Carra Simpson, mentee in the 2019 MedTech-Pharma program in VIC (The University of Melbourne)
Carra Simpson is a current PhD Candidate (Biological Psychology/Microbiology), who is also completing a Graduate Certificate (Biomedical Sciences). Carra’s research seeks to bridge the arbitrary distinction between “mental” and “physical” health.
Carra is investigating the gut microbiota, or the community of microorganisms in the gut, in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), anxiety and depression. These conditions are highly co-morbid, and shared bacterial alterations in the gut are of increasing interest as a possible source of this co-occurrence.
Carra also volunteers on the Victorian Oral Microbiome and Lifestyle Study. Her honours project informed this study, and investigated the oral microbiota, cortisol and c-reactive protein in adolescent depression and anxiety.
Carra is passionate about science communication and evidence-based practice, and hopes that her research is able to inform future interventions in these burdensome conditions. She is interested in investigating the options for her career outside of academia, however currently seeks to pursue a postdoctoral research position after her PhD.
You can find Carra on: