In this month’s newsletter, we would like to introduce PhD graduate, Cindy Tay from the College of Medicine and Health Sciences

Cindy’s recently submitted thesis, “Determining the contribution of muscular and mucosal afferents to bladder sensory signalling in health and disease” received outstanding results from the examiners.

We asked Cindy to share what the research was about, how she was supported from her supervisors and what was the hardest part of the journey.

What was your research about?

My research focused on a specific subpopulation of stretch-insensitive bladder nerve endings and their role in detecting urinary tract infections. We found that these nerve endings play a key role in mediating neuroimmune interactions in the bladder during infection and inflammation.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections worldwide, affecting 150 million people yearly. Symptoms often include frequent urination, a sudden urge to urinate, pain during urination, and pelvic discomfort. These sensations are much stronger than what healthy individuals usually feel. We believe that certain nerves in the bladder, particularly those found close to the bladder lining but not involved in urination, play a key role in these heightened sensations.

In this study, we developed a new method to target and study these specific bladder nerves in mice selectively. We then used this approach to understand how these nerves respond during a UTI. Our findings revealed that these bladder nerves help sense infection and inflammation, acting as important messengers between the nervous and immune systems. This research could help develop new treatments that target these nerves to relieve UTI-related symptoms.

How did your supervisors support you during your candidature?

Throughout my PhD, I was fortunate to have consistent and thoughtful support from both of my supervisors. I met weekly with my primary supervisor and fortnightly with my co-supervisor, which provided a reliable rhythm for discussing my progress, planning upcoming tasks, and troubleshooting any challenges—whether experimental or work-related. These meetings were not just about accountability; they were collaborative spaces where I could openly share concerns and receive constructive guidance.

One aspect of their support that I deeply appreciated was their attentiveness to mental wellbeing. Both supervisors made a conscious effort to check in regularly, and they were always willing to listen when I faced difficulties. Their support came in different forms—sometimes through a simple conversation, other times by pointing me toward helpful resources. Knowing that they cared about my overall wellbeing, not just my research output, made a significant difference in how I navigated the ups and downs of the PhD journey.

What was been one of the hardest parts of the journey?

One of the hardest parts of my PhD journey was learning to adapt to unexpected changes. I had to move between research buildings twice, which caused delays in restarting experiments and disrupted my workflow. In my third year, I also discovered that one of the animal models I had been working to characterise was not suitable for my study. This required me to pivot quickly and take on a different model that another PhD student had developed. These experiences taught me how to navigate uncertainty, manage stress, and remain resilient in the face of unforeseen challenges.

Have you published anything?

I am currently working on a couple of publications, but I did publish this literature review titled ‘Animal Models of Interstitial Cystitis / Bladder Pain Syndrome’ during my PhD which can be found here: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2023.1232017/full

What have you been doing since you completed?

After six months of job hunting, I was excited to secure a position in academia. I’m now working as a Research Assistant with the Walker Research Group at the University of Queensland, where my work focuses on developing a vaccine for Group A Streptococcus. During the job search, I also dedicated time to working on several manuscripts based on my PhD research, which I hope to publish in the near future.

How has your PhD helped you in the role you are in now?

Although my current research field is quite different from what I focused on during my PhD, the experience has equipped me with a strong foundation of transferable skills that have been incredibly valuable in my new role. One of the most important skills I developed was the ability to adapt quickly to unfamiliar environments and topics—a necessity during my PhD and a strength I’ve leaned on heavily in this position.

My background in research has also made it easier to get up to speed with the project. I’m comfortable with compiling and synthesizing information, which has helped me understand the broader context and contribute meaningfully early on. While I’m learning new lab techniques, many build on methods I’ve used before, such as animal handling and molecular biology. This continuity has made the transition smoother and allowed me to focus more on expanding my skill set.