La Trobe University 

Cell Biology and Biochemistry

Programmed cell death, or apoptosis, occurs in essentially all tissues in the body as part of normal development. During apoptosis, dying cells can disassemble into smaller vesicles called apoptotic bodies. Despite being an important process, the mechanism underpinning apoptotic body formation is poorly defined.

Dr Ivan Poon studies this mechanism and recently discovered a new step in the process of cell death. His ongoing research will identify pharmacological compounds that could modulate this process. Determining the molecular mechanism behind cell fragmentation could lead to new treatments for diseases associated with cell death, including cardiovascular, autoimmune and infectious disease

Previously Ivan has volunteered with the Heart Foundation, Cancer Council, and SIDS and Kids and was involved in the John Curtin School of Medical Research open day to promote medical research to the general public. He has hosted work experience students in his lab, been interviewed for a number of articles, including in The Age, The Australian and The Guardian.