Dr Giannie Barsha is a Research Fellow in the Translational Vascular Therapeutics Group at the Victorian Heart Institute. Giannie completed her PhD in 2021 in the Cardiovascular Disease Program at the Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University. She investigated sex and age-related differences in the pathophysiology of hypertension with particular focus on reinstating the protective cardiovascular effects of the renin-angiotensin system post-menopause. She was then awarded the 2021 Monash FMNHS Bridging Postdoctoral Fellowship to investigate modulators of endothelial dysfunction and angiogenesis in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

In 2022-2023 Giannie pursued further postdoctoral training in the Department of Cardiology at the Kolling Institute of Medical Research, The University of Sydney. She explored novel pathways of oxidative stress as a therapeutic target in atherosclerosis and heart failure in females. In addition, Giannie coordinated the Sydney-based NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Clinic and associated Registry, in collaboration with stakeholders at the Royal North Shore Hospital and Sydney Health Partners to develop evidence-based clinical pathways for better outcomes in patients with CAD.

Giannie's research interests are aimed at addressing age- and sex-related disparities in the pathophysiology and management of cardiovascular disease. She is a strong advocate for education and awareness surrounding the interplay between female-specific conditions and cardiovascular disease.