Lead researcher
Michel Coppieters
Professor
Michel directs the ‘Musculoskeletal Health and Persistent Pain’ research labs at Griffith University. He has published 100+ peer-reviewed papers on various musculoskeletal conditions and persistent pain states. He has a special interest in neuropathic pain and peripheral neuropathies. His research spans from the lab to the community, and ranges from pre-clinical studies to randomised clinical trials.
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Ricardo Andrade
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Ricardo’s research interests are in understanding the contributions of structure and mechanics of human peripheral nerves to neural function, dysfunction, and regeneration. His research expertise spans advanced neuroimaging methods, clinical neurophysiology, QST, and dynamometry. His current research focuses on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
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Michael Leitch
Adjunct researcher
Dr Michael Leitch is a Neurophysiologist with significant clinical experience in electrodiagnostic medicine and peripheral neurological disorders. Michael has experience in many neurophysiological techniques, some of which include: nerve-conduction studies, electromyography, single motor unit recordings, microneurography and quantitative electromyographic analysis. He is also trained in a specialised technique known as intraneural microstimulation. This technique allows him to selectively stimulate motor axons in the peripheral nerves of awake human subjects. Michael’s main research interests are in motor neurophysiology, peripheral nerve injury and improving functional electrical stimulation therapies.
Eva Sierra-Silvestre
PhD candidate
Neuropathies are among the most important complications in people with diabetes. Eva investigates the (dys)function of small and large diameter nerve fibres, neuromechanics and morphological changes of peripheral nerves. She aims to understand small diameter nerve fibres better to improve diagnostic procedures and eventually patient care. She has a special interest in MRI imaging techniques, such as Diffusion Tensor Imaging (MRI-DTI).
Supervisors: Michel Coppieters, Jaap van Dieen, Ricardo Andrade
Michael Harders
MMR candidate
Michael gained a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from the University of South Australia and worked in a private practice musculoskeletal setting for five years before beginning his Masters of Medical Research. Michael’s interests are in pain and his current project is exploring the clinical relevance of mechanical force transmission of peripheral nerves and fascia in the lower limb.
Supervisors: Michel Coppieters, Ricardo Andrade, Daniel Harvie
Graduated research students (PhD & Masters)
Hayley Thomson
Hayley graduated on the UPLIFT project. She continues to deliver the program clinically at the GCUH and also continues to research the program to further improve the management of people with persistent spinal pain.
Staff and Postdoctoral researchers
Lee Barber
Senior Lecturer
Lee’s research expertise is in biomechanics and exercise physiology, including muscle neuromechanics, gait analysis, functional capacity and physical activity. I have a special interest in muscle morphology and mechanics in children and adults with cerebral palsy, including 2D and 3D ultrasound, 3D motion capture, surface EMG and dynamometry to measure in-vivo muscle structure and function. We conduct clinical trials to improve muscle health and functional capacity in individuals with cerebral palsy.
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Daniel Harvie
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Dan is an NHMRC Early Career Research Fellow focused on understanding and treating central nervous system contributions to persistent pain. Dan's research brings together emerging technologies, such as virtual reality to re-imagine the way persistent pain is treated.
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Research students (PhD & Masters)
Nick Olthof
PhD candidate
After working clinically for 10 years and completing a Masters in Clinical Health Sciences, he embarked on a PhD focussing on the development of a novel tool (the imprint Tactile Acuity Device) to better test and train tactile acuity in people with persistent pain. Nick has a special interest in sensory discrimination, sensory integration, body representations, (threat) perception and perceptual learning.
Supervisors: Michel Coppieters, Daniel Harvie
Andrea Schroeter
MMR candidate
Andrea Schroeter obtained her Bachelor in Exercise Science and Master of Physiotherapy at Griffith University. Following several years in clinical practice, Andrea embarked on Masters of Medical Research. Her research project focuses on positive psychosocial factors which increase a person’s resilience to pain and how to best measure these factors in clinical practice and research.
Supervisors: Michel Coppieters, Elizabeth Kendall, David MacDonald
Brooke Coombes
Lecturer
Brooke trained as a Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist and her vision is to optimise the musculoskeletal health, physical function and quality of life of Australians of all ages and abilities. Her research uses a biopsychosocial approach to explore why some individuals develop persistent pain or tissue dysfunction. She leads clinical trials that shape how we manage tendinopathy, overuse injuries and neuropathic pain. She has 40 peer-reviewed publications.
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Matthew Barton
Senior Lecturer
Matthew’s main research interests are neuronal injury and regeneration, particularly in peripheral nerves, and the use of minimally invasive bio-adhesives and stem cells for their surgical repair.
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Kimberly Talaber
PhD candidate
As a Physiotherapist, Kim discovered the complex and fascinating world of persistent pain and its intricate connections within the nervous system. Kim is enrolled in a PhD focussing on developing and implementing two interventions to reduce persistent neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury.
Supervisors: Michel Coppieters, Daniel Harvie
Hannah Kennedy
MMR candidate
Hannah gained her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy with Honours from The University of Queensland. Since then, she has worked for over 10 years at Gold Coast Health. Hannah recently embarked on a Masters of Medical Research investigating the concept of pain protection, and use of danger and safety messages as a therapy tool, across the lifespan in children, adolescents and adults experiencing persistent pain.
Supervisors: Michel Coppieters, Daniel Harvie
Courtney Bounds
Under construction…
Coming soon…
