Rate Professor Jennifer Rodger

Professional Summary: Professor Jennifer Rodger

Professor Jennifer Rodger is a distinguished neuroscientist and academic at the University of Western Australia (UWA), recognized for her groundbreaking research in brain plasticity and neural repair. With a focus on innovative therapeutic approaches, she has made significant contributions to understanding how the brain adapts and recovers from injury, particularly through the use of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Rodger holds advanced degrees in neuroscience and related fields, reflecting her deep expertise in the biological sciences. While specific details of her early education are not widely publicized, her academic trajectory includes:

• PhD in Neuroscience (specific institution and year not publicly detailed in accessible sources, but earned prior to her established career at UWA)
• Undergraduate and postgraduate training in biological sciences and neuroscience

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Rodger’s research primarily focuses on:

• Brain plasticity and neural repair mechanisms
• Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)
• Therapeutic interventions for neurological disorders, including stroke and traumatic brain injury
• Neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions

Her work bridges fundamental neuroscience with clinical applications, aiming to develop novel treatments for brain-related disorders.

Career History and Appointments

Professor Rodger has built a robust academic career at the University of Western Australia, where she holds a senior position. Key milestones in her career include:

• Professor, School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia (current role)
• Head of Brain Plasticity Research, Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science (ongoing affiliation)
• Research Fellow and Senior Lecturer roles at UWA (earlier career stages)

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Professor Rodger has been recognized for her contributions to neuroscience with several prestigious accolades, including:

• Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellowship (specific year not widely publicized in accessible sources)
• Multiple research grants from national and international funding bodies, such as the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)

Key Publications

Professor Rodger has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals, contributing significantly to the field of neuroscience. Some notable publications include:

• Rodger, J., et al. (2012). 'Transcranial pulsed magnetic field stimulation facilitates reorganization of abnormal neural circuits and corrects behavioral deficits without disrupting normal connectivity.' The FASEB Journal.
• Rodger, J., & Sherrard, R. M. (2015). 'Optimizing the therapeutic potential of non-invasive brain stimulation for neural repair.' Frontiers in Neuroscience.
• Makowiecki, K., et al. (2014). 'Low-intensity repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation improves abnormal visual cortical circuit topography and upregulates BDNF in mice.' Journal of Neuroscience.

These works highlight her focus on brain stimulation and neural plasticity, with citations widely referenced in the field.

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Rodger’s research has had a profound impact on the understanding of brain plasticity and the development of non-invasive therapies for neurological conditions. Her pioneering work on repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has informed clinical practices and inspired further studies into brain repair mechanisms. She is regarded as a leader in translational neuroscience, with her findings contributing to potential treatments for conditions such as stroke, autism, and brain injury. Her leadership at the Perron Institute has also fostered interdisciplinary collaboration in neurological research.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Professor Rodger is actively involved in the academic community, sharing her expertise through various platforms:

• Regular presenter at international neuroscience conferences, delivering keynote addresses on brain plasticity and stimulation therapies
• Member of grant review panels and scientific advisory committees for organizations such as the NHMRC (specific roles not fully detailed in public sources)
• Contributor to editorial boards and peer review processes for leading neuroscience journals (specific journals not publicly specified in accessible data)

Her engagement in these roles underscores her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and mentoring the next generation of researchers.