Biography:

I am a Lecturer in Genetics in the School of Biomedical Sciences. Initially with a background in molecular genetics, I moved to Perth in 2012 to begin a postdoc at the UWA Centre for Genetic Origins of Health and Disease, where I developed my interest and skills in epidemiological and statistical genetics.

Research:

My research centres around using large, complex datasets of biological information to better understand the genetic contribution to common, complex human diseases. I have experience in the analysis of genomic, transcriptomic, methylomic and proteomic data and a particular interest in improving genetic discovery by using endophenotypes to deconstruct heterogeneous phenotypes. Much of my research has been in mental health disorders and in cardiovascular disease.

Engagement and Outreach:

I collaborate regularly with ‘Meeting for Minds’, and share their goal of ensuring that mental health research is done in partnership with people living with mental illness.

I am interested in science journalism, and I regularly provide expert comments for the Australian Science Media Centre and other media outlets.

I also set up and coordinate ‘Write Smarter Feel Better’ at UWA, a peer mentoring program aimed at improving wellbeing in HDR students.

Funding overview

I have been a CI on successful grants totalling AUD$1,186,575 since beginning at UWA in 2012, including NHMRC and NIH funding and a postdoctoral fellowship.

Education/Academic qualification

2007-2012: PhD, Genetics of Cardiovascular Disease, Royal College of surgeons in Ireland. Award date: 1 June 2012

2002-2006: BSc Genetics, University College Cork, Ireland.

Teaching

I am unit coordinator for GENE2230 Molecular Genetics I.

I also teach into PATH3305.

If you are interested in studying with me as a PhD student, I currently have an opportunity available looking at the genetic contribution to different features of mental health disorders, and how this information can be used to better understand their underlying biology.