A/Prof. Alan Brichta

Biography

Alan Brichta is a neurobiologist with research interests in the anatomy and physiology of peripheral and central vestibular system. In particular, his studies have focused on vestibular hair cells and their associated primary afferents and has recently developed an isolated preparation of the mouse inner ear to study these unusual cellular components. This approach allows stable, high-resolution, intracellular recordings whilst the tissue undergoes near 'natural' (mechanical), rather than artificial (electrical) stimulation. Results from these studies are helping us understand the cellular mechanisms underlying normal and abnormal function associated with the peripheral vestibular apparatus. In addition, Dr. Brichta is studying vestibular nucleus neurons in the brainstem that are the major recipients of transmitted vestibular organ output. These regions are thought to be highly modifiable and may prove to be ideal targets for rational therapeutic strategies aimed at treating balance disorders. Dr. Brichta was recently awarded a prestigious five year Garnett Passe and Rodney Williams Memorial Foundation Senior/Principal Research Fellowship.

Qualifications

• PhD, Ohio University - USA
• Bachelor of Science (Anatomy), University of New South Wales

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Research

Research keywords

• Electrophysiology
• Spinal Cord
• Vestibular system

Research expertise

Vestibular electrophysiological and anatomical techniques, including whole-cell patch-clamp recordings together with intracellular labelling. Experience with in vivo and in vitro preparations.

Awarded major nationally competitive grants: NHMRC Project Grant (2006 08) The neural basis of vestibular compensation; Garnett Passe and Rodney Williams Memorial Foundation Project Grant (2006 08) Cellular mechanisms underlying activity in the peripheral vestibular organs; NHMRC Project Grant (2006 08) Descending control of pain pathways; ARC Discovery Grant (2005 07) Investigation of a brain rhythm. Also developed two new methodologies for recording activity in neurons (one in vivo and one in vitro).

Invited speaker at the International Barany Society Meeting, Orcas Island, Washington State, USA (2002) and the national Frontiers in Otolaryngology 2006 conference, Sanctuary Cove, Queensland.

Fields of Research

Code	Description	Percentage
111600	Medical Physiology	50
110900	Neurosciences	35
170299	Cognitive Science Not Elsewhere Classified	15

Centres and Groups

Centre

• Hunter Medical Research Institute
• PRC - Priority Research Centre for Translational Neuroscience and Mental Health (CTNMH)

Group

• Hunter Medical Research Institute - Brain and Mental Health

Memberships

NHMRC Committee

• Grant review Panel

Invitations

Developments in isolated inner ear preparations Garnett Passe and Rodney Williams Foundation, Australia (Conference Presentation - non published.)	2006
Transduction in vestibular sense organs The Australian Health and Medical Research Congress, Australia (Conference Presentation - non published.)	2002
Vestibular Influences on Movement International B¿r¿ny Society, United States (Conference Presentation - non published.)	2001

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Administrative

Administrative expertise

Former member of Academic Senate and Faculty Board during a period of major change in teaching and learning at the University. Attracted significant equipment funding to the EM /X-Ray Unit by successfully applying for ARC-LEIF grant. Submission of Anatomy discipline Roadmap for Medical School Accreditation Committee. Contributed to the development of the new Bachelor of Podiatry Program. Provided Biomedical Science input with regard to course provisions and assessment of background course pre-requisites. Member of Faculty Library Committee during a difficult fiscal period that resulted in significant cuts in printed journal subscriptions. Member of NHMRC Grant Review Panel. External Ph.D. Examiner of Ph.D candidates.

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Teaching

Teaching keywords

• Anatomy
• Neuroscience

Teaching expertise

Teaching expertise in anatomy, neuroanatomy, and neurosicence. Major

reorganisation of core anatomy courses in 2005 to B. Medicine, B.

Biomed Sci, B. Health Sciences, including Medical Radiation Science,

Physiotherapy, Oral Health, and B. Speech Pathology. Developed three

new specialist subjects: Oral Health, Speech Pathology, and Neural

Visceral Anatomy. Re-designed second semester Neuroanatomy block

for Medicine. Course co-ordinator for first semester MEDI 2012 Medical

Sciences. Attended U Queensland The teaching of anatomical

sciences into health professions Seminar. Hosted the Universitys first

US Fulbright Scholarr. Instigated the first use of video-lecturing with

Camtasia software.

Teaching interests

• Course Co-ordinator, Anatomy for Speech Pathology and Oral Health
• Module Co-ordinator Medicine 2nd year - Neurology / Neuroanatomy
• Human Bioscience, 2nd and 3rd year B. Biomedical Sciences program
• Neural and Visceral Anatomy for Physiotherapy II and Medical Radiation Science II