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Fetal and Neonatal Research Group

The Fetal and Neonatal research Group, based in the Department of Physiology, Monash University, is one of the largest and most productive groups of fetal and neonatal researchers in the world.

Researchers
Dr Beth Allison Dr Margie Castillo-Melendez
Dr Kelly Crossley Dr Hayley Dickinson
Dr Sharon Flecknoe Dr Jacob Hollis
A/Prof Stuart Hooper Prof Graham Jenkin
Ms Jan Loose Dr Suzane Miller
Dr Tim Moss Ms Alison Moxham
A/Prof David Walker Dr Megan Wallace
Dr Tamara Yawno Ms Valerie Zahra

Research Interests and Expertise

Research topics covered by the Fetal and Neonatal Research Group include:
  • Development of the structure and function of muscle, respiratory and nervous systems.
  • Control of blood flow in the fetus and neonate.
  • Development of hormonal systems and their regulation by the fetal brain and placenta.
  • Control of growth and maturation of the fetus.
  • Maintenance of pregnancy and initiation of labour.
  • Mechanisms of preterm labour and its inhibition.
  • Neonatal complications of preterm birth.
  • Provision of life-support for the pre-viable neonate
  • Physiological adaptations to life after birth.
  • Sleep/wake behaviour in the fetus
  • Arousal from sleep in the newborn.
  • Effects of environmental challenges on the fetus, and on wellbeing and survival after birth.
  • Fetal stem cell therapy

 

Research conducted by members of the Fetal and Neonatal Research Group adresses many of the major problems in human obstetrics and neonatology, including:
  • Intrauterine growth restriction
  • Intrauterine infection/inflammation
  • Preterm labour
  • Preterm birth
  • Neonatal resuscitation
  • Respiratory distress syndrome
  • Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Teaching

The Fetal and Neonatal Research Group are involved in a number of undergraduate and postgraduate teaching activities, including supervision of Honours, Masters and PhD students. The group has a long tradition of producing award-winning PhD graduates of outstanding quality, who go on to work with other world-leading researchers in Australia and overseas.
Undergraduate courses
Honours in Physiology
Postgraduate studies in Physiology

Potential Honours, Masters or PhD students should contact individual researchers by email.