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Research into cardiovascular disease to begin at USC
15 October, 2004
University of the Sunshine Coast PhD student, Rachel James, is set to begin a three-year study into the biomarkers of cardiovascular disease in children and young adults.
Her research into the early warning signs of cardiovascular disease will then help identify the long-term risks of heart disease and diabetes in adulthood.
Cardiovascular disease affects around 3.67 million Australians and is responsible for 37.6 per cent of all deaths, making it Australia's number one killer.
The prevalence of these conditions has increased by 18.2 per cent over the past decade.*
Set to begin the research project in 2005, Ms James is currently completing background research to determine her approach to the comprehensive community-based study.
"My research findings will come from extensive consultation with the community, particularly school groups," Ms James said.
Ms James received a Faculty of Science Teaching and Research Fellowship from the University's Institute for Sustainability, Health and Regional Engagement (iSHaRE) Healthy People - Sustainable Communities Research Program.
The research project will integrate nutritional science, epidemiology and health promotion and aims to identify an optimal set of biomarkers for the identification of children at increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes with a view to preventing the occurrence of these diseases in later life.
Ms James, a former Dux of Maroochydore State High School, completed a Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science) at the University of the Sunshine Coast in 2002.
Ms James has always been interested in biomedical science and was able to combine her love of chemistry with life sciences while studying on the Coast.
"In comparison, USC is smaller than other universities, but I think that's a big benefit to the students," she said.
"You are on first-name terms with your lecturers and tutors. I doubt you'd get that sort of personal attention anywhere else."
* Information from the Heart Foundation website.