I am a Research Fellow in the Department of Neuroscience, Monash University and an emerging leader in the field of Positron Emission Topography (PET) radiotracer development, application and translation for rare neurodegenerative and neurological diseases known as tauopathies. I have a major interest in the role of the protein tau in neurodegenerative diseases, and the development of biomarkers to better identify tauopathies.

I use neuroimaging techniques (particularly PET imaging) to study the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases in order to change the current diagnosis and treatment of rare neurodegenerative diseases.

I have a strong translational research focus with capability in proof of concept in vitro studies (preclinical development and commercialisation), through to diagnostic validity in clinical application. My work in developing PET radiotracers has received substantial funding through the NIH (CI $1.4M USD, 2022-2025), the Department of Science the Environment and Resources (CI $1M, 2022-24), Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia (CI $235,000, 2021-22) and the NHMRC (CID $870,000, 2018-21).

My research program has focussed on early phase “first in human” and “first in disease” clinical trials of sodium selenate, a potentially disease-modifying treatment for tauopathies. Long term (<23 months) treatment with sodium selenate showed reduced cognitive decline than expected with natural history.

I lead a research group in which I supervise two PhD students, one MSc student, and three Honours students. I also co-supervise one post-doc and one PhD student. I am part of the iBRAIN research group leadership team.

I am one of the chief investigators of the Monash Cognition and Imaging Study (MCIS), a study that aims to better characterise different neurodegenerative diseases and find new biomarkers for earlier diagnosis. This is funded by the pharmaceutical company Biogen (USD$169,000) and philanthropic donations ($50,000).

I am an active collaborator in the ENIGMA epilepsy and MELD consortia.