My research experience has been in the fields of stem cell biology and immunology. I have a history of publication in experimental hematology and the development of hematopoietic cells from stem cells. A more recent interest is stromal cell microenvironments which support hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cell development for tissue regeneration. I also have a long-term interest in lymphocyte and dendritic cell development and function. Recent important findings relate to hematopoiesis which occurs in spleen, and definition of myelopoiesis unique to spleen. 

My lab has developed new and exacting culture methods and procedures for stem cell isolation and study that will form the basis of future work on stem cell differentiation and tissue regeneration.

Since joining Bond University in 2015 I have become involved in retinal cell differentiation with a view to development of a stem cell therapy for treatment of age-related macular degeneration. This involves preparation of retinal pigment epithelial cells from pluripotent stem cells, growth of cells on a membrane, and implantation into the subretinal space. The goal is to achieve vision improvement through replacement of the retinal pigment epithelial cells which support photoreceptor function, but which are lost in macular degeneration.

A range of student projects are available related to stem cells, differentiation within their microenvironments, and their capacity to regenerate organs. These projects are tied to ongoing research activities funded by grants with a view to regeneration of tissues. Recent specific projects I am involved with include: 

1. Characterisation, isolation and transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells 

2. Investigation of perivascular reticular cells which form niches for tissue specific hematopoiesis

3. Development of retinal cells from pluripotent stem cells

4. A stem cell therapy for macular degeneration