Jacinta is a Post-doctoral researcher in the Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Sciences. Jacinta works with a multidisciplinary group of researchers using human and animal models to characterise the processes of gamete maturation (the process by which oocytes and spermatozoa are formed). 

Prior to returning to UON in 2021, Jacinta was a Post doctoral research fellow in the laboratory of Professor Rima Slim at the McGill University Health Centre and McGill University in Montreal, Canada (2019-2021). Here her research centred on elucidating the role of meiosis genes in the ontogenesis of molar pregnancies.  A molar pregnancy — also known as hydatidiform mole — is a rare complication of pregnancy characterized by the abnormal growth of trophoblasts, the cells that normally develop into the placenta. Jacinta’s work focused on determining the specific mechanisms behind recurrent mole formation using unique mouse models and RNA sequencing technologies. 

Prior to relocating to Canada, Jacinta worked as part of the Mothers and Babies Research Centre at the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) under the auspices of the Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Sciences. Together with Associate Professor Kirsty Pringle, Jacinta’s research focused on understanding what underscores a healthy pregnancy. The Pringle group focuses on how components of the circulating renin angiotensin system (RAS),a hormone network that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance, functions to ensure healthy placental development. Unfortunately a significant proportion of pregnancies are affected by complications arising from inadequate placentation (placenta formation), with significant adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. During her tenure in the Pringle group, Jacinta’s goal was to contribute to the development of innovate new laboratory models of preeclampsia so that the group might uncover how key components of the RAS contribute to placental formation and the development of this pathology. Such a model would also enable us to uncover novel biomarkers of adverse pregnancy outcomes and to test new candidate therapies to prevent disease formation and progression in these women.

Previous Experience: I completed a Bachelor of Biotechnology (Honours) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) under the supervision of Prof. Brett Nixon, Dr Elizabeth Bromfield and L. Prof. John Aitken at the University of Newcastle, Australia in 2019. My doctoral studies were focused on developing an understanding of the quality control mechanisms used by the egg and early embryo to ensure DNA quality. Specifically my work focused on the protective strategies afforded by efflux transporter proteins, DNA Repair pathways and the contribution of novel pro-survival factors on egg and embryo quality. These findings have provided a critical framework for the continued development of novel ways to preserve egg/embryo quality in the clinic and thus may contribute to improvements in contemporary assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilisation or IVF.  

My research has been recognised both nationally and internationally through publication in leading specialist and multidisciplinary journals, presentations (Australia and America), invited seminars in the United Kingdom, America and Canada, in addition to the award of competitive peer-review awards. 

These include the McGill University McLaughlin Fellowship ($24,000), the McGill University Centre for Research in Reproduction Trainee Award ($7,500) and 6 equipment grants totalling $63,057. As further testament to her ability to attract competitive funding is the award of $12,500 in travel grants that allowed her to communicate her research at 28 meetings (5 international) and undertake valuable training opportunities run by the Marine Biological Laboratories (Frontiers in Reproduction; USA). Jacinta has also been the recipient of 2 philanthropic grants, the Jennie Thomas Medical Research Travel Grant, and the Greaves Family Postgraduate Scholarship in Medical Research. Jacinta has also received awards both locally and internationally for the presentation of her scientific findings at conferences, including the UON, ‘Presentation Excellence Award’ at the 20th annual Research Higher Degree conference in 2015 and the McGill University ‘Trainee Competition Award’ in 2020. Most recently Jacinta was awarded the 2021 ‘Reproduction, Fertility and Development and Society for Reproductive Biology Publication of the Year Award’.

My current research areas of interest include:

• Characterisation of the male monotreme (Short beaked Echidna and platypus) reproductive tract.
• The effects of Environmental exposures in sperm development and function. 

I also maintain an active interest female gamete biology, maintenance of genomic integrity for oncofertilty management, embryogenesis and developmental biology.