Gemma is a Trainee Attorney in the Melbourne Chemistry group.
Gemma graduated from Monash University with a PhD in October 2010. Her research involved the synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of novel heteroaromatic ligands of the A1 adenosine receptor, which have potential therapeutic applications in cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease. To read more about Gemma's thesis
click here.
Gemma graduated in July 2005 from the University of Leeds with a Master of Chemistry with Honours, completing a research project in proteomimetics as an innovative approach to the inhibition of the Vacuolar H+- ATPase enzyme with the aim of developing novel treatment for osteoporosis. She also completed an exchange year at the University of Newcastle, Australia, undertaking research in the development of novel inhibitors of Dynamin GTPase, which is an important protein involved in cell signalling and is implicated in diseases such as epilepsy.
Earlier in her career, Gemma worked as a research associate at the University of Newcastle, Australia, undertaking research into the prevention of pre-term delivery in humans with the synthesis of Corticotrophin Releasing Hormone (CRH) receptor antagonists.
Participation in the CRC Leadership & Innovation Course and the Young Achievement Australia (YAA) Biotechnology Entrepreneur ProgramTM during her PhD candidature expanded her knowledge and provided experience in the commercialisation of science research. During the YAA program she was involved in the development and marketing of an immunology teaching aid for final year VCE students. In the CRC course she was involved in prioritising the commercial outcomes of a range of different research projects and pitching the most viable project to investors.
Gemma has published her work in a number of high impact research journals and has also undertaken a broad range of presentations to such bodies as the 21st International Congress for Heterocyclic Chemistry, the RACI Organic Chemistry Conference and the 7th AFMC International Medicinal Chemistry Congress.
