After graduating with a Bachelor of Science (Hons I) from the University of Sydney and working for Dr Grant Parnell as a research assistant at the Westmead Institute for Medical Research, I have pursued a PhD to follow my passion for advancing medical research under the supervision of the Baird Institute’s Lead of Translational Research, Dr Robert Hume, and with the invaluable support of The Baird Institute.
A healthy circulatory system is essential for overall well-being, yet genetic and environmental factors can lead to vascular damage or blockages, resulting in life-threatening conditions. These complications often impair major organs and limbs due to insufficient delivery of nutrients and oxygen. To repair damaged vessels, surgeons often replace arteries with synthetic alternatives made from materials such as Dacron and Gore-Tex. However, these existing options often fail in the long term due to inadequate mechanical and physiological properties.
My research focuses on developing a degradable vascular graft designed to regenerate damaged vessels, ultimately restoring optimal blood flow and reducing life-threatening complications. If successful, these grafts could revolutionise vascular surgery by providing an ‘off the shelf’ solution that promotes natural vessel regeneration, mimicking the structure and function of a healthy vessel.
I am honoured and sincerely thankful to The Baird Institute and its supporters for the scholarship, and I am committed to producing high-quality research that advances vascular graft technology and improves health outcomes for those with cardiovascular disease.
