As an alumnus from the University of Adelaide (B.HlthSc Hons), I followed my numerous passions into a research area encompassing neuroscience, anatomy and pathophysiology. My PhD research focussed on the niche alternations to the microvascular architecture of cerebral blood vessels following ischaemic stroke. Of particular interest are the alternations to tight junction proteins in the brain and supporting glial cells that maintain the blood-brain barrier. Given the context of age as a risk factor for ischaemic stroke, my research further focussed on the impact of ageing on the brain microenvironment and how age influences the pathophysiology of stroke and downstream complications. 

I have been fortunate to work in numerous pre-clinical models of ischaemic stroke to development functional assessment protocols in order to assess post-stroke functional deficits. My research has also afforded me the opportunity to work intensely with a large aged pre-clinical cohort, allowing me unique opportunity to comment on the complexities of pre-clinical aged health care.