Ingrid Amgarth-Duff
I want to develop my research career further in a progressive and growing research centre.
Key research areas/interests: Delirium, palliative care, neuroscience, biochemistry
Principal Supervisor: Professor Meera Agar
Summary of research project
‘Understanding the biological and clinical correlates of cognitive problems and delirium in advanced cancer: A mixed methods study’
The primary aim of my study is to longitudinally explore the clinical and biological predictors and correlates of delirium and other cognitive impairments for people with advanced cancer; with a particular focus on the influences of circadian, inflammatory and structural brain abnormalities
Why did you decide to embark on your research degree at the Faculty of Health at UTS?
After completing my honours in Biomedical Science in Perth, I moved to Sydney to work as a Research Assistant in the Centre for Cardiovascular and Chronic Care which gave me great insight into the life of research and academia. I learnt valuable research skills which made me want to develop my research career further in a progressive and growing centre with high quality academic staff and excellent HDR facilities.
What contribution to knowledge are you planning to make with your research project?
Mental awareness is an important priority for people with advanced illness, and is under-recognised by treating clinicians. Delirium, one of the most common and serious causes of cognitive impairment in this patient population, is associated with multiple adverse outcomes and further cognitive decline. However, little is known about its clinical predictors or pathophysiology, making the development of appropriate therapeutic interventions extremely difficult. I hope my PhD project will provide important insight into the clinical and biological associations for cognitive impairment for people with advanced cancer, providing future therapeutic targets for treatment and prevention.
Who will benefit from your research? How?
My research will benefit people with delirium as well as clinicians by providing important insight into the pathophysiology of delirium in order to provide appropriate therapeutic interventions for the management and prevention of delirium.
How did you go about selecting your supervisor?
As I was already working for Professor Meera Agar, I decided to approach Meera about the potential PhD projects within the Centre that suited my interests in neuroscience and palliative care. I was aware of Meera’s expertise in the field, particularly in delirium, as well as her extensive experience as a researcher.
What has been the most valuable part of your research student experience at the Faculty of Health at UTS?
The experiences and research skills that I have learnt from my highly knowledgeable supervisors and fellow colleagues in the Centre thus far have been invaluable. My regular meetings with my supervisors, as well as weekly meetings and interactions with other research students has increased my understanding of the research process here at UTS.
What advice would you give to future research students thinking about starting a higher degree in research at the Faculty of Health?
Although I am only starting out as a PhD student, my advice would be not to rush the process of finding suitable supervisors, as my supervisors have all been incredibly supportive and responsive, which has made a world of difference to my transition into student life. I would also keep an eye out for the many workshops and student resources that are provided here at UTS.
