Determination and Evaluation of Optimal Designs for Population Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Studies of Antimalarial Drugs.
This project will propose new sampling schedules for population pharmacokinetic (PK) studies of antimalarial drugs using optimal design theory (a data-independent method).  In addition, under these optimal designs, maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods of analysis will be assessed for measuring the shift in the PK parameters for children, who carry the heaviest malaria burden.  Furthermore, the application of optimal design theory to pharmacodynamic studies will be explored.  The ultimate aim of this work is to provide a robust framework for conducting high-quality studies so that dosing regimens can be reliably determined for different populations and resistance to the drugs can be adequately monitored.
Supervised by Dr Julie Simpson, Dr Lyle Gurrin (Centre for MEGA Epidemiology), Dr Richard Price (Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin), Professor Stephen Duffull (University of Otago, New Zealand).

Early Screening for Balance Dysfunction in Older People and a Targeted Exercise Intervention in Reversing Older People’s Early balance Dysfunction.
Early balance problems are often not recognized by older people and their health practitioners. This randomised controlled trial aimed to screen for early balance dysfunction in a sample of community-dwelling older people who were expressing concerns about their balance but who remained reasonably active, and to evaluate the effectiveness of a targeted exercise intervention in reversing older people’s early balance dysfunction. After a comprehensive balance assessment, the participants classified as having early balance problems were randomly allocated into a control group, or an intervention group. The intervention group received a 6-month balance-training home exercise program prescribed by an experienced physiotherapist.
Supervised by A/Prof Shyamali Dharmage (Centre for MEGA Epidemiology), Prof Keith Hill and Ms Kirsten Moore (National Ageing Research Institute, University of Melbourne)

The Impact of Environmental and Lifestyle Factors and Molecular Biomarkers in Inflammatory Asthma Phenotypes.
The primary aim of my project is to explore several inflammatory biomarkers within a subgroup of the Tasmanian Longitudinal Heath Study (TAHS). TAHS is a population based cohort, which was initiated in 1968 when the participants were 7 years of age and has been followed-up for nearly 4 decades. Currently, I have measured seven cytokines in n=1184 blood samples collected from the TAHS. Measured cytokines include IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and TNF-alpha and all these cytokines are known to be important in asthmatic inflammation. With this cytokine data, I intend to characterise/distinguish different inflammatory asthma phenotypes within TAHS and to explore the impact of environmental and lifestyle factors on asthma phenotypes.
Supervised by Dr Melanie Matheson (principal supervisor), A/Prof Shyamali Dharmage, Dr Julie Simpson (Centre for MEGA Epidemiology), Prof Haydn Walters (School of Medicine, University of Tasmania), A/Prof Mimi Tang (Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital)

Physical Activity Patterns and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors among Immigrants in Australia
The aim of my current PhD work is to examine and better understand the relationship between physical activity and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among immigrant groups in Australia. The main objective of this study is to understand the major barriers and facilitators of participation in physical activity among immigrant sub groups in Australia at high risk of CVD. It will also examine the influence of public policy on physical activity participation among migrant groups. The study is conducted using both quantitative and qualitative research methodology.
Supervised by Dr Lyle Gurrin, A/Prof Shyamali Dharmage (Centre for MEGA Epidemiology), Prof Warren Payne (School of Human Movement and Sport Sciences, University of Ballarat) and Dr Vijaya Sundararajan (Victorian Department of Human Services)

Colorectal Cancer Screening in Australia – What is the Role of Family History of Cancer?
The actual Australian screening program targets the population only with respect to age. Identification of the predictors of screening participation may be useful in increasing screening rates using targeted promotion. Given the consistently strong familial aggregation of colorectal cancer, family history as a predictor of screening is of particular interest.
Based on data from the Australasian Colorectal Cancer Family Registry, our research project aims to determine, for people living in Victoria: i) the characteristics of screeners for the three main screening procedures, ii) if there is under- or over-screening according to population type and iii) what are the variables that impact upon participation in CRC screening.
With this information we will be able to better understand the screening practices in Australia and to estimate the impact of screening on CRC incidence and mortality.
Supervised by Dr Mark Jenkins (Centre for MEGA Epidemiology)

Assessing the Possibility of Replacing Conventional Disposable Syringes with Auto-Disable (AD) Syringes in Pakistan.
The disposable syringes in use in most developing countries are often reused by healthcare providers, putting the patients and providers at risk of infectious agents including but not limited to HIV, HBV, HCV and hemorrhagic fevers. Auto-disable (AD) syringes cost more than conventional disposable syringes; yet their potential to reduce the transmission of blood borne pathogens and therefore decrease the burden on an already congested healthcare system can far outweigh the initial cost. The government of Pakistan has replaced conventional disposable syringes with the recommended AD syringes for vaccinations. However, most injections (95%) are used for curative purposes and there is urgent need to use similar technology in this sector.
This study will compare some of the available AD syringes in the Pakistan health care sector to assess the acceptability by users and recipients as well as the potential of each syringe to prevent reuse. This will help policy makers in the country to decide on the better option for use in the curative sector.
Supervised by A/Prof Catherine Bennett (Centre for MEGA Epidemiology) Dr Nick Crofts, Dr Michelle Kermode (Nossell Institute of Global Health)