INFLUENCE OF GUT MICROBES AND INFLAMMATION ON BRAIN FUNCTION AND BEHAVIOUR IN AUTISM
With
Angela Renata Jiménez Perez,
PhD Candidate,
Gut-Brain Axis Laboratory, RMIT University
Melbourne, Australia
RESEARCHER PROFILE
Filmed in Melbourne, Australia | August 2026
Third-year PhD candidate Angela Jimenez is part of the Gut-Brain Axis Laboratory at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. Angela holds a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience (Honours) from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), and her doctoral research is currently supported by the RMIT–Mexico International Scholarship program.
Angela’s project focuses on describing how gut microbes and inflammation influence brain function and behaviour in autism. Using a mouse model that carries an autism-associated gene variant, she investigates how inflammatory challenges alter behaviour and brain function. Her work has been presented at both national and international forums, including the Australasian Neuroscience Society (ANS) annual meeting in 2025 and the FENS Forum 2026 in Barcelona.
A central aspect of her work explores how metabolites produced by bacteria in the gut can influence neurobiological responses, with the long-term aim of identifying microbiota-targeted therapeutic strategies for individuals with high-support needs autism.
Angela’s broader scientific objective is to advance mechanistic understanding of how other systems, particularly the immune system and microbiome, contribute to behavioural outcomes in neurodevelopmental conditions. She aims to bridge fundamental neurobiology with translational approaches that can lead to future therapeutic development.
Source: Supplied
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De-prescribing medications in older adults with dementia
Dr. Daniel Hoyle is a Senior Lecturer in Therapeutics and Pharmacy Practice at the School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania. He is also an experienced clinical pharmacist with expertise in medication management in older people. Dr. Hoyle’s research interests focus on improving medicine use in older people with dementia.
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Paramedicine workforce across Australian & New Zealand
Liz Thyer is an Associate Professor in the Western Sydney University Paramedicine program and is passionate about innovations and excellence in health sciences teaching and learning.
She was an advanced life support paramedic with Ambulance Victoria for 11 years including roles as a clinical instructor and peer support officer. She has previously worked at Victoria University with the Paramedic programs and at Deakin University in Learning Futures.
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Dr Lisa Melton
RESEARCH IN SANFILIPPO
@ SANFILIPPO CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION
SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA
