October 29, 2024

How Dr Samara Walpole is making an impact in mental health research

A South Coast native determined to improve the lives of people who experience mental health issues

Dr Samara Walpole’s passion for neuroscience has taken her from the shores of Jervis Bay to outstanding research at the University of Wollongong (UOW), where she recently graduated with a PhD in Medical and Health Sciences.  

As a South Coast native and one of the few in her family to attend university, Dr Walpole’s journey has been shaped by her determination to understand complex brain disorders and contribute passionately to the field of mental health. 

Dr Walpole’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Medical and Health Sciences (Advanced) at UOW, where she discovered her passion for research under the mentorship of Professor Kelly Newell. Her honours year project explored brain changes in individuals with depression and schizophrenia, a pursuit that ignited her interest in understanding how mental health disorders affect brain function. 

“Growing up, I always loved science, but it wasn’t until university that I saw the potential of medical research. 

“I had a subject in first year that introduced us to medical research at UOW, and from there, my interest only grew.” 

In her PhD research, Dr Walpole focused on how brain signalling varies in individuals with major depressive disorder, with a unique emphasis on the impact of sex differences. By analysing post-mortem brain samples, she uncovered significant differences in how male and female brains are altered in depression, highlighting the need for more personalised approaches in mental health treatment.  

“Our findings suggest that a one-size-fits-all approach to mental health treatment might actually be detrimental. We have to consider these differences to improve outcomes for individuals experiencing these disorders.” 

Her research is especially relevant in today’s landscape, where over 300 million people worldwide experience depression.  

For Dr Walpole, the most rewarding part of her research is knowing that her work could ultimately help develop more effective treatments. 

 “It’s fulfilling to know that I’m contributing to a field that could one day improve the lives of so many people who experience mental health issues.” 

_{Dr Samara Walpole with her sister Rhianna, husband Jay, dad Jeffrey and mum Katrine}

Throughout her PhD, Samara presented her work at prestigious international conferences, including the Organization for the Study of Sex Differences and the International Society for Tryptophan Research, where she shared her findings with a global scientific community.  

“Getting to represent UOW and connect with researchers worldwide has been a career highlight. Those experiences remind me of the importance of sharing knowledge and collaborating to make a difference.” 

Now a postdoctoral research fellow at UOW, Samara is expanding her research into the brain changes associated with schizophrenia. Her work seeks to uncover how inflammation affects brain function in individuals with the disorder, aiming to develop innovative treatments that address not just psychosis but also the depression and cognitive challenges experienced by many with schizophrenia. 

She is the graduate speaker at her ceremony representing the Faculty of Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health.  

Dr Walpole shared her gratitude for the UOW community that has supported her journey.  

“I hope to convey how special this university is and the opportunities it provides.  

“The encouragement and expertise from my mentors, especially Professor Newell, made all the difference in my journey.” 

Dr Walpole’s journey from a small South Coast community to the global stage reflects her passion for finding mental health solutions.