Nicolette Hodyl

Biography

Dr Nicolette Hodyl - MS McLeod Research Fellow My research seeks to identify the impact of common adverse exposures in pregnancy that contribute to altered fetal growth, aberrant HPA function and immune development, which ultimately lead to poor child neurodevelopmental outcomes. My specific areas of interest are (i) the effects of feto-placental inflammation on fetal and neonatal development; (ii) the role of antenatal exposure to endogenous and exogenous glucocorticoids in programming fetal systems; and (iii) the consequences of these early life exposures on child neuroendocrine function and neurodevelopment. This research involves linking clinical and environmental exposures in the perinatal period to neonatal and child health outcomes. My research spans basic science (assessing placental and cord blood biomarkers that lead to and/or predict poor outcomes) and epidemiology (examining outcomes in large Australian cohorts). Ultimately this research aims to identify aberrant processes and promulgate effective intervention strategies to (1) prevent poor neurodevelopment from occurring during the perinatal period, and (2) optimise neurodevelopment in children exposed to an adverse in-utero environment. My research predominantly involves the study of preterm neonates. In Australia, over 24,000 babies are born prematurely every year. Over 500 of these babies will die in the neonatal period, while another 18,000 will suffer neonatal and/or lifelong morbidity. As such, preterm birth represents a huge emotional and social burden to affected parents and families, as well as a large economic cost to Australia's public health care system. My broad research area seeks to identify factors that contribute to poor brain development in this vulnerable population.

Research Interest

Medicine,Medical Education,Research,etc