Natasha Kumar Email & Phone Number

RESEARCH: I am an integrative neuroscientist with a strong background in physiology, genetics and molecular biology. I investigate the cellular/molecular and physiological basis for autonomic regulation in healthy people (and dysregulation which occurs in sleep apnea, high blood pressure, diabetes....). My research has attracted federal and philanthropic funding. RESEARCH SPECIALISATION: Cellular/molecular mechanisms of respiratory chemoreception and the chemical drive to breathe. Autonomic nervous system circuits and neurochemistry. RESEARCH SKILLS: Cloning, protein isolation and purification, cell culture (maintenance of cell lines, transfections), microscopy and image analysis, gene-targeting, Viral (AAV, lenti-) mediated gene expression, whole body rodent plethysmography to assess multiple breathing parameters including CO2/O2 chemosensitivity and periodic breathing, use and care of laboratory animals, in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, HPLC, retrograde tracing, live cell dissociation, RNA isolation and purification, antibody based technologies, PCR and Q-RT-PCR, nucleic acid analysis, labeling and detection, training and supervising staff, experimental design, statistical evaluation, presentation of data, medical writing, analytical thinking, public speaking, creation of oligo databases (DNAstar) and storage systems, Critical appraisal of medical, technical and pharmaceutical literature, communication with multiple collaborators in various locations and disciplines.EDUCATION: I teach across multiple disciplines and degrees at UNSW (Medicine, Medical Sciences, Science, Optometry) and have demonstrated leadership as convenor of undergraduate courses (including PHAR3306 Pharmacology for Optometry, Neuropharmacology PHAR3202 and the Neuroscience Honours program).Three work habits that advanced my research and professional career are fostering personal connections, sharing ideas freely and being a reliable collaborator. I am passionate about improving higher education experience and outcomes for underrepresented students. I implemented numerous Faculty of Medicine & Health outreach activities including Brain Awareness Week and Open Day during my tenure as School of Biomedical Sciences Outreach and Public Engagement coordinator (2018-2021).