We are using the genetic model organism, C. elegans, do investigate the genetic basis of both normal and disordered behaviour. Our current interests are identifying the genes responsible for anxiety and depression as well as the genes for eating disoders and addiction. Using C. elegans as a model organism will also allow us to study gene function as it relates to behaviour.
Molecular mechanisms of phosphine resistance (other research)
Genetic mapping of oxidative stress resistance genes. The fumigant phosphine disrupts oxidative metabolism, resulting in the production of reactive oxygen intermediates. This causes the premature ageing and death of targeted pests. Insect pests of stored grain in Australia now exhibit resistance to phosphine at levels more than 200 times the normal lethal dose.
We have genetically mappedf and identified the genes responsible for phosphine resistance in tall major insect pests of stored grain. We are using a systems biology approach in the model organism C. elegans to understand the molecular basis of phosphine action. Our genetic studies have recently shown that resistance to phosphine is associated with an extension of lifespan
Dr Dana Pourzinal is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Dementia & Neuro Mental Health Research Unit within the UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine. From her PhD (2023) and continued research, she has gained extensive expertise in neuroimaging, advanced statistical analysis, and clinical trials, with a particular focus on identifying dementia risk in Parkinson's disease and related therapeutic interventions and biomarkers. Dr Pourzinal's current work aims to improve current clinical practice for people living with Parkinson's disease (MRFF-funded PDCogniCare project) by developing guidelines for the diagnosis and management of cognitive disorders in Parkinson’s disease.
Dr Pourzinal's primary research interests are focussed on cognition in Parkinson's disease (PD) and include:
Defining and profiling PD cognitive subtypes using advanced data-driven methods.
Neuroimaging biomarkers to predict cognitive decline and dementia risk in PD.
Evaluating pharmacological treatments for dementia risk in PD.
Longitudinal tracking of cognitive trajectories to inform early intervention strategies in PD.
ARC Centre of Excellence: Children and Families Over the Lifecourse
Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
Research Fellow
Child Health Research Centre
Faculty of Medicine
Availability:
Available for supervision
Dr Kalina Rossa is currently a Research Fellow at the Child Health Research Institute and with the ARC Centre of Excellence for Children and Families Across the Lifecourse. She has an interest in the behavioural and psychological consequences of sleep loss, and in the design, development and implementation of behavioural interventions that aim to support sleep and wellbeing in a range of populations and settings. She has direct experience in clinical trials design and implementation (both clinical and 'in community'), and applied phychophysiological measurement across controlled experimental settings and in the field.
