Dr Mitchell Sullivan | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

Dr Mitchell Sullivan joined the School of Health in 2024. Prior to this, he held positions such as a Mater Research Career Track Fellow, an Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellow, and a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) CJ Martin Fellow at Mater Research. Dr. Sullivan is dedicated to exploring how our bodies process and store sugar in tissues, aiming to uncover the roots and potential treatments for metabolic disorders like diabetes. His research particularly focuses on glycogen, a crucial molecule for storing blood sugar in organs such as the liver and kidneys.

Dr. Sullivan has pioneered techniques during his PhD that have led to significant findings on how glycogen's structure affects its function and properties, especially in relation to diabetes. His research revealed that glycogen in diabetic conditions is more unstable and breaks down rapidly compared to non-diabetic states, potentially causing rapid glucose release and elevated blood sugar levels.

Spending two years at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada, Dr. Sullivan delved into understanding the impact of glycogen on neurological conditions, including Lafora disease and Adult Polyglucosan Body Disease. Currently, he is broadening his investigative horizons to chronic health issues, with a focus on diabetic kidney disease. Dr. Sullivan collaborates with research teams across China, Canada, Sweden, Spain, and the US. Furthermore, he is examining the significance of placental glycogen in fetal development and its implications for pregnancy disturbances, particularly those affected by alcohol, which could lead to various complications.