Project title
“Effects of BDNF and PDGF on Wnt Signalling in Human Neural Stem Cell Models”
Supervisory Team
Principal Supervisor: Associate Professor Larisa Haupt
Associate Supervisor: Dr Rachel Okolicsanyi
Project description
Hannah’s project aims to investigate how BDNF and PDGF influence the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway and HSPG interactions in neurogenesis via two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) bio-scaffold human stem cell models. The outcomes of this research aim to provide a deeper understanding of human neurogenesis and the roles of growth factors, HSPGs, and signalling pathways in mediation key cellular events and functions.
Short biography
Hannah Stewart is a current Master of Philosophy Student with Associate Professor Larisa Haupt and Dr Rachel Okolicsanyi in the Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Group at the Genomics Research Centre. She obtained her Bachelor of Biomedical Science from QUT, majoring in human physiology. From this, she was accepted into a clinical physiology minor and gained clinical experience through a 10-week placement with GenesisCare Cardiology. She also did a brief exchange to Hai Duong Medical Technical University (HMTU) in Vietnam which enabled her to gain valuable knowledge about the country’s healthcare system and clinical research practices.
Education
2021 Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Human Physiology) with Distinction