Rate My Professor Siobhain Brennan

Siobhain Brennan is a researcher specializing in paediatric respiratory medicine, with a particular emphasis on cystic fibrosis (CF) and early lung disease in infants and preschool children. She obtained her PhD and established her research career at the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research in Perth, Western Australia, collaborating closely with Princess Margaret Hospital for Children and the University of Western Australia. Brennan played a key role in the Australian Respiratory Early Surveillance Team for Cystic Fibrosis (AREST CF), a landmark longitudinal study tracking lung health from newborn screening diagnosis through early childhood. Her contributions have illuminated critical aspects of CF pathogenesis, including structural lung changes, bacterial infections, inflammation, and their impact on lung function progression.

Brennan has authored numerous influential publications. Notable works include 'Lung disease at diagnosis in infants with cystic fibrosis detected by newborn screening' (JAMA, 2009, with Peter D. Sly et al.), revealing bronchiectasis and other abnormalities at initial diagnosis; 'Infection, inflammation, and lung function decline in infants with cystic fibrosis' (American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 2011), linking early pathogens and inflammation to rapid decline; 'Progression of lung disease in preschool patients with cystic fibrosis' (The Journal of Pediatrics, 2011); 'Bronchiectasis in an asymptomatic infant with cystic fibrosis diagnosed following newborn screening' (Journal of Cystic Fibrosis, 2009); 'Changing Prevalence of Lower Airway Infections in Young Children with Cystic Fibrosis' (American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 2019); and 'Antenatal Endotoxin and Glucocorticoid Effects on Lung Development in Preterm Lambs' (Pediatric Research, 2000). Her research has garnered over 1,500 citations and secured competitive funding, such as Australian Respiratory Council grants for investigating oxidative stress markers in young CF patients (2007, with Anthony J. Kettle) and NHMRC Project Grants (2008). These efforts have advanced early detection, intervention strategies, and therapeutic approaches in paediatric CF management. Transitioning from research, Brennan completed her medical training at the University of Western Australia in 2012 and currently serves as a General Practitioner at Glen Forrest Medical Centre, integrating her expertise into clinical practice.