Isabella Drew is an emerging spinal cord injury researcher and PhD candidate at The University of Western Australia and the Perron Institute. Her research investigates whether red and near-infrared photobiomodulation can create a more favourable environment for spinal cord repair.

Working within Dr Stuart Hodgetts’ Spinal Cord Repair Laboratory, Isabella is evaluating the safety and effectiveness of a novel implantable LED device designed to deliver light directly to the injury site. Her work examines whether this approach can reduce inflammation and oxidative damage, protect vulnerable tissue and support improved functional recovery. Her project forms part of a $1 million NHMRC-funded research program advancing photobiomodulation for spinal cord repair.

Isabella is already gaining international recognition for her work. In 2026, she received third prize for presenting her research at the International Spinal Cord Injury Summer School in Stockholm. Through her PhD, she aims to define how photobiomodulation can be delivered safely and effectively, generating the evidence needed to move this emerging technology closer to clinical evaluation and, ultimately, better outcomes for people living with spinal cord injury.

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