Student profiles

Katharine Geyle | Claire Stanley

Katharine Geyle

Project Title: An investigation of inflammation in voice disorders

Supervisors: A/Prof Debra Phyland (Main Supervisor) and Prof Julian Smith (Associate Supervisor)

Experience in the Department: I am a speech pathologist with a special interest in laryngology. I'm currently undertaking a PhD within the Department of Surgery that aims to investigate the relationship between vocal fold inflammation and voice disorders.

Vocal fold inflammation is commonly reported as a significant and sentinel clinical finding on videostroboscopy for people with voice disorders. However, it is unclear whether this finding relates to genesis and continuation of dysphonia. Although it is broadly accepted that vocal fold inflammation can arise from a number of aetiologies (laryngopharyngeal reflux being the most well-known), the reporting of this finding is historically subjective. There is an apparent need to improve the evaluation and measurement of vocal fold inflammation in order to test its relevance to dysphonia and to its potential role in the development of laryngeal pathologies.

My research aims to investigate the physiologic characteristics, measurement and significance of vocal fold inflammation, with typical patterns of vocal dysfunction, associated psychosocial profiles and the impact on patient's activity and participation limitations to inform clinical diagnoses and management planning into the future. This is particularly important because chronic vocal fold inflammation can lead to vocal fold tissue changes (fibrosis) that may be irreversible and potentially render the individual markedly dysphonic long term.

Claire Stanley

Project Title: The reliability and competence of Australian speech pathologists in evaluating swallowing function related to structural abnormalities on videofluoroscopy swallowing studies

Supervisors: A/Prof Debra Phyland (Monash) and A/Prof Anna Miles (Auckland University)

Experience in the Department:  I have recently transferred over to the PhD program from a Masters of Philosophy. My research involves evaluating Speech Pathologists and their ability to evaluate structural abnormalities in the pharynx on videofluoroscopy, the impact the abnormalities have on swallowing function, and the recommendations for management. I have worked at Monash Health within the Department of Otolaryngology, which sits in the Monash Health Department of Surgery for over 10 years. My specialties include instrumental swallowing and laryngeal evaluations using videofluoroscopy, Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) and Videostroboscopy. I hope to be able to use my PhD to improve the evaluation of structural abnormalities and their impact of swallowing function to improve the swallowing safety of patients.

Liam Chaplin

Project Title: The Outcomes for Bioprosthetic Tissue Valves and the Occurrence of Subclinical Leaflet Thrombosis

Supervisors: A/Prof Andrew Cochrane AM and Prof Julian Smith

Experience in the Department: My honours project is focused on identifying the prevalence and risk factors associated with a pathology known as subclinical leaflet thrombosis in surgical aortic bioprostheses.

Subclinical leaflet thrombosis describes the process of localised clot formation on the leaflets of a replacement heart valve, in the absence of noticeable symptoms. The pathology usually occurs within the early post-operative stages.

Previously, it was thought to have only occurred in metallic valve replacements, however, recent studies have made it clear that tissue valve implants are also at risk of these clots forming.

The issue is that we don't know the exact frequency, and the potential patient risk factors that may influence whether some patients are more susceptible than others requires further investigation.

I have chosen to do my B.Sc honours in the field of cardiac surgery, as I have seen first-hand what patient recovery following life-saving surgical intervention is like, with my father having undergone bypass surgery when I was 16. I see cardiac surgery as an immensely challenging yet rewarding field of medicine that I would like to pursue in the future.

Nicole Free | Dr Michael P Chae | Dr Jahan Penny-Dimri

Nicole Free

Project Title: The impact of vocal load and voice exercise in speakers with benign vocal fold lesions

Supervisors: A/Prof Debra Phyland

Experience in the Department: Benign vocal fold lesions form on vocal folds in response to trauma, and are typically attributed to phonotraumatic voice use. They have the potential to significantly impact a person's ability to use their voice and subsequently their social functioning, employment, and emotional wellbeing. My research explores the potential for these lesions and a speaker's voice characteristics to change across time and in response to vocal load and targeted voice exercises.

Prior to commencing my PhD in the Department of Surgery, I worked as a Speech Pathologist in acute medical and outpatient laryngology settings. I had been involved in clinical research but was looking to formalise my research training through a PhD. While at Monash I’ve had opportunities to present my research within the Monash Community, at national and international conferences, and have developed skills in communicating scientific research to a range of audiences. I am grateful for the mentoring and supervision I have received throughout my PhD, and for the flexibility, I have been afforded juggling research and the birth and care of my two children. I feel confident moving forward in my career as a clinical researcher with the skills and knowledge I have gained.

Dr Michael P Chae

Project Title: Developing application of 3D printing in plastic and reconstructive surgery

Supervisors: Prof Julian Smith, Prof David Hunter-Smith and Prof Warren Rozen

Experience in the Department: I had a very well supported clinical research project that culminated in a higher degree in the form of a PhD. The project was about developing applications of 3D printing in plastic and reconstructive surgery. 3D printing had just become affordable and widely available at the moment. We found that it was useful for preoperative planning, intraoperative surgical guidance, education and building customised prostheses.

After completing my PhD, I returned to clinical practice and began a Plastic Surgery Training program via the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. I keep a close eye on the progress of 3D printing around the world and would like to pursue an academic career in surgery in the future.

Dr Jahan Penny-Dimri

Project Title: Machine Learning for Predicting Postoperative Outcomes in Cardiac Surgery

Supervisors: Prof Julian Smith, Dr Christoph Bergmeir and A/Prof Andrew Cochrane

Experience in the Department: My research sits at the intersection of data science, critical care, and clinical surgery. I have been fortunate to have an interdisciplinary supervisory team to help develop and bring the latest advances in machine learning and AI technologies to surgical risk prediction. This PhD has allowed me to flexibly combine my disparate passions of mathematics, critical care, and surgery.

Abhishekh Srinivas

Project Title: Anatomical feasibility of endovascular intervention for Type-A aortic dissections

Supervisors: Prof Julian Smith and Mr Ming Yii

Experience in the Department: After finishing my fourth year of study, I completed my project with the Department of Surgery at the School of Clinical Sciences. It was focused on vascular surgery, an area of medicine I found particularly memorable amongst my clinical placements so far. As we transition into an era of minimally-invasive surgery, the scope of my project put forth by my supervisors was particularly interesting, given the potential cutting edge benefits our proposed treatment offered for acute ascending aortic dissections, a lethal disease.

I was very grateful to work alongside both clinicians and academics within my supervising team, allowing for exposure to several aspects of clinical surgery alongside my research throughout the year. The BMedSc(Hons) program with the Department of Surgery was undoubtedly a phenomenal experience in bettering my research practice, whilst honing my skills in scientific writing and presentation, skills that would undoubtedly be useful for the rest of my career.

Following completion of my BMedSc (Hons) year, I am now a current final year student, and will soon commence work as a medical intern at Alfred Health. I still have an avid interest in vascular surgery and have continued to collaborate on several projects in this area.