Opened 726 days ago
Closes 28 February 2023
Perron Institute’s Epilepsy Research Group is seeking a student for a volunteer research opportunity, to assist with participant recruitment, data collection, and data entry for two exciting clinical research projects.
Epilepsy is a neurological disease characterised by the occurrence of seizures that can negatively affect brain function and is also frequently linked with several chronic health conditions, such as stress, depression, anxiety, memory, and sleep problems. Our group is currently undertaking research in the areas of the gut microbiome and multimorbidity in people with epilepsy.
Microbiome project:
A growing body of data shows that microbes in the gut not only influence metabolism but also affect brain function, behaviour, and breakdown of antiseizure medications. The genetic material of all microbes in the gut -that is used to analyse their composition – is called microbiome.
The purpose of this project is dual. First, to find out if the composition of bacterial species in the gut is substantially different in people with epilepsy compared to age-matched healthy subjects (controls). Second, to look for differences in the microbiome between people with easy to treat epilepsy compared to those with difficult to treat (known as drug- resistant epilepsy) and those who develop treatment-related adverse effects, depression, or memory problems.
Results will help us to better understand the interaction between gut and brain.
Multimorbidity project:
Several health conditions from different body organs frequently co-occur with epilepsy. The co-existence of two or more chronic disorders in a person is called multimorbidity. Multimorbidity has a significant impact on disability, quality of life, polypharmacy, premature mortality and health care costs.
Multimorbidity has not been adequately studied in epilepsy. We aim to study the multimorbidity burden in epilepsy. We would like to gain a deeper understanding of the effects of multimorbidity in epilepsy, such as the association with response to treatment.
This volunteering opportunity will involve assisting with participant recruitment, data collection and data entry.
Skills & Qualifications:
- Have obtained an undergraduate degree in a relevant field (e.g., Neuroscience, Psychology, Nursing, Medical science, or other health science
- Data analysis skills are not essential but would be highly valued
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
Commitment Required:
- 1 day a week
Please contact Jenny Eisenhauer with your expression of interest.