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 Queensland.
I am currently investigating a novel mouse model, the GAD67 heterozygous (GAD67+/-) mouse, for the study of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders. GAD67 is the enzyme responsible synthesising the main inhibitory neurotransmitter of the mammalian central nervous system, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA).
The GAD67+/- mice show a 50% decrease in global brain GABA at birth. Deregulated inhibitory signalling has been seen to have major impacts on normal neurodevelopment. We investigate the GAD67+/- mouse to reveal changes in neurophysiology; and behaviour that may be characteristic of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders. By validating the GAD67+/- as a model for these neurological disorders, we can explore potential therapeutic targets.
My principle advisor is Associate Professor Mark Bellingham.