Brain Arteriovenous Malformations

Radiobiology

Atherosclerosis

Vascular Restenosis

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Neurovascular dementia

Endocrinology

The Neurosurgery Research Group, led By Professor Marcus Stoodley, accepts PhD students for projects to develop new treatments for stroke-related vascular malformations in the brain. Contact us to enquire re support for competitive scholarship applications in this research area through Macquarie University.

Professional overview

Dr McRobb is a Senior Research fellow in the Neurosurgery Research Group at Macquarie University, leading research in brain arteriovenous malformations. She is a scientist with over 30 years of research experience in microbiology, biochemistry, cell biology, and cell signalling, with a primary focus in the area of endocrinology and vascular disease. Prior to her PhD, Dr McRobb was a senior scientist in the School of Molecular Biosciences (University of Sydney) studying the molecular mechanisms of bacterial evolution and adaptation to nutrient stress. She received her PhD in the area of vascular biology from the University of Sydney in 2008 and has held postdoctoral positions at The Heart Research Institute (Sydney) and the Centre for Vascular Research (University of NSW). In 2014, Dr McRobb joined the Neurosurgery group at Macquarie University (Department of Clinical Medicine) led by Professor Marcus Stoodley to develop new treatment approaches for brain vascular malformations. She has been a lecturer in the Bachelor of Clinical Science and MD program since 2016. She is currently Unit Convenor of the Renal, Reproductive and Endocrine Systems Unit in the Bachelor of Clinical Science.

Areas of research interest

Dr McRobb is interested in understanding the pathogenesis of vascular disease and vascular abnormalities and using this information to develop novel treatment approaches. Her previous studies have investigated the role of androgens (male hormones) in driving atherosclerosis and vascular calcification, and the development of small molecule inhibitors for the treatment of vascular disorders such as abdominal aortic aneurysms and vascular restenosis after coronary interventions. Dr McRobb’s current research studies in the Neurosurgery research group aim to develop vascular targeting agents (VTAs) for the treatment of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). These are abnormal vascular structures prone to rupture, which are the leading cause of haemorrhagic stroke in children and young adults. VTA development first involves identifying novel and specific molecular targets in gamma-radiated AVMs. Pre-clinical models and proteomic analysis have been used to identify up-regulated proteins expressed on the surface of irradiated cells lining the vascular wall. Current NHMRC supported studies aim to complete the validation of several novel molecules induced by radiation and to develop targeted drugs designed to occlude the abnormal AVM vessels and eliminate the risk of rupture and stroke. We are also aiming to establish new in vitro AVM models for the identification of novel surface biomarkers for drug delivery, imaging or bioassays.

Certificate: Foundations in Learning and Teaching, Macquarie University (2017)

Guest Lecturer in:

MEDI3200 Cell Cycle and Disease (B Clin Sci)

MEDI3200 DNA damage and repair (B Clin Sci)

MEDI2200 Mitosis, Meiosis and the cell cycle

MD program: Cellular and Hormone Signalling

MD program: Blood supply to the brain and CNS

MD program: Mitosis, mieosis and the cell cycle

MD program: Respiratory infections

MD program: CNS blood supply and aberrations

Unit Convenor: MEDI2102 Renal, Reproductive and Endocrine Systems and lecturing within unit:

Endocrinology introduction - Cell Signalling and Hormone Biology

Endocrinology introduction - Hormones and Homeostasis

The Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands

The Adrenal Glands - beyond fight or flight

Endocrinology in Systems Development

Male Reproductive System - Endocrinology and Physiology

Female Reproductive System - Endocrinology and Physiology