neuroinflammation has been suggested as a disease-modifying treatment for many neurodegenerative diseases including AD and ALS. In this project, we aim to investigate the overall impact of various anti-inflammatory compounds on astrocytic functionality over the disease progression.
  
  Interested candidates with a background in neuroscience, biology, physiology, medical physics or related industry are encouraged to apply. Expertise using electrophysiological methods will be beneficial.
• The impact of neuroinflammation on Alzheimer's Disease
  
  Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by significant impairment of cognitive function, memory loss and behavioral phenotypes such as anxiety and depression. There are several hypotheses regarding the etiology of A.D. The first and oldest hypothesis is the "cholinergic hypothesis" which suggests that a serious loss of cholinergic function in the basal forebrain and the associated loss of cholinergic innervation in the hippocampus and neocortex contribute significantly to the cognitive symptoms associated with AD. However, the main cause underlying the loss of cholinergic cells is still unknown. Recent findings suggest that neuroinflammation is a preliminary process, which plays a role in the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. However, the impact of neuroinflammation on cholinergic neurons is still an undiscovered area. In this project, we aim to determine the effects of chronic and acute inflammatory processes on neurophysiological properties of the basal forebrain cholinergic system, and the susceptibility of cholinergic neurons during aging.
  
  Interested candidates with a background in neuroscience, biology, physiology, medical physics or related industry are encouraged to apply. Expertise using electrophysiological methods will be beneficial.
• Targeting excitability of motoneuron's in mice models for ALS
  
  Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease in which patients lose motor functions due to progressive loss of motor neurons in the brainstem and spinal cord. Evidence from patients in the clinic suggests that prior to the presentation of clinical symptoms, familial and sporadic ALS patients display an increase in neuronal hyperexcitability, however, the factors that instigate the changes in neural conductivity over the course of disease onset and progression are not well understood. In this project, we aim to investigate the ionic mechanisms governing changes in neuronal excitability in motor neurons of mice model for ALS. Specifically, we will assess the connectivity and function of astrocytes in the vicinity of these motor neurons and identify their effect on neuronal excitability in ALS.
  
  Interested candidates with a background in neuroscience, biology, physiology, medical physics or related industry are encouraged to apply. Expertise using electrophysiological methods will be beneficial.

Dr Ritesh Raju

r.raju@westernsydney.edu.au

Project offered:

• Isolation and identification of novel anti-inflammatory compounds from Australian Rainforest plants

  Natural products have historically proven their value as a source of molecules with therapeutic potential, the most famous and well known example to date would be the synthesis of the anti-inflammatory agent, acetylsalicyclic acid (aspirin) derived from the natural product, salicin isolated from the bark of the willow tree Salix alba. This project is based on the systematic isolation and structural identification of phytoconstituents from selected rainforest Australian plants with potential anti-inflammatory properties.

  This will be achieved by bioactivity guided fractionation of crude extracts to isolate new/novel potent anti-inflammatory compounds. The anti-inflammatory activity will be assessed based on inhibition of LPS and IFN-γ induced inflammatory response in different cell lines. Bioactive compounds will be structurally identified using modern spectroscopic techniques like NMR (600 MHz) (1H, 13C, COSY, HSQC, HMBC, ROESY) and mass spectroscopy (HRMS), CD experiments and chemical derivatizations.

  Techniques involved will be performing cell based assays, chemical analysis using HPLC/MS and the ability to interpret NMR data. No technical experience is necessary as full training will be given, however candidates must have a strong background knowledge in Organic/Analytical Chemistry and an interest in Pharmacology.

Dr Erika Gyengesi

e.gyengesi@westernsydney.edu.au

Project offered:

• Investigation of the anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin in a mouse model of chronic neuroinflammation – a route for a cure for Alzheimer’s disease?

  Impact:

  This project will investigate the effect of chronic glial activation on brain structure and function, and test the efficacy of two cytokine-suppressive anti-inflammatory drugs (CSAIDs) against chronic glial activation and the resulting neuronal damage. Significance: Activation of microglia and astroglia is a pathological process evident in many neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. The currently used anti-inflammatory drugs such as NSIADs and corticosteroids have shown limited effects in many neuroinflammatory diseases. Consequently, it has been suggested that drugs targeting neuroinflammation such as CSAIDs might yield disease-modifying treatments for these neurodegenerative disorders.

  Our study:

  We will explore the GFAP-IL6 mouse, in which chronic neuroinflammation is induced by astroglia-specific production of interleukin 6 (IL6). We will use a variety of behavioural tests to monitor motor skills and cognitive functions in these mice up to 24 months of age. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory effects of two CSAIDs (curcumin and apigenin) will be tested in this model, first in a dose-response study, and then in prevention and a treatment studies. In the diagnostic/imaging arm of our study, we will investigate whether chronic neuroinflammation can be detected in our mouse model using a PET tracer for the 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO), a marker of activated microglia. This will allow us to follow the success of treatment of neuroinflammation by CSAID in the live mouse.

  Pilot data:

  The GFAP-IL6 mouse shows increased microglial and astroglial activation, and a much faster decline in motor and cognitive skills compared to the WT. Apigenin and curcumin decreased the number of activated (Iba1+) microglia in the GFAP-IL6 mouse by > 40%. Apigenin improves spatial reference memory in the GFAP-IL mouse. TSPO+ microglia are also upregulated in the GFAP-IL6 mouse, allowing to image neuroinflammation (and potentially the treatment success with apigenin and curcumin) in the live mouse by positron emission tomography (PET).

  Potential for translation:

  a) If the utility of apigenin and curcumin as effective anti-inflammatory therapeutics can be demonstrated, future clinical trials with these, or similar CSAIDs, may be initiated for the treatment of a variety of neuroinflammatory neurodegenerative diseases. b) PET imaging of activated microglia and follow-up scans to monitor treatment success with CSAIDs with TSPO ligands could become standard procedure in preclinical research, clinical trials and, subsequently in clinical practice.

  Student qualifications:

  Techniques involved will be immunohistochemistry and/or behavioral analysis. No technical experience is necessary as full training will be given, however candidates must have an interest in neuroscience and pharmacology, and a life sciences/medical background.

Professor Tim Karl

t.karl@westernsydney.edu.au
Visit the Behavioural Neuroscience Lab

Project offered:

• Novel therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease and motor neuron disease
  
  Alzheimer's disease (AD) and motor neuron disease (MND) are neurodegenerative disorders characterised by progressive loss of cognition (AD) and motor function (MND). Unfortunately, current therapies are limited to very modest symptomatic relief. Thus, new therapeutic strategies are currently considered for both AD and MND to overcome limitations of current approaches. To provide one example, recent insights gained into the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids (constituents of the cannabis plant) suggest that particular cannabinoid isolates or a combination of selected cannabinoids (i.e. the entourage effect) may be beneficial for patients affected by AD or MND.
  The team currently has funding from philanthropy and industry partners to explore novel therapeutic strategies within the context of AD or MND. The PhD candidate will be developing a research project related to these awarded preclinical research projects. The research work will also link into established collaborations with other institutes within WSU (NICM Research Institute) and external (e.g. Macquarie University).
  The candidate would test the ability of novel therapeutic compounds to reduce the development (preventative approach) or reverse (remedial approach) the various symptoms and pathologies relevant to neurodegenerative diseases. Established mouse model systems and drug administration protocols will be utilised and their neuro-behavioural impact on disease-relevant mouse models will be comprehensively assessed in collaboration with our partners. Risks involved in using these novel treatment candidates may also be considered where clinically relevant.

Associate Professor Mourad Tayebi

m.tayebi@westernsydney.edu.au

Projects offered:

• Development of RNA vaccines for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

  The project aims to advance the field of Alzheimer's disease treatment by focusing on the development of RNA vaccines. These vaccines will be designed to target specific components associated with Alzheimer's pathology, providing a novel therapeutic approach to mitigate or potentially reverse the progression of the disease. The use of RNA technology allows for targeted interventions at the molecular level, offering a promising avenue for effective and precise treatment.
  Major Aim: The primary goal of this project is to develop and optimize RNA vaccines that specifically target Alzheimer's disease-related biomarkers. The aim is to create a safe and efficacious therapeutic intervention that can modify the disease course, potentially slowing down or halting its progression.

• Development of novel biologics for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease

  This project is centred on the development of novel biologics with the specific purpose of preventing the onset or progression of Alzheimer's disease. Biologics, such as antibodies or other therapeutic proteins, will be engineered to target key factors involved in the development of Alzheimer's pathology. The project seeks to provide a proactive approach to Alzheimer's disease by creating preventive interventions that can be administered to at-risk individuals.
  Major Aim: The primary objective of this project is to design, produce, and validate novel biologics that effectively interfere with the biological processes leading to Alzheimer's disease. The aim is to establish a preventive strategy that can be administered to individuals at risk, ultimately reducing the incidence and impact of Alzheimer's disease.

• Early detection of dementia using virtual reality adapted Stroop test

  This project focuses on the early detection of dementia through the adaptation of the Stroop test using virtual reality (VR) technology. The Stroop test is a cognitive assessment tool, and the project aims to enhance its sensitivity and reliability by incorporating immersive VR elements. The use of VR will provide a more ecologically valid and engaging environment for assessing cognitive function, enabling early detection and intervention for individuals at risk of developing dementia.
  Major Aim: The primary goal of this project is to develop a virtual reality-adapted Stroop test that can accurately and reliably detect early signs of dementia. The aim is to provide a user-friendly and effective tool for clinicians and researchers to identify cognitive impairments in individuals, facilitating early intervention and support for those at risk of developing dementia.

• Development of a natural disease model for Alzheimer's disease

  Aging dogs spontaneously deposit human-type amyloid peptide (Aβ) and thus are a natural higher mammalian model of aging. The canine Aβ precursor protein (APP) is virtually identical to human APP (~98% homology). In parallel with progressive Aβ pathology, aged dogs show decline in measures of learning and memory that are correlated with the extent and location of Aβ. This project will focus on analysing brain tissues, blood and cerebrospinal fluids derived from aged dogs affected with declining learned behaviour and memory to determine whether Aβ plaques as well as the neurotoxic Aβ and tau soluble oligomers are associated with this disorder in dogs.
  Major Aim: The major aim of this study is to investigate whether the neuropathological and molecular features associated with aging dogs mirror the pathological and molecular hallmarks associated with human Alzheimer’s disease.

Regenerative Medicine/Health Innovations/Work-Integrated Learning

Associate Professor Michael O'Connor

m.oconnor@westernsydney.edu.au

1. . Clockwork organs, molecular circuits and novel therapeutics: bioinformatic systems biology of human tissues.. Exploring and facilitating health innovations with healthcare professionals. Researching evidence-based curriculum review and renewal for work-integrated learning

Overall Strategy:

My group researches the intersection of biomedical research, health system innovation and employability skills training through work-integrated learning.

Our approach:

My group is a world-leader in using stem cell technology to investigate cataract (e.g., Murphy et al. 2018 Development). We also have additional collaborative projects investigating neurodegenerative and gut disorders. Our approach is powerful and innovative, applying stem cell culture, flow cytometry, transcriptomics, proteomics and bioinformatics for drug investigations and cell therapy development. These translational biomedical research projects are complemented by collaborative research with healthcare professionals and educators to identify meaningful and evidence-based approaches to innovating healthcare delivery and tertiary education.

Projects offered:

We have projects available in:

• cell biology, disease modelling and cell transplantation
• mixed-methods investigation of healthcare innovations and implementations
• mixed-methods and analytic-based approaches to identify and implement best practice in work-integrated learning

Research environment:

You will join a vibrant, interactive and world-leading team consisting of postdoctoral fellows, Master and PhD candidates who work on clinically-relevant problems. You will become expert in the use of the Scientific Method as well as a range of cutting-edge approaches applicable to academic, industry and government workplaces. Extensive hands-on training will be given in the techniques relevant to your project. The skills you develop during your project will provide strong opportunities to develop a career in health innovation, with previous graduates from my group now working in academia and industry.

Prerequisites:

Prospective students need to have: a keen interest in healthcare innovation; undergraduate training in biomedicine, bioinformatics or mixed-methods research; the ability to project manage within a collegial environment with weekly supervisory meetings; and a desire to improve patient outcomes.

Analytical Chemistry

Dr David Harman

(Co-supervisor)
d.harman@westernsydney.edu.au

Associate Professor Kieran Scott

(Co-supervisor)
kieran.scott@westernsydney.edu.au

Projects offered:

• The mechanism of action of novel prostate cancer drug c2: Does it inhibit the enzyme hGIIA?

  Over 3300 men die each year from prostate cancer in Australia, despite improvements in standard of care therapy in recent years. That is on average one man every three hours, 24/7. So there is a need for new therapies to treat advanced prostate cancer.We have discovered and developed novel cyclic peptide compounds that target a secreted phospholipase A2 enzyme (hGIIA, Fig. 2) A clinical trial of one of these compounds, c2 (Fig. 1), has been approved to commence shortly at Liverpool Hospital, however its mechanism of action is not fully understood. hGIIA is an epidriver of prostate cancer and inhibition of the enzyme slows cancer cell growth in culture and in xenograft tumour models of both androgen-dependent and castrate-resistant prostate cancer.hGIIA regulates the production of lipid mediators, however, the identity of the mediators affected by hGIIA inhibition are not well described. We have recently shown that c2 can block production of the eicosanoid lipid mediators PGE2 and 5-HETE, however, these lipids are not directly metabolised or produced by hGIIA. We know that hGIIA directly converts the lipid mediator phosphatidic acid (PA) to lysophosphatidic acid (LPA, Fig. 3), the only water soluble lipid mediator that is itself a potent growth factor for cancer cells, with high specific activity in vitro.Cultured prostate cancer cell lines such as PC-3, LNCaP and Du145 will be treated with either c2 or the known hGIIA inhibitor LY315920 and the concentrations of PA and LPA will subsequently be measured by LC-MS/MS. The results will be compared with that of vehicle only control and conclusions will subsequently be drawn about whether c2 directly affects hGIIA activity in prostate cancer cells.

  Prerequisites: This project would best suit researchers interested in cell culture work and instrumental analysis, particularly mass spectrometry.

• Unravelling the mechanism of action of novel prostate cancer drug c2: A native protein electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry study

  A novel cyclic peptide drug to treat advanced prostate cancer has been recently developed, which is going into a clinical trial at Liverpool Hospital. However, the mechanism of its action is not well understood. The broad aim of this research project is to better understand how drug c2 actually kills cancer cells.

  Evidence exists that there is an interaction between drug c2, the secreted phospholipase A2 enzyme hGIIA, and the protein vimentin, but at present a detailed understanding is lacking. During this project, the researcher will study the interactions in solution of hGIIA, vimentin and c2, using the relatively new technique of native protein electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry. In this technique, an intact and functional protein is dissolved in an aqueous solution of a volatile pH buffer, then infused by syringe into the source of a high resolution mass spectrometer. The resulting positive ion mass spectrum is recorded and consists of a distribution of different charge states. Interactions between proteins, or between a protein and a drug, result in measurable changes to the observed mass spectrum and inform the researcher about the nature of bonding between the species.

  Prerequisites: This project would best suit researchers interested in protein interactions and/or instrumental analysis.

  Dr David Harman

  (Co-supervisor)
  d.harman@westernsydney.edu.au

  Dr Aiden O'Loughlin

  (Co-supervisor)
  a.oloughlin@westernsydney.edu.au

• Development of a mass spectrometry-based method for the early diagnosis of atherosclerosis.

  Atherosclerosis, the obstruction of arteries caused by the accumulation of fatty plaque deposits, is the single largest cause of human death worldwide. Despite the serious disease burden presented by this condition, medicine still lacks a simple, cheap, non-invasive test permitting its detection well before symptoms are observed. At present, diagnosis often relies upon angiography, a technique which is expensive, time consuming and imparts a significant radioactivity load to the patient.

  Furthermore, existing technologies only enable detection of the disease in its more advanced stages. In contrast, the development of a new and more sensitive test would enable atherosclerosis to be detected in its early stages, thus providing an opportunity for prevention of acute coronary events, including heart attack. A class of biomarkers which potentially exhibit high specificity for only atherosclerosis have been identified. Micro ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) are short, non-coding RNA molecules containing approximately 20 nucleotides, their function thought to be mainly gene regulation.

  A liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry method to detect and quantify miRNAs has recently been developed, and this method will be applied to this project. The project will be extended by extracting synthetic miRNAs spiked into human blood and confirming their identity and relative quantities by LC-MS/MS.

  Prerequisites: This project would best suit researchers interested in medical diagnostics and/or instrumental analysis.

Oncology

Associate Professor Tara Roberts

tara.roberts@westernsydney.edu.au

Project offered:

• Personalising immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment for lung cancer patients
  
  Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have become standard of care for most non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients resulting in overall increased survival. However, the response to ICI is not uniform with up to half of patients not benefitting from the treatment. Consequently, there is a significant need to improve patient selection. As part of a prospective cohort study this project will examine the individual immune contexture of patients with NSCLC receiving ICI treatment.
  
  The project will be based at the Ingham Institute and is a collaboration between Western Sydney University, the Centre for CTC Research & Diagnostics (A/Prof Therese Becker) and the Cancer Systems Microscopy laboratory (Dr John Lock) located at UNSW. It will span optimisation of techniques integral to multiplexed single cell immunofluorescence, including semi-automated image analysis embedding artificial learning modules, flow cytometry and next generation sequencing of liquid biopsy samples.
  
  You can find out more about the project and its associated scholarship here.

Immunology

Professor Golo Ahlenstiel

(Primary Supervisor)
g.ahlenstiel@westernsydney.edu.au

Dr Scott Read

(Co-Supervisor)
s.read@westernsydney.edu.au

Projects offered:

• Using organoid models to better understand liver immunology

  Applications are currently being accepted for a 3 year PhD project in the immunology of Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) at Western Sydney University Blacktown and the Westmead Institute for Medical Research. The project will be conducted in the research group of Professor Golo Ahlenstiel and will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

  Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterised by the accumulation of excess fat in the liver, termed steatosis. NAFLD encompasses simple steatosis and its inflammatory state called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) which is a core driver of liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This project will focus on the generation of colon and liver organoid culture systems to study the interaction between intestinal immunity and permeability with liver inflammation in NASH.

  Organoids are three dimensional structures grown in vitro from primary tissue that retain the characteristics of their primary source, including self-renewal, organisation, and differentiation. As such, they are an optimal model to study the influence of genetic and environmental factors on disease progression and treatment. Using in vitro co-culture systems, this project will examine the factors that contribute to “leaky gut” in NASH, and how translocating microbes influence liver inflammation.

  In addition to enteric bacterial, fungal and human viruses, this project will contain a unique focus on bacteriophages, and their contribution to chronic immune stimulation in both the gut and liver. This study utilises cutting edge primary cell culture, flow cytometry and molecular biology techniques to discover unknown connections between gut and liver immunity, and will enable a better understanding of inter-organ interactions that contribute to NASH pathogenesis. Applicants should submit their CV and a covering letter, including full contact details of two referees, to Dr Scott Read at s.read@westernsydney.edu.au.

• The role of interferon lambdas in liver inflammation and fibrosis

  Applications are currently being accepted for a 3 year PhD project in the immunology of Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) at Western Sydney University Blacktown and the Westmead Institute for Medical Research. The project will be conducted in the research group of Professor Golo Ahlenstiel and will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

  Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterised by the accumulation of excess fat in the liver, termed steatosis. NAFLD encompasses simple steatosis and its inflammatory state called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) which is a core driver of liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This project will focus on the role of interferon lambdas (IFN-λs) on the progression of liver inflammation and fibrosis.

  Interferon lambda (IFN-λ) is a central antiviral cytokine in the liver that is elevated in NASH, and that contributes to the progression of liver inflammation and fibrosis. The mechanism of IFN-λ induction, and cells involved however, remain unknown. We hypothesise that microbial ligands originating from the gut, enter the liver in the portal blood and stimulate IFN-λ expression. This project will aim to determine the contribution and identity of intestinal biota that stimulate IFN-λ, the responsive cells, and the mechanisms by which IFN-λ drives liver inflammation.

  We will utilise cutting edge genomics, primary cell culture, flow cytometry and molecular biology techniques to shed some light on the role of IFN-λ in NASH. This study will pave the way for future treatments aimed at halting the progression of inflammation in NASH.

  Applicants should submit their CV and a covering letter, including full contact details of two referees, to Dr Scott Read at s.read@westernsydney.edu.au.

• Understanding immune dysregulation in obesity

  Applications are currently being accepted for a 3 year PhD project in immune dysregulation in obesity at Western Sydney University Blacktown and the Westmead Institute for Medical Research. The project will be conducted in the research group of Professor Golo Ahlenstiel and will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

  Obesity is associated with alterations in metabolism, immune function, inflammation and microbiome, however the inter-relationship between these factors remains ill-defined. Blacktown Public Hospital has recently implemented a large healthy weight and bariatric surgical program, which provides the ideal environment to address the poorly understood, but essential aspect of obesity. Samples obtained pre- and post-bariatric surgery will be used to understand how obesity and metabolic syndrome cause immune dysregulation promoting subsequent development of obesity related complications in liver, gut and cardiovascular system.

  National statistics from Australian sources predict that normal-weight adults will constitute less than a third of the population by 2025, and that the prevalence of obesity will have increased by 65%. Bariatric surgery targets individuals with a body mass index (BMI) above 35, and significantly reduces stomach size by resection, diversion or banding. Patients achieve significant weight loss, resolution of diabetic state, improvement in cardiovascular risk factors and reduction in mortality.

  This project will examine the effects of bariatric surgery and subsequent weight loss on systemic, as well as liver and intestinal immune activity and dysregulation. In particular, how rapid weight loss alleviates chronic inflammation and immune exhaustion associated with obesity. Changes in microbiome and intestinal permeability will also be examined with respect to liver inflammation and immunopathology.

  This project will possess a strong clinical and translational focus, relating immune parameters to clinical outcomes. In vitro analysis of immune cell phenotypes will be performed by flow cytometry, RNAseq and primary liver and intestinal cell culture will be used to elucidate pathological mechanisms.

  Applicants should submit their CV and a covering letter, including full contact details of two referees, to Dr Scott Read at s.read@westernsydney.edu.au.

• Achieving sustainable outcomes in obesity

  Applications are currently being accepted for a 3 year PhD project to study the role of interventions based around nutrition, lifestyle, mental health or metabolism to treat obesity and/or fatty liver disease. The project will be conducted under supervision by Professor Golo Ahlenstiel and will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

  Obesity is a multifactorial condition associated with a high risk for hypertension, dyslipidaemia, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular complications, stroke, obstructive sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and even cancers. Despite a growing understanding of disease aetiology and advances in pharmacological therapy, obesity rates have quadrupled between 1986-2000. National statistics from Australian sources predict that normal-weight adults will constitute less than a third of the population by 2025, and that the prevalence of obesity will have increased by 65%.

  To cure obesity, long-term weight loss needs to be achieved. While lifestyle interventions can be successful, long-term efficacy results are disappointing. Hence, bariatric Surgery is now considered the most effective modality for sustainable weight loss and for curing co-morbidities. NSW Health has recently invested into the largest publicly funded obesity program in Australia based at Blacktown Hospital that A) provides a multidisciplinary approach to obesity and B) funding for 100 bariatric surgeries per year. Multi-centre ethics covering three large tertiary hospitals and two research centres is approved allowing for longitudinal data collection, biobanking and data linkage.

  This provides an opportunity examine the role of nutrition, lifestyle, mental health or metabolic interventions to achieve long-term sustainable outcomes in obese patient in the context of a multi- and interdisciplinary setting.

  We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, that possess research experience and a background in medical/health science/nursing/allied health and/or psychology.

  Contact Prof Golo Ahlenstiel (G.Ahlenstiel@westernsydney.edu.au) to discuss your eligibility, the project requirements and your intention to apply.

• Immune related memory in liver disease

  Applications are currently being accepted for a 3 year PhD project to study the role of immune related memory viral and autoimmune hepatitis at Western Sydney University Blacktown and the Westmead Institute for Medical Research. The project will be conducted in the research group of Professor Golo Ahlenstiel and will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

  Immunological memory defines the ability of the immune system to (1) rapidly and specifically recognize an antigen that the body has been previously exposed to and (2) initiate a highly specific immune response. Traditionally, immune related memory is attributed to the adaptive immune response, i.e. T cells and B cells through cytokine release, direct cellular toxicity via antibodies. Natural killer (NK) cells are usually considered part of the innate immune system and considered not to be antigen-specific. However, recent publications suggest that NK cells can, under certain conditions, express memory-like features.

  Using state-of-the-art techniques including flow cytometery and CyTOF in in vitro (organoid) and in vivo models (human and mouse), this projects will examine the role of memory-like NK cells in acute and chronic infection as well as autoimmune context with a focus on liver disease to assess their role in pathogenesis, disease progression in liver disease as well as their therapeutic potential in this context.

  We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, that possess laboratory experience and a background in medical/health science and/or molecular biology. In particular, the project is suitable for candidates with strong interests in immunology or liver disease.

  Contact Prof Golo Ahlenstiel (G.Ahlenstiel@westernsydney.edu.au) to discuss your eligibility, the project requirements and your intention to apply.

• Drivers in advanced liver disease

  Applications are currently being accepted for a 3 year PhD project examining the role of inflammation and altered protein metabolism in the context chronic liver disease at Western Sydney University Blacktown and the Westmead Institute for Medical Research. The project will be conducted in the research group of Professor Golo Ahlenstiel and will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

  Chronic inflammation and altered protein metabolism caused by infection, alcohol, fat or autoimmune disease not only drive progression to end-stage scarring, a state called liver cirrhosis, but also subsequent chronic liver failure and hepatic decompensation with high liver-related mortality. Various markers have been associated with hepatic decompensation, but it remains ill understood what actually initiates the event and how such markers relate to short and long-term survival.

  This project aims what to clarify how chronic inflammation and altered protein metabolism contribute to disease progression and activity and clinical severity in advanced liver disease using human samples and mouse models. We will utilise cutting edge genomics, primary cell culture, flow cytometry and/or CyTOF as well as molecular biology techniques. This study will identify new biomarkers predicting clinical outcomes and new targets for therapeutic intervention.

  We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, that possess laboratory experience and a background in medical/health science and/or molecular biology. In particular, the project is suitable for candidates with strong interests in the immunology of chronic hepatic and gastrointestinal disease.

  Contact Prof Golo Ahlenstiel (G.Ahlenstiel@westernsydney.edu.au) to discuss your eligibility, the project requirements and your intention to apply.

Mental Health

Associate Professor Shameran Younan

s.younan@westernsydney.edu.au

Projects offered:

• Mental health literacy and help-seeking of Refugee and other Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities

• Mental health promotion for Refugee and other Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities

• Mental illness related stigma and cultural conceptualisations of mental illness in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities

  A/Prof Younan has been undertaking a series of community-driven, engaged research that demonstrates a ‘real’ commitment to improving the mental health outcomes of refugee and other Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) populations by optimising their interactions with mental health services. For more detailed information on the projects contact A/Prof Younan.

Professor Tim Karl

t.karl@westernsydney.edu.au
Visit the Behavioural Neuroscience Lab

Projects offered:

• Gene-environment interactions in schizophrenia
  
  Schizophrenia is a chronic and disabling mental disorder that affects 1% of the world’s population. A complex interaction of environmental and genetic risk factors appears to be causal for the development of the disease. Preclinical research has been instrumental in advancing our understanding the impact of those risk factors, both in isolation or in combination, on behaviour and brain development.
  
  Our team models schizophrenia by developing multi-factorial mouse models combining genetic and environmental disease risk factors. Genetically predisposed mouse mutants are exposed to disease-relevant environmental factors (e.g. chronic cannabis abuse, poor diet, deprived housing conditions) at critical stages of their development. Our team focuses on the neuro-behavioural characterisation of these models, applying a multitude of different neuro-behavioural phenotyping paradigms. This highly standardised research is necessary to determine disease-relevant interactions and to identify preventative and therapeutic measures for future clinical applications.
• Schizophrenia in the face of inflammation - novel treatment strategies are needed
  
  The School of Medicine is offering a research scholarship to a highly motivated PhD candidate to work within the Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory to evaluate new treatments for schizophrenia therapy. Aspects of the project are funded through a NSW Health Research Grant.
  The project will address an unmet need in schizophrenia therapy - to identify agents that can regulate and protect dopamine neurons from neuroinflammation-related damage which is evident in at least 30% of patients.
  We will use lipo-polysaccharide (LPS) to model neuroinflammation-induced midbrain dopaminergic cell dysfunction in male and female mice. LPS is a bacterial endotoxin that induces a robust immune response in the brain and also alters schizophrenia-relevant behaviours and the response to dexamphetamine (DEX)-induced locomotion, mimicking what is found early in schizophrenia.
  We expect that chronic LPS will worsen schizophrenia-relevant behaviours and molecular signatures and that this can be rescued by administration of glutamatergic agents. Thus, the project will evaluate whether chronic administration of these agents during inflammation will have therapeutic-like effects on brain and/or behaviour. The mouse model work will be accompanied by postmortem human brain tissue work carried out by our collaborators at other institutes.
  The successful candidate will be expected to independently administer LPS and therapeutic compounds to mice, conduct behavioural analyses as well as molecular analyses e.g. inflammatory markers in blood and brain regions, and analyse all behavioural and molecular data.

Microbiology

TBC

Medical Education

Dr Iman Hegazi

i.hegazi@westernsydney.edu.au

Project offered:

• Exploring the factors contributing to changes in moral development during medical training

  Medical practice requires the application of knowledge, skills and wisdom. Wisdom, the best use of available knowledge, is underpinned by moral judgement and experience.

  Medical students need to graduate with the ability to make moral decisions related to patient care and their professional behaviour. During medical training, moral development is influenced by maturity, the formal curriculum and the ‘hidden curriculum’ embedded in experiences and role modelling within clinical settings.

  Understanding the factors that promote, impede or segment moral development in medical students is important for the design of medical curricula and systems of student support and faculty training. Appropriate student support would, in turn, reduce students’ distress and improve their well-being throughout their education and future career. Consequently, this will be reflected in patient care and health outcomes.

  A qualitative approach through individual interviews and focus group discussions (FGD) will allow exploration of the medical students’ insights into their moral development and the effects of their experiences during clinical placements.

Dr Elizabeth O'Connor

e.oconnor@westernsydney.edu.au

Project offered:

• A mixed methods approach to identifying Threshold Concepts in the Pre-clinical years of Medical Education

  The adequate understanding of biomedical sciences is the foundation for scientific reasoning, clinical decision making and practicing medicine intelligently. It has been reported that the depth of knowledge in biomedical sciences has declined since the introduction of learning-in-context and integrated medical curricula.

  There is also evidence suggesting that retention of biomedical sciences tends to decline as students progress in a medical course. An important hindering factor is students' level of understanding of the basic science concepts and the different ways students conceptualise and apply the information. This project aims to identify concepts that are crucial and essential for medical students to learn in order to develop authentic mastery in biomedical sciences, otherwise known as “threshold concepts” (TC).

  A mixed method approach will be employed in this study where information will be extracted from three sources; past assessment results, academic focus group discussions (FGDs) and student FGDs and interviews. The findings will inform curriculum design and planning of the intellectual journey for medical students and will contribute to improving the understanding of fundamental biomedical sciences, the process of scientific inquiry, and the translation of basic science knowledge to clinical practice.

General Practice

Dr Phyllis Lau

phyllis.lau@westernsydney.edu.au

Projects offered:

• Diabetes and Oral Health (DiabOH): Validation of the Periodontal Risk Assessment Too (PRISK)

  Diabetes and periodontal disease are two prevalent chronic conditions that critically impact Australia's health expenditure and Australians' health outcomes. There is a bi-directional relationship between the two conditions. Whilst the Australian Diabetes Risk Assessment (AUSDRISK) Tool can be broadly used by non-medical healthcare professionals to assess risk and necessity to confirm diagnosis of diabetes, there is no equivalent tool for assessing the risk of periodontal disease by non-dental healthcare professionals.

  The Diabetes and Oral Health (DiabOH) project has developed the Periodontal Risk Assessment Tool (PRISK) for the screening of patients with diabetes by non-dental practitioners. This project will assess PRISK for reliability, sensitivity and validity against the community periodontal index (CPI) in detecting periodontal disease in patients with diabetes, and the inter-rater reliability of PRISK amongst different non-dental primary healthcare providers. PRISK will also be assessed for acceptability and feasibility for use in primary health care setting.

  Prerequisites: Student will not require dental knowledge or skills but should be interested in interprofessional and integrated health care.

• Normalising oral health in alcohol and other drug recovery (NormAD)

  Despite the devastating effect of alcohol and illicit drugs on teeth and gums, oral health care is not generally a priority or even a part of alcohol and other drug (AOD) recovery. Raising awareness of the importance of oral health and normalising oral health as part of AOD recovery to improve outcomes in this vulnerable population are critical.
  
  This project will explore the perceptions of clients and service providers of AOD recovery services in NSW on oral health needs based on their lived experience. Findings will then be used to inform the development and pilot of strategies to embed oral health care in AOD recovery.
  
  Prerequisites: Student will not require dental knowledge or skills but should be interested in interprofessional and integrated health care.

• The COMPAC Project: Co-designing a patient-reported measure for measuring COntinuing, Multidisciplinary team-based and PAtient-Centred care for Australian primary care

  Patient-reported measures (PRMs) have gained increasing recognition as valuable tools for assessing patient experiences and outcomes in healthcare settings. The use of systematically collected PRMs to inform care delivery has been researched for many years, with many studies discussing its benefits, such as improved quality of life, reduced symptom burdens and increased patient survival rates.

  Many PRMs are used in PHC, but a systematic critical appraisal found varied quality. In particular, most need more consumer or patient input in their design and development. We conducted focus groups with health consumers in 2022, and participants emphasised the need for consumer input in the design of PRMs. They wanted PRMs to be easy to comprehend, non-judgmental, efficient, and inclusive of diversity. PRMs, they said, should reflect the values of today’s multicultural Australia.

  This project aims to co-design a PRM with health consumers to measure consumer assessment of and satisfaction with the quality of continuing, multidisciplinary, team-based and patient-centred care, and then pilot it with patients with chronic disease in the Australian PHC context. Findings will be used to refine the PRM further and develop recommendations for its implementation in general practice.

  Prerequisites: Students with health service experience are preferred.

Gastroentorology

Dr Jerry Zhou / Associate Professor Vincent Ho

(Co-supervisors)
j.zhou@westernsydney.edu.au / v.ho@westernsydney.edu.au

Project offered:

• Development of oesophageal adenocarcinoma screening technique through breath-metabolite and oral microbiota profiling

  Incidences of oesophageal adenocarcinoma has risen sharply in developed countries. However, mortality remains high in spite of advances in treatment. This, in part, is due to challenges in disease screening. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and histopathology are the gold standard in oesophageal adenocarcinoma screening and diagnose but are resource intensive. Furthermore, the majority of individuals that undergo endoscopy do not harbour any abnormalities. This project aims to develop a non-invasive screening technique to better identify individuals in need of further endoscopic investigation.

  The human oral microbiome is thought to be involved with many aspects of physiology and function. Changes in the microenvironment, such as those caused by disease, can alter the composition and diversity of the microbiota population. Individuals with chronic reflux, Barrett’s oesophagus, and/or adenocarcinoma may have unique profiles compared against asymptomatic healthy individuals. An oral microbiome sample can be assessed to determine whether specific species or compositional changes can be utilised as biomarkers for patient stratification.

  Human breath is composed of diverse metabolites from the host and microbe metabolic processes. Similar to the microbiome, changes in microenvironment can influence metabolite production and may provide insight into the individual’s health state. No technical experience is necessary as full training will be provided, however candidates with a strong background in chemistry, microbiology, and/or clinical research is preferred.

Professor Golo Ahlenstiel

(Primary Supervisor)
g.ahlenstiel@westernsydney.edu.au

Dr Scott Read

(Co-Supervisor)
s.read@westernsydney.edu.au

Projects offered:

• Using organoid models to better understand liver immunology

  Applications are currently being accepted for a 3 year PhD project in the immunology of Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) at Western Sydney University Blacktown and the Westmead Institute for Medical Research. The project will be conducted in the research group of Professor Golo Ahlenstiel and will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

  Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterised by the accumulation of excess fat in the liver, termed steatosis. NAFLD encompasses simple steatosis and its inflammatory state called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) which is a core driver of liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This project will focus on the generation of colon and liver organoid culture systems to study the interaction between intestinal immunity and permeability with liver inflammation in NASH.

  Organoids are three dimensional structures grown in vitro from primary tissue that retain the characteristics of their primary source, including self-renewal, organisation, and differentiation. As such, they are an optimal model to study the influence of genetic and environmental factors on disease progression and treatment. Using in vitro co-culture systems, this project will examine the factors that contribute to “leaky gut” in NASH, and how translocating microbes influence liver inflammation.

  In addition to enteric bacterial, fungal and human viruses, this project will contain a unique focus on bacteriophages, and their contribution to chronic immune stimulation in both the gut and liver. This study utilises cutting edge primary cell culture, flow cytometry and molecular biology techniques to discover unknown connections between gut and liver immunity, and will enable a better understanding of inter-organ interactions that contribute to NASH pathogenesis. Applicants should submit their CV and a covering letter, including full contact details of two referees, to Dr Scott Read at s.read@westernsydney.edu.au.

• The role of interferon lambdas in liver inflammation and fibrosis

  Applications are currently being accepted for a 3 year PhD project in the immunology of Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) at Western Sydney University Blacktown and the Westmead Institute for Medical Research. The project will be conducted in the research group of Professor Golo Ahlenstiel and will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

  Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterised by the accumulation of excess fat in the liver, termed steatosis. NAFLD encompasses simple steatosis and its inflammatory state called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) which is a core driver of liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This project will focus on the role of interferon lambdas (IFN-λs) on the progression of liver inflammation and fibrosis.

  Interferon lambda (IFN-λ) is a central antiviral cytokine in the liver that is elevated in NASH, and that contributes to the progression of liver inflammation and fibrosis. The mechanism of IFN-λ induction, and cells involved however, remain unknown. We hypothesise that microbial ligands originating from the gut, enter the liver in the portal blood and stimulate IFN-λ expression. This project will aim to determine the contribution and identity of intestinal biota that stimulate IFN-λ, the responsive cells, and the mechanisms by which IFN-λ drives liver inflammation.

  We will utilise cutting edge genomics, primary cell culture, flow cytometry and molecular biology techniques to shed some light on the role of IFN-λ in NASH. This study will pave the way for future treatments aimed at halting the progression of inflammation in NASH.

  Applicants should submit their CV and a covering letter, including full contact details of two referees, to Dr Scott Read at s.read@westernsydney.edu.au.

Social Determinants of Health/Community Health

Associate Professor Brahm Marjadi

(Primary Supervisor)
b.marjadi@westernsydney.edu.au

Dr Kathleen Openshaw

(Co-Supervisor)
k.openshaw@westernsydney.edu.au

Project offered:

• Reconciling homosexuality and religiosity: A qualitative study on lived experiences

  Research on LGBTQIA+ health has identified the need for understanding the unique social and spiritual needs. For religious LGBTQIA+ people, their sexual identity and religiosity are two integral parts of their identity. Yet, LGBTQIA+ people are often caught in an incompatibility between their sexuality and religiosity which could be deleterious to mental, social, spiritual and physical health particularly when one feels pressured to choose only one of these two parts of their identity. While the negative impacts of the incompatibility between sexuality and religiosity have been quite well studied, much less is known about how some LGBTQIA+ people have been able to reconcile these aspects of their lives. Personal communications and non-research publications indicate various ways to maintain one's sexuality and religiosity. A study on these ‘success stories’ would generate research evidence to shift the prevailing discourse, from a deficit perspective on the clash and the resulting ill-health, to a strength-based perspective focusing on positive outcomes of reconciliation. This project will focus on the intersection of homosexuality (being gay or lesbian) and religiosity using Phenomenology and Ethnography approaches with methods such as, but not limited to, Life History and Photovoice to capture participants’ journey in successfully reconciling their homosexuality and religiosity.