University of Tasmania, Australia

PhD Candidate

Biography

I studied a year of Nursing at the University of Tasmania in 2004, where I gained an interest in science and medical research, with particular regard to neurodegenerative diseases including dementia. I graduated with a Bachelor of Biotechnology from UTAS in 2008. In 2009, completing Honours in Biotechnology with the Menzies Research Institute in conjunction with the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre. My thesis topic was Excitoxicity and Axon Degeneration in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a topic which I am currently continuing to research for my PhD. I have published two papers under my maiden name Hosie (refer below).

Research Interests

My research focuses on the mechanisms involved in neuronal degeneration, with specific interest in axon degeneration following excitotoxicity. Excitotoxicity has been implicated in a number of neurodegenerative diseases including many forms of dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS is the most common form of motor neuron disease, resulting from the loss of motor neurons from the spinal cord and degeneration of the neuromuscular junction. My research focuses on the process of motor neuron degeneration following excitotoxicity in the peripheral nervous system, with parallels drawn to cortical neurodegeneration.

Research Projects and Roles

• Excitoxicity and Axon Degeneration in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - PhD candidate

Project Funding

• Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre (WDREC)
• Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute of Australia

Web Access Research Portal (WARP) for Ms Katherine Southam