Biography

I obtained my PhD from the University of Newcastle (awarded 1999) working on a collaborative project with the Vertebrate Biocontrol Cooperative Research Centre focused on characterising protein expression and function in male gametogenesis. This work helped to define to role of the male reproductive tract in post-testicular sperm maturation. I then undertook post-doctoral research in the Department of Cell Biology, Emory University, GA, USA (1999-2000). This work centred on the characterisation of a knockout mouse model bearing a targeted deletion of a key protein involved in gamete interactions. In 2001, I was recruited to the University of Newcastle as an Associate Lecturer in Biological Sciences and promoted to the position of Lecturer in 2004, Senior Lecturer in 2007, and Associate Professor in 2011. Since appointment I have established an active research program focusing on the use of human and animal models to characterise the processes of gamete maturation. In spermatozoa, I am currently working on a number of key molecules that control cell function and regulate gamete interactions. In folliculogenesis, I have focused on cell signalling pathways that contribute to the initiation of primordial follicle activation and the effects of environmental ovotoxicants on these pathways.

Qualifications

• PhD, University of Newcastle
• Bachelor of Science (Honours), University of Newcastle
• Bachelor of Science, University of Newcastle

Research

Research keywords

• Reproductive Biology

Research expertise

I obtained my PhD from the University of Newcastle (awarded 1999) working on a collaborative project with the Vertebrate Biocontrol CRC focused on characterising protein expression and function in male gametogenesis. This work helped to define to role of the male reproductive tract in post-testicular sperm maturation. I then undertook post-doctoral research in the Department of Cell Biology, Emory University, GA, USA (1999-2000). This work centred on the characterisation of a knockout mouse model bearing a targeted deletion of a key protein involved in gamete interactions. In 2001, I was recruited to the University of Newcastle as an Associate Lecturer in Biological Sciences and promoted to the position of Lecturer in 2004, Senior Lecturer in 2007, and Associate Professor in 2011. Since appointment I have established an active research program focusing on the use of human and animal models to characterise the processes of gamete maturation. In spermatozoa, I am working on a number of projects with the overriding goal of elucidating the molecular mechanisms that govern sperm activation and regulate gamete interactions. In folliculogenesis, I have focussed on cell signalling pathways that contribute to the initiation of primordial follicle activation and the effects of environmental ovotoxicants. These projects are of strategic importance in the design of post-testicular methods of fertility regulation, the development of assisted conception systems for the preservation of endangered species and elucidation of the causes of human male infertility.

My research niche complements existing programs in male germ cell development and ovarian biology within the Reproductive Science Group at the University of Newcastle. It also represents a strategically important subprogram of the University’s Priority Research Centre (PRC) for Reproductive Science. Furthermore, my research encompasses the National Research Priority goals of (i) safeguarding Australia (protecting Australia from invasive diseases and pests) and (ii) promoting and maintaining good health (a healthy start to life).

Collaboration

I have collaborative partnerships with a number of pre-eminent national and international scientists within the field of gamete biology. Similarly, I have established collaborations with IVF clinics to support the extension of my research program into the clinical domain. This nexus is critical for our ability to drive translational outcomes in understanding the aetiology of human male infertility.

Languages

• English

Fields of Research

Centres and Groups

Centre

• Hunter Medical Research Institute
• PRC - Priority Research Centre for Chemical Biology
• PRC - Priority Research Centre for Chemical Biology
• PRC - Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science (RS)
• PRC - Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science (RS)

Group

• Hunter Medical Research Institute - Pregnancy and Reproduction

Memberships

Editorial Board.

• Editor - Molecular Human Reproduction

Learned Academy.

• Member - Society for Reproductive Biology
• Member - Society for the Study of Reproduction

Awards

Distinction.

Recognition.

Research Award.

Invitations

Administrative

Administrative expertise

Service to the University

I am dedicated to building achievements in relation to University, Community and Professional Service. Since appointment to my current position I have made a significant commitment to University Service and related professional activities. Specifically, I focused on initiatives that enrich the student learning experience and promote a vibrant research culture, thus contributing to the status of the University's teaching and research profile. My committee membership aligns with my recognised strengths in teaching and research, and has included:

Faculty of Science and IT Student Recruitment Committee

School of Environmental and Life Sciences Honours Committee (Chair)

Discipline of Biological Sciences Postgraduate Committee

Analytical and Biomolecular Research Facility Advisory Committee

Reproductive Sciences OH&S Committee

Service to the profession

I review for a number of grant bodies such as NHMRC and Medical Research Council (UK). I also review for 12 specialist journals including Reproduction, Biology of Reproduction, Human Reproduction, Developmental Biology (~20 manuscripts/year) and serve as an Associate Editor for Molecular Human Reproduction.

Teaching

Teaching keywords

• Biology

Teaching expertise

Undergraduate Teaching

Since my appointment in 2001, I have made a significant and sustained contribution to the teaching effort of the Discipline of Biological Sciences through the delivery of lectures and supervision of practical classes and tutorials across a broad range of courses (Levels 1000 – 4000). I strive for excellence in teaching and generate consistently high SEC and SET evaluations and qualitative feedback. My current teaching commitment includes:

BIOL1001 Cells, Molecules, and Organisms

BIOL1001 Gifted and Talented Program (Course coordinator)

BIOL2001 Molecular Laboratory Skills for Biological Sciences

BIOL2010 Biochemistry (Course coordinator)

BIOL2050 Molecular Genetics

BIOL3200 Cellular Biotechnology

BIOL3250 Biotechnology Placement

BIOL4110 - BIOL4220 BSc (Biology) Honours / BBiotech Honours (Program coordinator)

Research Training

Since 2001, I have supervised 6 PhD, 1 MPhil and 13 Honours students to successful completion of their research higher degrees. I am currently the principal supervisor of 3 PhD and 1 Honours student and the co-supervisor of an additional 3 PhD students. My commitment to research training is evidenced by the recent award of RHD Supervisor of the Year (2009), the University of Newcastle’s highest accolade for student supervision. The quality of my students is attested by the award of numerous platform and poster prizes at national and international meetings, including: best student poster at Lorne Protein (2003), Oozoa award for best student oral presentation at the Society for Reproduction (SRB) annual meeting (2008 & 2010), best student poster at the Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology annual meeting (2010), best student poster at the International Symposium on Spermatology (Japan, 2010), and the SRB - New Investigator award (2011).

Teaching interests

Biochemistry

Reproductive Physiology and Development