HDR Students
 | Adele CaveEffectiveness of a herbal and nutritional supplement on cognitive function in older adults with subjective cognitive complaints. This PhD project will test the efficacy of a herbal and nutritional supplement on cognition, mood, fatigue, electrophysiology and autonomic function in a sample of older adults who report subjective cognitive complaints. |
 | Alison MaunderThe role of naturopathy in the management of women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). This PhD project will investigate the use of naturopaths by women with DOR and their experiences, the treatment patterns of naturopaths in their management of women with DOR, and finally, the effectiveness and safety of a naturopathic treatment option for women with DOR. Alison is a recipient of the NICM HRI and Jacka Foundation of Natural Therapies Scholarship Program. |
 | Ahmad Al-KhazalehIdentification of key compounds for synergistic anti-inflammatory interactions of Zingiber officinale (ginger) and Curcuma longa (turmeric) by bioassay-guided fractionation in vitro. This Masters of Research project aims to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of ginger and turmeric individually, and in combination, within RAW264.7 murine macrophage cell cultures. |
 | Augustus (Yu Tat) ChanRandomised sham-controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for overactive bladder in Australian women population. This PhD aims to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment for female patients with an overactive bladder and develop a standardised acupuncture treatment protocol. |
 | Christine MurrayA clinical trial of a herbal medicine for the management of osteoarthritis of the knee. This PhD project will clinically evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a novel standardised herbal formulation in reducing pain from osteoarthitis of the knee. The study will involve a 12-week randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled trial. Christine is a recipient of the NICM HRI and Blackmores Institute Scholarship Program. |
 | Christine SalehA qualitative and quantitative study on the experiences and understanding of menstruation among Middle Eastern women living in Australia. Menstrual pain is one of the most common gynaecological health concerns in women of reproductive age, affecting around 75% of women worldwide and over 90% of women in Australia. This PhD project aims to research the menstrual health understanding and practices of Middle Eastern women in Australia through the use of an online survey and focus groups. |
 | Dhevaksha NaidooThe effects of residential health and wellness retreat experiences on health and wellbeing. This PhD project aims to evaluate what measurable impact virtual retreat programs might have on resilience and coping during periods of crisis. |
 | Dianna PorterCan Chinese herbal medicine alleviate hot flushes in breast cancer survivors? A randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multi-centre, cross-over trial. This PhD project will investigate whether a Chinese herbal medicine can reduce hot flushes/night sweats in Australian breast cancer survivors. |
| Emma WongElectroacupuncture for improving erectile dysfunction after robotic assisted radical prostatectomy: A randomised controlled trial and feasibility study. This PhD project will investigate whether electroacupuncture can improve erectile dysfunction after prostatectomy. Emma is a recipient of the NICM HRI and Blackmores Institute Scholarship Program. |
 | Fiona HargravesLifestyle medicine for mental health. This PhD project will investigate whether active virtual reality gaming can increase motivation and engagement in Physical Activity as a mental health promotion strategy. Fiona is a recipient of the NICM HRI and Blackmores Institute Scholarship Program. |
Hezheng LaiDeveloping a consensus statement for building protocol content of clinical trials in TCM modalities for cancer care. This PhD project aims aims to develop a consensus statement for building clinical trial protocol content for cancer care in TCM modalities. | |
 | Justin SinclairThe safety, tolerability and effectiveness of medicinal cannabis for the symptomatic management of endometriosis: A mixed methods study. Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition that impacts 1 in 10 women, with an estimated prevalence of 750,000 women in Australia and approximately 176 million women worldwide. With no known cure, this PhD aims to investigate a standardised and quality assured medicinal cannabis product for endometriosis pain and associated symptoms. Justin is a recipient of the NICM HRI Scholarship Program. |
 | Katerina ChristofidesExploring the neurochemistry of cognitive decline in mild cognitive impairment. |
 | Kiran ShahbazPharmacological investigation of crocin in ischemic stroke via human astrocytic signalling pathways and mechanisms. This PhD project aims to investigate the mechanism of action and therapeutic potential of crocin. |
 | Kirandeep KaurModification of curcumin and investigation of its bioactivity. This PhD project aims to assess the solubility bioactivity (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer) and molecular mechanism of action of the modified curcumin. |
 | Lauren DewsburySailuotong (SLT) treatment for mild cognitive impairment. Sailuotong (SLT) is a standardised medicinal herbal formula specifically designed to address the complex mechanisms behind dementia. This project aims to investigate the effects of SLT on neuronal activity by assessing electroencephalograph (EEG) and serum inflammatory markers in people with with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). |
 | Maria GonzalezEvaluation of a yoga intervention on mental health in cancer patients. Mental health issues in people diagnosed with cancer are prevalent and can cause serious consequences in those affected. This project aims to assess the effects of a yoga program on mental health symptoms and associated health measures such as quality of life. |
 | Muhammad AliUntargeted metabolomic study of synergistic herbal and/or synthetic anticancer combinations against breast cancer.Utilising the genomic information of cancer cells and chemo-informatics of various drugs, Muhammad's PhD project aims to develop and validate a novel deep learning model to predict drug combinations with optimal synergistic efficacy. |
 | Seungeon YeonThe effect and mechanisms of natural products on vascular calcification in vitro and in vivo. This PhD project aims to establish a cell model and animal experiments of vascular calcification to investigate the possible role of sclerostin on vascular development and progression. |
 | Shayal DeviExploring the role of gut microbiota in the pharmacological effects of cholesterol health on controlling blood cholesterol and the risk of metabolic syndrome. This PhD project aims to investigate through preclinical methods the effect of a plant-based supplement on gut microbiota as a potential target for metabolic syndrome, with a focus on diabetes. Shayal is a recipient of the NICM HRI and Blackmores Institute Scholarship Program. |
 | Shintu MathewDiscovery of novel anti-inflammatory compounds from Australian Indigenous plants. This PhD project aims to discover novel anti-inflammatory compounds from these Indigenous plants using bioactivity-guided purification and modern chemical analysis. Shintu is a recipient of the NICM HRI Scholarship Program. |
 | Simi SinghHerbal quality assessment by chemical characterisation and study of anti-cancer activity of selected Chinese medicinal herbs. This PhD project seeks to determine the variability of selected bio-active components in raw herbs and commercially prepared extracts. |
 | Vibhuti RaoThe role of Ayurveda and yoga in managing polycystic ovary syndrome in ethnic Indian women; a mixed-method study.This PhD project will examine a combined lifestyle intervention including Ayurvedic diet and yoga to manage symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). |
 | Yoann BirlingInvestigation of the safety and effectiveness of Chinese Herbal Medicine for the treatment of insomnia. This PhD research project will look for evidence of the safety and effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine for insomnia with a focus on one particular formula, Zao Ren An Shen. Yoann is a recipient of the NICM HRI and Blackmores Institute Scholarship Program. |
 | Zechariah MartingPhytochemical profiling and pharmacological studies of Australian grown Vernonia amygdalina Delile (family Asteraceae). This research project will evaluate the pharmacognostic, phytochemical and pharmacological value of Vernonia amygdalina Delile for the effective prevention and management of diabetes mellitus. |
