Main responsibilities in this position were:• Carry out routine cell culture and perform transient transfections.• Perform AAV vector purification by a range of methods.• Perform analytical techniques on vector preparations (qPCR, ELISA, protein gels etc).• Aid the smooth and efficient running of the Vector Core.• Ensure validity and reliability of data at all times and maintain accurate records.• From time-to-time support additional high-priority projects to meet… Show more Main responsibilities in this position were:• Carry out routine cell culture and perform transient transfections.• Perform AAV vector purification by a range of methods.• Perform analytical techniques on vector preparations (qPCR, ELISA, protein gels etc).• Aid the smooth and efficient running of the Vector Core.• Ensure validity and reliability of data at all times and maintain accurate records.• From time-to-time support additional high-priority projects to meet deadlines.• Assist with the effective running of the laboratory by undertaking the appropriate H&S training, maintain a high level of laboratory cleanliness and participate in any laboratory duties commensurate with the grade as required.• Attend and participate in relevant meetings, training and development sessions. Show less

AAV vector-mediated gene therapy of KO mouse models of CDKL5 disorder:• Supervised by Prof. Nicholas Mazarakis, Chair Molecular Biology Medicine and Head of Gene Therapy and co-supervised by PhD candidate Yunan Gao.• Analyzed CDKL5 gene therapy efficiency in the CNS in a CDKL5 disorder mice model.• Evaluated the biodistribution and localization of CDKL5 expression after gene transfer in the mice brains by immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy.• Assessed CDKL5 protein… Show more AAV vector-mediated gene therapy of KO mouse models of CDKL5 disorder:• Supervised by Prof. Nicholas Mazarakis, Chair Molecular Biology Medicine and Head of Gene Therapy and co-supervised by PhD candidate Yunan Gao.• Analyzed CDKL5 gene therapy efficiency in the CNS in a CDKL5 disorder mice model.• Evaluated the biodistribution and localization of CDKL5 expression after gene transfer in the mice brains by immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy.• Assessed CDKL5 protein expression after gene transfer by immunoblotting.• Determined the alterations induced by CDKL5 gene therapy on expression, biodistribution and morphology of different markers molecular markers by immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy and immunoblotting. Show less

The effect of cannabidiol on the muscarinic M1 receptor and the acetylcholine metabolism in a prenatal infection model of schizophrenia:• Supervised by Dr. Katrina Green, Lecturer and Affiliated Research Scientist at IHMRI, and co-supervised by PhD candidate Ashleigh Osborne.• Evaluated the effect of cannabidiol on the muscarinic M1 receptor binding density in the CNS of a prenatal infection model of schizophrenia by radiolabelling.• Assessed the effect of cannabidiol on choline… Show more The effect of cannabidiol on the muscarinic M1 receptor and the acetylcholine metabolism in a prenatal infection model of schizophrenia:• Supervised by Dr. Katrina Green, Lecturer and Affiliated Research Scientist at IHMRI, and co-supervised by PhD candidate Ashleigh Osborne.• Evaluated the effect of cannabidiol on the muscarinic M1 receptor binding density in the CNS of a prenatal infection model of schizophrenia by radiolabelling.• Assessed the effect of cannabidiol on choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and acetylcholine esterase (AChE) expression in the mice brain by immunoblotting.• Worked closely with a group of researchers and gained a good understanding of the laboratory working dynamics.• Learnt to critically analyse medical literature and communicate scientific information in both presentation and poster format.• This project resulted in three scientific outputs: a poster at the International College of Neuropsychopharmacology Meeting in Vienna, where I was awarded the prize for best poster; a poster at the Australian Society for Medical Research Conference; and an invitation to speak at the Kioloa Neuroscience Colloquium hosted by Australian National University (ANU). Show less