The School's research activities can be grouped under the following headings:
- Muscle Physiology
- Nutrition
- Health and Lifestyle
- Reproductive Physiology
Muscle Physiology
With research of national and international standing, ten PhD students and one post-doctoral fellow, the research is carried out within two units.The Muscle Cell Biochemistry Unit, headed by Professor Gabriella Stephenson, is funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NH&MRC) and the Australian Research Council (ARC), Australia's two top funding bodies. Current research is into the Biochemistry of single muscle fibres, and Physiological and pathophysiological conditions associated with glycogen depletion or sugar excess in muscle fatigue, ageing and diabetes.The Exercise Metabolism Unit, headed by Dr Alan Hayes, is one of the seven designated research units within the Centre for Aging,
Rehabilitation, Exercise and Sport (CARES) a University Research Centre. The unit is currently receiving funding from AST Sport Science and has a major focus on the use of dietary supplements in the preservation and improvement of muscle function in health, training and disease. In addition, several other staff members are actively involved in research within this area. Dr Siun O'Sullivan is investigating NADPH oxidase and its role in skeletal muscle and neural degradation. Dr Paul Lewandowski is investigating Ageing associated changes in skeletal muscle DNA damage and repair, gene and enzyme expression. Mr Phil Seymour is investigating the Use of Swiss-Ball in spinal health and rehabilitation.
Nutrition
Headed by Associate Professor Jack Antonas, who is investigating Nutritional intakes in pre-school children, the nutrition area includes two PhD students and two other staff members. Dr Xiao Su is analysing the n-3 PUFA and lipid content in shellfish, and investigating the health benefits of consumption of seafood. Dr Paul Lewandowski is investigating The role of antioxidants in protecting DNA from age associated damage.
Health and Lifestyle
With the ideals of healthy mind, body and spirit, this research area, headed by Dr Catherine Kamphuis, involves four staff members; Wendy Probert, Beverley Crawford and Neville Critch, and one PhD student. Areas currently under investigation include Biological markers, psychosocial factors, stress, coping style and the immune system. Endothelin in stress and disease. Current knowledge and attitudes towards immunisation, and Neuro-transmitters and personality traits.
Reproductive Physiology
Another major area of research focus within the school, this area undertakes to better understand the development of the human body during the embryonic stage and how that impacts on the prevelance of disease in later life. The area is headed by Associate Professor Michelle Towstoless, who is investigating Fetal development in diabetic mothers and Associate Professor Lilian Stojanovska, who is investigating the Effects of hormone replacement therapy and exercise on bone and cardiovascular parameters, and Managing menopause - a model of resilience. The area also includes three other academic staff as well as two postdoctoral fellows. Dr Susan Bevan is investigating Development of the neural tube and bone morphogenic protein expression in the embryo. Dr Kerry Dickson is investigating Growth and development of the fetal lung and Dr Kathy Tangalakis is investigating Programming of adult diseases during fetal life.
Sustainability
The primary research focus in the areas of environmental biology, biodiversity studies and ecology, and the interaction of these areas with the broader area of sustainable human interaction with the biosphere.
Research activities address a key DEST National Research priority from the Australian Research Council Document "Descriptions of Designated National Research Priorities and associated Priority Goals". Priority 1: An Environmentally Sustainable Australia "Transforming the way we use our land, water, mineral and energy resources through
a better understanding of environmental systems and using new technologies"
