UQ’s Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) PhD candidate Chantelle Jackson has received a 2026 Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship to advance effective, accessible stroke-recovery treatments to benefit Australians in regional and remote communities.
Based in the Balbi Lab, Chantelle’s research focuses on a novel therapy using targeted brain stimulation to boost blood flow and enhance the brain’s natural ability to clear toxic waste after stroke.
Dr Matilde Balbi said the scholarship is an excellent opportunity for Chantelle to build skills that complement what she will learn in the lab during her PhD.
“Through the program, Chantelle will learn the foundations of leadership and receive funding for international lab placements, giving her the broad skills she needs for a successful scientific career,” Dr Balbi said.
“With Westpac’s support, Chantelle can attend conferences, build collaborations, and share her research globally.
“Chantelle’s project is part of our lab’s broader investigation into brain oscillations as a treatment option for stroke, emphasising the collective effort behind this emerging approach.”
Chantelle’s PhD path began during the second year of her science undergraduate, when Chantelle completed a Winter Research Project at QBI.
“Apart from being fascinated by the brain, I was drawn to the Balbi Lab because of its values. I liked what I saw of the working environment, so I reached out to Matilde about the opportunity,” Chantelle said.
Inspired by her Winter Research Program project, Chantelle continued working one day a week with the lab before starting her Honours.
"My vision is to help create a more inclusive Australia, where stroke treatment access and outcomes are not governed by postcode or privilege,” Chantelle said.
“We hope our research will lead to a portable treatment device for use in any hospital or ambulance, reducing the secondary damage from toxic metabolites after a stroke.
“I have always loved science and became interested in research in Year 7 when I saw its potential to address complex health challenges and improve people’s lives.”
Chantelle is one of 16 postgraduates nationally to share in Westpac’s $1.9million scholarship program, which supports emerging leaders working on major global challenges - from AI enabled healthcare to climate resilience and sustainable systems.
Read the UQ News story here.
