Dr Roisin Griffin
Postdoctoral Fellow
School of Environmental and Life Sciences
Career Summary
Biography
OVERVIEW
I am a Postdoctoral Research Fellow working within the HMRI Infertility and Reproduction Research Program. My research centres on improving the fertility of equine and livestock species, to ultimately improve the welfare of breeding animals. My primary research focus is to investigate the effects of endogenous and exogenous stressors on DNA damage in the stallion germ line.
BACKGROUND
I began my academic journey with a BSc in Equine Science at the University of Limerick (UL), Ireland. As part of this degree, I completed a Final Year Project (FYP) comparing the growth rates of Irish and American-born Thoroughbred foals, with a particular emphasis on modelling their growth based on age. This research not only garnered recognition internally (winning the Coolmore Silver Medal for best FYP presentation), but also earned me the honour of representing UL at the prestigious Eqvalan Duo Thesis of the Year competition (held at the Royal Agricultural Society of England), for which I was a finalist.
Eager to further develop my research expertise, I pursued an MSc degree by research, focused in the area of equine nutrition. Building upon the foundations laid during my FYP, I extended my work into modelling the growth of Irish Thoroughbred foals based on their nutritional intakes. This research ultimately led me to accept a PhD position at UON, changing my research focus into the realm of reproduction. Under the supervision of Dr Zamira Gibb and Distinguished Emeritus Professor John Aitken, my doctoral project centred on unravelling the molecular mechanisms that underpin stallion fertility, and investigating the impact of exogenous factors on fertility and DNA integrity. During this time, I undertook several fieldwork periods, both in Australia and abroad, working closely with the Thoroughbred breeding industry.
RESEARCH ESTEEM
Throughout my PhD I focused on producing data that is of interest to funding agencies and salient to the industry end-users. In testament to this, my research findings into the effect of ambient climatic conditions on stallion fertility underpinned two successful research grant applications, totalling over $500,000 (Australian Research Council and Agrifutures Australia).
To date, I have presented my findings at 14 conferences, including four international events. Notably, I was selected as a finalist in the ART Lab Solutions Gamete and Embryo Award at the Society for Reproductive Biology (SRB) conference, 2020, and a finalist in the Student Competition at the Association of Applied Animal Andrology (AAAA) conference, also in 2020. My most significant achievement to date occurred during the quadrennial meeting of the International Symposium on Equine Reproduction (ISER), where I was awarded the prestigious Michelle LeBlanc Award.
RESEARCH EXPERTISE AND CURRENT RESEARCH AREAS
My research expertise spans various facets of equine science and reproductive biology. My work is characterized by its translational nature, with findings that can be readily implemented by industry users and individuals on the ground. My primary research areas include:
- Determining the impact of endogenous and exogenous stressors on sperm DNA integrity.
- Determining the most vulnerable genomic loci for sperm DNA damage and assessing how this may compromise the offspring genome.
- Understanding the impact of ambient heat stress on fertility, germ cell quality and horse welfare.
- Developing diagnostic tools and strategies to increase reproductive performance and improve breeding outcomes.
My research is firmly anchored in addressing the critical needs of the equine industry, with the overarching goal of enhancing breeding practices for the betterment of horse welfare.
TEACHING, SUPERVISION AND MENTORSHIP
In addition to my research endeavours, I actively engage in teaching and mentorship roles to contribute to the development of future scientists. I have lectured several modules within the Biotechnology and Biology undergraduate programs. I have the privilege of serving as a supervisor for an MSc student and mentoring two honours students—one of whom received the prestigious President's Medal. Additionally, I have co-supervised several summer scholarship and placement students to completion.
Overall, my aspiration is to continue making impactful strides in equine science, shaping the future of equine genetics, reproduction, and welfare through my research, teaching, and mentorship roles. I am committed to advancing knowledge and practices in the field and contributing to the wellbeing of horses, and the equine industry as a whole.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle
- Bachelor of Science in Equine Science, University of Limerick - Ireland
- Master of Science by Research, University of Limerick - Ireland
Keywords
- DNA damage
- Equine
- Flow Cytometry
- Heat Stress
- Male Reproductive Tract
- Mass Spectrometry
- Protein
- Proteomics
- Sperm Biology
- Sperm Motility
- Stallion
Languages
- English (Mother)
- Irish (Fluent)
Fields of Research
Code | Description | Percentage |
---|---|---|
321503 | Reproduction | 70 |
300306 | Animal welfare | 10 |
310199 | Biochemistry and cell biology not elsewhere classified | 20 |
Professional Experience
UON Appointment
Title | Organisation / Department |
---|---|
Postdoctoral Fellow | University of Newcastle School of Environmental and Life Sciences Australia |
Professional appointment
Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
---|---|---|
12/4/2021 - 12/4/2022 | Research Assistant | Faculty of Science | University of Newcastle | Australia School of Environmental and Life Sciences Australia |
17/11/2016 - 31/1/2017 | Hunter Valley Equine Research Foundation: Research Assistant | Hunter Valley Equine Research Centre Hunter Valley Equine Research Centre Australia |
21/5/2012 - 31/10/2015 | Veterinary Assistant and Office Administrator | HGM Veterinary Surgeons HGM Veterinary Surgeons Ireland |
Teaching appointment
Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
---|---|---|
6/1/2014 - 30/10/2015 |
Laboratory Assistant Responsibilities included preparation of lab materials and equipment; student supervision; lecturing. |
University of Limerick Ireland |
Awards
Award
Year | Award |
---|---|
2023 |
The Michelle LeBlanc Award International Symposium on Equine Reproduction |
2012 |
McGourty Perpetual Trophy University of Limerick |
2012 |
Coolmore Silver Medal Coolmore Stud |
Honours
Year | Award |
---|---|
2020 |
Association for Applied Animal Andrology, Student Competition Association for Applied Animal Andrology |
2020 |
ART Lab Solutions Gamete and Embryo Award The Society for Reproductive Biology |
2012 |
Eqvalan Duo Thesis of the Year The Royal Agricultural Society of England |
Invitations
Speaker
Year | Title / Rationale |
---|---|
2019 |
Latest Developments in Predicting and Improving Stallion Fertility ANZCVS College Science Week aims to gather global experts from the veterinary field to present, discuss and explore cutting-edge topics in veterinary science and research. Sessions present the latest research innovations and advanced topic reviews in a diverse range of veterinary fields. It is also a forum that welcomes and supports early career researchers, such as those undertaking internships or residency training programs.
|
2019 | Improving the fertility outcomes of horses |
Teaching
Code | Course | Role | Duration |
---|---|---|---|
Biol2002 |
Laboratory Skills in Biological Systems School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle This course is designed to provide students with extensive training in the laboratory practices associated with biological research. The course is divided into three modules, the focus areas include microbial systems, plant biology systems and animal biology systems. Students completing this course will be able to demonstrate intermediate-level training in experimental design and development which will enable progression to advanced training in these skill sets in 3000-level courses. |
Lecturer | 18/7/2022 - 31/12/2022 |
Biol1002 |
BIOL1002 Organisms to Ecosystems College of Engineering, Science & Environment, University of Newcastle This course introduces the taxonomic and functional diversity of organisms together with their interactions with each other and the physical world. Students will gain an understanding of the immense scale of biological diversity, how that diversity arose and what are the essential elements required to maintain that diversity. This course is also the gateway to real understanding of how organisms work including the development and function of multicellular organisms. This understanding of the organism will then be expanded to interactions between organisms as populations, communities and ecosystems. Understanding how organisms and ecosystems function enables us to move towards living systems that are aligned with natural processes and are essential ingredients to sustainability. Students who have completed this course are well placed to study further studies in: animal and plant development and function; microbiology; ecology, biodiversity and environmental biology courses at 2000 and 3000 level. |
Lecturer | 18/7/2022 - 31/12/2022 |
Biol1003 |
BIOL1003 Professional Skills for Biological Sciences 1 College of Engineering, Science & Environment, University of Newcastle Students are introduced to the principles of scientific investigation and initiate the development of analytical and practical skills necessary for an active career in the diverse fields of modern biology. This equips the student for further studies in both lab-based biotechnology and field based environmental biology subjects. Students will be taught practical laboratory and field skills together with experimental design, data evaluation and technical report writing within the context of a number of exciting hands on biological investigations. |
Lecturer | 18/7/2022 - 31/12/2022 |
Publications
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Journal article (4 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||||||||
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2022 |
Griffin RA, Swegen A, Baker MA, Ogle RA, Smith N, Aitken RJ, et al., 'Proteomic analysis of spermatozoa reveals caseins play a pivotal role in preventing short-term periods of subfertility in stallions .', Biol Reprod, 106 741-755 (2022) [C1]
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Nova | |||||||||
2020 |
Gibb Z, Griffin RA, Aitken RJ, De Iuliis GN, 'Functions and effects of reactive oxygen species in male fertility', Animal Reproduction Science, 220 (2020) [C1] Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are implicated in all aspects of cellular functions. While the importance of ROS as signalling molecules is well described, ROS are also associated w... [more] Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are implicated in all aspects of cellular functions. While the importance of ROS as signalling molecules is well described, ROS are also associated with stress pathologies. Within the reproduction field, there are associations with reduced fertility as a result of lipid peroxidation, protein dysfunction, premature cell death and DNA damage which readily occur in spermatozoa. These oxidative insults can arise in vivo, or in vitro as a result of sperm storage, purification and processing. Following a brief description of the production, homeostasis and functions of ROS in mammalian sperm function, this review paper will focus on describing the predominant sources of ROS in the ejaculate, the effects of ROS on a cellular and molecular level, and the actions of ROS from the whole animal perspective. There is highlighting of some studies, which have revealed the mechanisms for these observations, along with some strategies to ameliorate or prevent the instigation of the oxidative stress cascade before irreversible damage to spermatozoa occurs.
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Nova | |||||||||
2020 |
Griffin RA, Swegen A, Baker M, Aitken RJ, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Rodriguez AS, et al., 'Mass spectrometry reveals distinct proteomic profiles in high- And low-quality stallion spermatozoa', Reproduction, 160 695-707 (2020) [C1] The horse breeding industry relies upon optimal stallion fertility. Conventional sperm assessments provide limited information regarding ejaculate quality and are not individually... [more] The horse breeding industry relies upon optimal stallion fertility. Conventional sperm assessments provide limited information regarding ejaculate quality and are not individually predictive of fertilizing potential. The aim of this study was to harness mass spectrometry to compare the proteomic profiles of high- and low-quality stallion spermatozoa, with the ultimate goal of identifying fertility biomarker candidates. Extended stallion semen (n = 12) was fractionated using Percoll density gradients to isolate low-quality and high-quality sperm populations. Motility and morphological assessments were carried out, and proteomic analyses was conducted using UHPLC-MS/MS. High-quality spermatozoa recorded higher total (95.2 ± 0.52% vs 70.6 ± 4.20%; P = 0.001) and progressive motilities (43.4 ± 3.42% vs 27.3 ± 4.32%; P = 0.05), and a higher proportion of morphologically normal cells (50.2 ± 4.34% vs 38.8 ± 2.72%; P = 0.05). In total, 1069 proteins were quantified by UHPLC-MS/MS, of which 22 proteins were significantly more abundant in the high-quality sperm population (P = 0.05). A-kinase anchor protein 4 (AKAP4) and Hexokinase 1 (HK1) were considered possible biomarker candidates and their differential expression was confirmed by immunoblot. Protein expression was significantly correlated with total (AKAP4 R2 = 0.38, P = 0.01; HK1 R2 = 0.46, P = 0.001) and progressive motilities (AKAP4 R2 = 0.51, P = 0.001; HK1 R2 = 0.55, P = 0.01), percentage rapid (AKAP4 R2 = 0.29, P = 0.05; HK1 R2 = 0.58, P = 0.001), straight-line velocity (HK1 R2 = 0.50, P = 0.01) and straightness (HK1 R2 = 0.40, P = 0.01). Furthermore, AKAP4 was highly susceptible to adduction by 4-hydroxynonenal (4HNE), which resulted in a global reduction in the phosphorylation profiles following capacitation. In conclusion, the proteomic profiles of high- and low-quality stallion spermatozoa differ substantially, and proteins such as AKAP4 and HK1 could serve as biomarkers of ejaculate quality.
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Nova | |||||||||
2019 |
Griffin RA, Baker M, Aitken RJ, Swegen A, Gibb Z, 'What makes a fertile sperm? Unique molecular attributes of stallion fertility.', Reproduction (Cambridge, England), 158 R125-R137 (2019) [C1]
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Nova | |||||||||
Show 1 more journal article |
Conference (3 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | |||||
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2020 |
Griffin R, Miller K, Swegen A, Baker M, De Iuliis G, Aitken RJ, Gibb Z, 'Measuring Oxidative DNA Damage in Stallions Susceptible to Heat Stress', ANIMAL REPRODUCTION SCIENCE, Bologna, ITALY (2020)
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2020 |
Sheridan A, Medica A, Griffin R, Aitken RJ, Gibb Z, 'Glycerophospholipids reduce oxidative stress on stallion sperm in vitro', ANIMAL REPRODUCTION SCIENCE, Bologna, ITALY (2020)
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2018 |
Griffin RA, Swegen A, Aitken RJ, Gibb Z, 'Investigation into predictors of stallion fertility and associations with oxidative damage', Cambridge, UK (2018)
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Grants and Funding
Summary
Number of grants | 4 |
---|---|
Total funding | $630,600 |
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
20231 grants / $820
Professor W.R. (Twink) Allen Travel Fellowship$820
Funding body: International Symposium on Equine Reproduction
Funding body | International Symposium on Equine Reproduction |
---|---|
Scheme | Professor W.R. (Twink) Allen Travel Fellowship |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2023 |
Funding Finish | 2023 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | C3212 - International Not for profit |
Category | 3212 |
UON | N |
20222 grants / $565,780
Reducing the Effects of Heat Stress and Ageing on Sperm DNA damage in Thoroughbred Stallions$301,264
Funding body: AgriFutures Australia
Funding body | AgriFutures Australia |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Zamira Gibb, Associate Professor Mark Baker, Associate Professor Geoffry De Iuliis, Doctor Roisin Griffin, Doctor Aleona Swegen |
Scheme | Thoroughbred Horse Program |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2022 |
Funding Finish | 2024 |
GNo | G2101310 |
Type Of Funding | C1400 - Aust Competitive - Commonwealth Rural R&D |
Category | 1400 |
UON | Y |
'Equility' - Assessing Stallion Fertility in the Field: Extension and Adoption Activities$264,516
Funding body: AgriFutures Australia
Funding body | AgriFutures Australia |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Zamira Gibb, Doctor Roisin Griffin |
Scheme | Thoroughbred Horse Program |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2022 |
Funding Finish | 2023 |
GNo | G2101314 |
Type Of Funding | C1400 - Aust Competitive - Commonwealth Rural R&D |
Category | 1400 |
UON | Y |
20181 grants / $64,000
Understanding and Reducing the Effects of Heat Stress on TB Stallion Fertility$64,000
Funding body: AgriFutures Australia
Funding body | AgriFutures Australia |
---|---|
Project Team | Dr Aleona Swegen, Dr Roisin Griffin |
Scheme | Thoroughbred Horse Program |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2018 |
Funding Finish | 2020 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | External |
Category | EXTE |
UON | N |
Research Supervision
Number of supervisions
Current Supervision
Commenced | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | PhD | Ambient Heat Stress in the Stallion and its Effects on Spermatogenesis, Endocrinology and Systemic Oxidative Stress | PhD (Biological Sciences), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
2022 | Masters | An Investigation into the Effects of Oxidative DNA Damage on Stallion Fertility and Subsequent Progeny Performance | Biological Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment (CESE), University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
Dr Roisin Griffin
Position
Postdoctoral Fellow
School of Environmental and Life Sciences
College of Engineering, Science and Environment
Contact Details
roisin.griffin@newcastle.edu.au | |
Link |