Chronic Disease

Puberty and stress during the agricultural transition of Southeast Asia

Primary Supervisor:Dr Melandri Vlok
Location: Orange
Keywords: bioarchaeology, endocrinology, growth and development, osteology

Project availability: Semester 60, 2026, Semester 30, 2027

Synopsis:

Assessment of pubertal timing and bone age has been well established in the field of bioarchaeology for a decade. Southeast Asian prehistoric cemetery assemblages represent some of the richest preservation of children and young adults in the world. By combining pre-documented literature with new analysis, this project aims to assess changes in the pubertal timings over the agricultural transition in Mainland Southeast Asia. The project will consider how pubertal timings may have been affected by changes in environment, physiological stress, societal changes and shifts in fertility.

Interested? Start the conversation here by contacting Dr Melandri Vlok mvlok@csu.edu.au

The impact of sorghum phenolic compounds on risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD)

Primary Supervisor: Dr Boris Budiono & A/Prof Abishek Santhakumar
Location: Wagga Wagga
Keywords: cardiovascular disease, ischaemia reperfusion injury, mitochondrial dynamics, antioxidants, polyphenols
Research Group: Food as Medicine (FAM) Research Group

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of global mortality, largely driven by modifiable factors such as diet and exercise. Integrating bioactive-rich cereal grains into the diet is an emerging strategy to support cardiovascular health.

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is a climate-resilient staple in Africa and Asia that promotes food security. While its general health benefits are well documented, its role in reducing CVD risk—especially in protecting against ischemia-reperfusion injury, preserving cardiac mitochondrial function, and maintaining endothelial integrity—remains underexplored. Moreover, the influence of sorghum on neutrophil extracellular traps, key mediators in CVD progression, is not yet fully understood.

This study will fill these gaps by examining how sorghum-derived phenolic compounds impact CVD risk factors. Polyphenols will be extracted from whole grain sorghum and identified using UHPLC-Online ABTS and LC-MS/QTOF. In vitro models will assess their effects on molecular pathways linked to cardiovascular health using transcriptomic and proteomic techniques.

Findings will support the therapeutic potential of sorghum, expand its agricultural value, and drive innovation in heart-protective functional foods.

Interested? Start the conversation here by contacting Dr Boris Budiono

Innovative nutraceutical strategies for the management of diabetes

Primary Supervisor: Dr. Nidhish Francis
Location: Wagga Wagga
Keywords: diabetes, polyphenols, cell culture, oxidative stress
Research Group: Food As Medicine (FAM) research group

Synopsis: This research project focuses on investigating plant-derived bioactive compounds, particularly polyphenols, as potential therapeutic agents for diabetes management. Diabetes, a chronic metabolic disorder characterised by impaired glucose metabolism and insulin resistance, affects millions worldwide. Current pharmacological treatments primarily manage symptoms but fail to address underlying mechanisms or prevent disease progression. This project aims to explore the potential of plant-derived polyphenols to regulate key pathways involved in diabetes development and progression.

Polyphenols, naturally occurring antioxidants found in plant-based foods, have shown promise in mitigating oxidative stress, inflammation, and insulin resistance—key contributors to diabetes pathology. This study will utilise advanced in vitro cell culture models to evaluate the effects of polyphenols on glucose uptake, insulin signalling, and oxidative stress markers. Molecular techniques such as RT-PCR and Western blot analysis will be employed to investigate the modulation of genes and proteins involved in glucose metabolism and inflammatory pathways. The findings aim to contribute to the development of natural, plant-based strategies for diabetes management, offering a complementary approach to conventional therapies. This project is ideal for candidates passionate about medical science, clinical nutrition, and exploring innovative solutions for diabetes care.

URL link to relevant journal articles or website: https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?hl=en&user=o6d7fCMAAAAJ

Interested? Start the conversation here by contacting Dr. Nidhish Francis

The interplay between hEDS, MCAS, POTS and fibromyalgia

Primary Supervisor: Dr Boris Budiono
Location: All campuses
Keywords: ehlers-danlos syndrome, inflammation, mast cell activation, syndrome, POTS, fibromyalgia
Research Group: Food as Medicine (FAM) Research Group

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a condition where mast cells inappropriately and excessively release chemical mediators, namely histamine, that result in inflammatory responses and symptoms such as hives or flushing, to anaphylaxis. This project aims to determine the linkages between three distinct syndromes (MCAS, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia (POTS), and fibromyalgia) that are commonly found in certain individuals with connective tissue disorder, hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). We will investigate the literature to find current evidence of linkage, and to determine future directions in research in an evidence-based manner.

Interested? Start the conversation here by contacting Dr Boris Budiono

The protective effects of dietary polyphenols in human health and disease

Primary Supervisor: A/Prof Abi Santhakumar
Location: Wagga Wagga
Keywords: polyphenols, haematology, antioxidants, food, nutrition, phenolic extracts, cardiovascular disease, diabetes
Research Group: Food as Medicine (FAM) Research Group

Synopsis:
This research project explores the role of dietary polyphenols in promoting human health and preventing disease. Polyphenols, naturally occurring antioxidants found in plant-based foods, have demonstrated potential in mitigating oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction. This study will investigate their protective effects on key health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes, using a combination of in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo experimental approaches.

Under the supervision of A/Prof Abi Santhakumar, this research aligns with the Food as Medicine (FAM) Research Group, focusing on the intersection of nutrition, haematology, and chronic disease prevention. The project will assess the bioavailability, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic potential of polyphenol-rich foods and phenolic extracts.

Researchers will have access to state-of-the-art facilities across Wagga Wagga and all campuses to conduct multidisciplinary investigations. This project is ideal for candidates interested in antioxidants, haematology, medical laboratory science, and clinical nutrition.

Interested? Start the conversation here by contacting A/Prof Abi Santhakumar