Astrid Larin

Project description

Within all cells a signalling network exists, known as the redox system, which operates as the backbone of all cellular processes. The balance of cell life and cell death is mediated by the production and elimination of highly reactive molecules known as reactive oxygen species (ROS). Some of the critical healthcare burdens in today’s world have been linked with a common therapeutic target, the regulation of oxidative stress. Astrid aims to develop redox active agents with the ability to regulate oxidative stress levels within an intracellular environment to either prevent cell death or encourage it. Her project explores the development and synthesis of novel hybrid molecules incorporating nitroxide functionalities as potential therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases and antibiotic resistant bacterial infections.

Short Biography

Astrid received her BSc(Hons) in 2019 at QUT with first class Honours and was awarded the 2019 Frank Oliver Prize. Her honours research of Flavonoid-Nitroxide Hybrid Antioxidant for the Treatment on Neurodegenerative Diseases was led under the supervision of Prof. Kathryn Fairfull-Smith and Dr Nathan Boase. Astrid began her PhD in January 2020 and has research interests in synthetic and medicinal chemistry.