Mr Ashley Meakin

Ashley completed his PhD at the Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland under the supervision of Professor Vicki Clifton. His work broadly focussed on exploring the role of placental androgen signalling, and how males prioritise this complex signalling pathway to ensure continued intrauterine growth in the presence of maternal asthma. His work further examined how dysfunction of this complex signalling axis contributes to an increased risk of growth and developmental perturbations for the male fetus only, which may have consequences for the development of diseases in adult life. Ashley recently began his early research career in the Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, where he continues to explore how fetal-placental sex impacts the function of placental androgen signalling in animal models of pregnancy complications including growth restriction and maternal asthma. His work has expanded to also look at how dysfunction of the placental androgen signalling axis may contribute to the risks of developing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases later in life. By continuing to understand fundamental mechanisms that may drive these male-specific risks, Ashley hopes to develop diagnostics and interventions to ensure that every baby, whether boy or girl, gets the most out of life.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science (Honours) University of Queensland