Biophotonics Postgraduate Projects at CMP
Below you will find a list of potential projects available in CMPs biophotonics research program. The list is not exhaustive and students are encouraged to discuss with the supervisors other aspects of research that could be relevant to the Centre's research interests. Full project descriptions and information on project supervisors can be found by clicking the 'More Information' links.
Cell Biophysics (CBP)
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Multidimensional microscopy and cell signalling. Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Andrew Clayton (aclayton@swin.edu.au) The functioning of living cells is largely under the control of a series of molecule-molecule interactions called signalling networks. Individual protein molecules can be tagged and by means of fluorescence we can image their location and movement inside cells. We wish to extend this to measure multiple molecules and interactions. More Information |
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Imaging the mechanism of cytolytic peptides in living cells. Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Andrew Clayton (aclayton@swin.edu.au) Cytolytic peptides have antimicrobial properties but their mechanism of action is not clear. By means of fluorescence imaging we plan to visualise the interaction of peptides with bacteria and determine the mechanism of cell killing. More Information |
Industrial Research (IR)
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Fabrication and characterisation of micro-electrodes for trapping and manipulation of microparticles in a microfluidic device Supervisor: Dr Daniel Day (dday@swin.edu.au) and Prof Min Gu The main advantages of microfluidics devices are reduced sample size which results in increased accuracy, (property of scaling law), reduced cost, very high throughput (parallelism) and fast analysis time. This project will be an extension on current research in the Centre into fabrication of microfluidic channel structures. More Information |
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Development of a microfluidic bioreactor using novel dynamic valving for cell manipulation Supervisor: Dr Daniel Day (dday@swin.edu.au) and Prof Sarah Russell The elucidation of biological signaling pathways for diverse processes such as cancer and immunity has recently been revolutionised by access to high-throughput functional genomic screens. The aim of this project is to fabricate microfluidic devices with which to control and monitor the response of cells to genomic and pharmacological intervention. More Information |
Advanced Nano/Biophotonics (ANB)
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Nonlinear endomicroscopy for in vivo deep imaging Supervisor: Dr Hongchun Bao (hbao@swin.edu.au) An enthusiastic and capable PhD student is sought to work on the development of a new nonlinear optical endoscope using wavelengths at the transparency window of most biological tissues (1200-1300 nm) and high NA lenses. The developed endoscope would have high resolution and be able to view deep under the tissue epithelium. It will be used for early cancer diagnosis and cancer treatment. More Information |
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Cell Biology laboratory (CB)
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New microscopic tools for cancer research Supervisor: Prof Sarah Russell (srussell@swin.edu.au) The elucidation of biological signaling pathways for diverse processes such as cancer and immunity has recently been revolutionised by multidimensional fluorescence microscopy. Current technology measures either static images of interaction or single point measurement of motion. What is needed is a capability to image, in three dimensions, motion and interaction. The aim of this project will be to build on our expertise in RICS with FRET to develop new methods of imaging motion and interaction. More Information |
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Cell biology Supervisor: Prof Sarah Russell (srussell@swin.edu.au), Prof Min Gu and Dr Daniel Day Current research in the Cell Biology Lab at CMP include the application of super-resolution microscopy, automated image analysis and microfabrication to understanding the regulation of cell polarity, and the role of cell polarity in cell fate decisions important to immunity and cancer. The projects all build upon well established connections between the CMP and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. More Information |
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Nanotrapping and Super-Resolution (NAS)
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Optical nanometry Supervisor: Associate Prof Xiaosong Gan (xgan@swin.edu.au) and Prof Min Gu In this project, the candidate is expected to build and characterize a novel optical nanometry system, which is not only capable of measuring ultraweak force, but also can be used to measure ultraweak torque. This project will make significant contribution to the fields of optical trapping, single molecule dynamics and in a more general sense to cutting-edge nanotechnology. More Information |
