• My research Project is to elucidate the role of on a novel long non-coding RNA that regulates urethra internalization. Defects in urethra internalization is one of the most common congenital disorder in males and lead to hypospadias (the misplacement of the urethral opening on the penis).• This project uses mainly genetically modified mouse models, molecular biology techniques such as RNA immunoprecipitation followed by LC-MS, inducible cell lines and RNASeq.• I provide… Show more • My research Project is to elucidate the role of on a novel long non-coding RNA that regulates urethra internalization. Defects in urethra internalization is one of the most common congenital disorder in males and lead to hypospadias (the misplacement of the urethral opening on the penis).• This project uses mainly genetically modified mouse models, molecular biology techniques such as RNA immunoprecipitation followed by LC-MS, inducible cell lines and RNASeq.• I provide advanced technical, scientific and analytical support to all members of the laboratory in genomics and molecular biology.• I manage and administer a daily laboratory operation including procurement, training, and occupational health and safety. This include managing a complex (transgenic and knock-out) mouse colony.• I supervise Honours, Masters, and PhD students and teach undergraduates in a class setting regularly. Show less

• My research project was to understand the cellular and molecular biology of early ovarian development. While the adult ovary has been investigated in detail, we are only starting to understand the development of an ovary in the embryo. Using lineage tracing, we were able to distinguish for the first time three distinct ovarian somatic cell types and determine the key role of one of them in supporting a healthy oocyte development.•I collaborated on a project involving the… Show more • My research project was to understand the cellular and molecular biology of early ovarian development. While the adult ovary has been investigated in detail, we are only starting to understand the development of an ovary in the embryo. Using lineage tracing, we were able to distinguish for the first time three distinct ovarian somatic cell types and determine the key role of one of them in supporting a healthy oocyte development.•I collaborated on a project involving the characterisation of a gene (HHAT) which, when mutated, leading to 46,XY disorder of sex development.• I supervised, trained and mentored junior researchers and students and taught undergraduate students. • I prepared several presentations, ethics applications, manuscripts and grant proposals. Show less

• I led successful research programs which saw more than 10 original research manuscripts published in the field of human genetics and sex determination. Some examples are listed below.• I supervised, trained mentored to completion PhDs, masters, and honours students• I successfully obtained research funding from NHMRC as sole investigator on a new investigator project grant for $547,000 over 3 years• Provided scientific expertise as a member of the human research ethics… Show more • I led successful research programs which saw more than 10 original research manuscripts published in the field of human genetics and sex determination. Some examples are listed below.• I supervised, trained mentored to completion PhDs, masters, and honours students• I successfully obtained research funding from NHMRC as sole investigator on a new investigator project grant for $547,000 over 3 years• Provided scientific expertise as a member of the human research ethics committee at the Monash Medical Centre.•I prepared several presentations, ethics applications, manuscripts and grant proposals and was an active member of institutional committees. Show less

My main research project was to investigate the mechanism of action of several genes involved in sex determination such as Wnt4, Sry and Sox9. We discovered the dimerization domain of the Sox9 protein, a domain essential for proper Sox9 activity in the developing gonad.I secured competitive fellowships from the Swiss National Science Foundation and the American Urological Association.I supervised, trained mentored students including seasonal (summer internship) students.

• I participated in the development and establishment of a quality control program for an artificial pancreas in view of human transplantation• I used mouse models of diabetes and trialed xenotransplantation of encapsulated islet of Langerhans.• I worked alongside microengineers, chemists and clinicians.