Associate Professor Michael O'Connor
Associate Professor, School of Medicine
Biography
Michael is interested in using human stem cells to better understand normal human development and disease progression. His current research uses human pluripotent stem cells (i.e. cells that can produce any cell type of the body) to learn more about the causes of, and potential new treatments for, cataract, macular degeneration and other diseases of ageing such as gut motility disorders.
Michael obtained his PhD from the University of Sydney in 2005, creating an animal-based culture system that can regenerate functional ocular lenses in the laboratory. Upon completing his PhD Michael undertook postdoctoral studies in Vancouver (Canada), where he identified new genes and mechanisms that help maintain the developmental potential of human pluripotent stem cells.
Michael has received numerous awards for his work in both the eye and human pluripotent stem cell fields, and together these diverse areas of expertise provide a unique opportunity to understand human diseases using human cells. Throughout his career, Michael has also maintained an interest in translating academic research findings into biotechnology or clinical applications, through interactions with both Australian and Canadian biotechnology companies, and his Executive roles at the Australasian Society for Stem Cell Research (Nov 2010 to Dec 2016).
Research Interests
- Cataract/Presbyopia/Lens Development
- Macular Degeneration/Retinal Development
- Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
- Regenerative Medicine
Qualifications and Recognition
- The International Society for Stem Cell Research, 2005-ongoing
- The Australasian Society for Stem Cell Research, 2010-ongoing
- The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, 2000-ongoing
Research and Publications
https://research-report.uws.edu.au/wpubs/Portal.asp
arrow_backward Back to Members List