Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Australia. Dr Hanson is a medical doctor embarking on a PhD in basic and translational cardiovascular research. With an overall aim of improving the identification and treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease, his PhD project encompasses two interrelated themes.

Circulating biomarkers of oxidative stress in cardiovascular disease
Building on discoveries in Professor Figtree’s lab, he will aim to validate and test the prognostic ability of novel biomarkers of oxidative stress for patients with coronary artery disease.

Novel therapies against oxidative stress in vascular disease
He is currently examining the mechanisms by which FXYD1 protein protects against vessel dysfunction, and is testing its therapeutic potential in human arterial samples.

He will also be investigating the protective effects of FXYD1 in an animal model of pulmonary hypertension.