MS-CRE PhD students
Through the Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Research Excellence (MS-CRE), PhD students are developing the skills, experience and networks needed to become the next generation of MS research leaders.
Find out more about the PhD students currently working within the MS-CRE program.
Ziman Guan uses multi-omics approaches (combining genomic, molecular and cellular analyses) to investigate how Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) affects the immune system in people with MS. By examining changes across multiple biological pathways, their research aims to uncover how EBV contributes to disease and identify potential new therapeutic targets. (Supervisors: Dr Yuan Zhou, Dr Xin Lin, Professor Corey Smith)
Jia Yi Hoe investigates oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) and their role in refining neural connections in brain regions that support lifelong learning and memory. She is also exploring whether clearing synapses or myelin debris affects OPCs’ ability to generate myelin. Her research could inform new remyelination and brain repair therapies for MS. (Supervisors: Dr Jessica Fetcher, Professor Kaylene Young)
Mobarok Hossain investigates how Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) may contribute to MS risk. Using genomics, single-cell transcriptomics and integrative multi-omics approaches, he aims to identify virus-related genetic variants linked to MS development. His research seeks to uncover key disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets by better understanding the relationship between EBV and MS. (Supervisors: Dr Yuan Zhou, Dr Xin Lin)
Yunhan Jiang is based at Mater Research–The University of Queensland, and is investigating the genetic, cellular, and environmental mechanisms underlying sex differences in MS susceptibility. Before joining the MS-CRE, she completed her Master of Biostatistics at the University of Melbourne and her Bachelor of Biological Sciences through the SDU–ANU Joint Science College at Shandong University. (Supervisors: Professor Jake Gratten, Dr Yuanhao Yang, Dr Xin Lin)
Ariba Khan is investigating how vascular dysfunction and changes in cerebral blood flow interact with demyelination in MS, with the goal of better understanding their contribution to disease progression. Previously, Ariba studied brain fluid dynamics and the glymphatic system at the University of Rochester Medical Center in the USA. (Supervisors: Associate Professor Brad Sutherland, Professor Kaylene Young)
Erin Phillips' project explores how changes within the blood vessel cells themselves may contribute to MS progression and severity. By investigating how these cells become dysregulated and function abnormally in MS, her research aims to better understand their role in driving ongoing disease and disability. (Supervisors: Professor Kaylene Young, Associate Professor Brad Sutherland, Dr Alastair Fortune)
Ann Piermetteo's research project focuses on how intrinsic astrocytic dysfunction contributes to MS pathophysiology, as well as exploring how rare MS-associated genetic variants affect astrocyte functionality. Ann is also a part time consultant for Novoron/Novoroo Bioscience. (Supervisors: Professor Kaylene Young, Dr Jessica Fletcher, Dr Angela Nicoli)
The MS-CRE is committed to developing the next generation of MS research leaders.