Researcher biography
I am a PhD student at the School of Biomedical science, having completed a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Neuroscience at the University of Otago.
I am currently studying the intersection between neuroscience and the immune system- specifically looking at the innate immune receptor C5aR1. Research has predominantly focused on C5aR1’s role in brain immune cells; however, constitutive levels of C5aR1 expression are found globally on brain neurons. Research into the normal neurophysiology of this receptor is minimal. The aim of my PhD is, therefore, to systematically evaluate neuronal C5aR1 function under normal physiology. This project will help elucidate C5aR1 neuronal role and provide essential clues to help treat neurodegenerative disease.
My principal advisor is Professor Trent Woodruff.