1336941
Associate Professor
Natalie Pecheniuk
Faculty of Health,
School of Biomedical Sciences
Biography
As an Associate Professor in the School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), I’m dedicated to building foundational expertise in biomedical science, biochemistry, and quantitative skills. My teaching has spanned large, multidisciplinary groups of Biomedical Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Pharmacy, and Nutrition & Dietetics students, fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment.I earned my PhD exploring the Genetic Basis of Thrombophilia, which paved the way for my postdoctoral research at The Scripps Research Institute in California, USA. There, I delved into the biochemistry and molecular biology of the Protein C pathway, focusing on how lipids and HDL act as cofactors—a unique research area with far-reaching implications. Returning to Australia, I took up an academic role at James Cook University in Townsville. I have supervised numerous Honours, Masters, and PhD students. My contributions to my field were recognized in 2010 when I was awarded the Kanematsu Memorial Award for research into the anticoagulant properties of HDL.
My research has evolved across thrombosis and haemostasis, from genetics to lipid interactions in the Protein C pathway. Currently, my work focuses on coagulopathy linked to transfusion—a significant health challenge—where I maintain strong research collaborations and serve as a Visiting Research Fellow with Australian Red Cross Lifeblood.
Research Interests
Blood clots represent a leading cause of death in Australia, contributing to conditions like stroke, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and coronary heart disease, with around 30,000 Australians hospitalized each year due to DVT or PE. Haemostasis, the body’s mechanism for stopping bleeding, involves a complex interplay of proteins, platelets, and endothelial cells, requiring balance between clot formation and dissolution to prevent dangerous thrombosis.
In my lab, we’re focused on:
1. Exploring how biochemical or genetic factors impact blood coagulation pathways.
2. Translational research on thrombotic phenotypes and coagulopathy connections to clinical conditions.
3. Examining the influence of transfusion and blood products, including extracellular vesicles, on coagulation.
Personal details
Positions
- Associate Professor
Faculty of Health,
School of Biomedical Sciences
Keywords
blood coagulation, clotting factors, thrombosis, haemostasis, transfusion, coagulopathy, lipoproteins, biochemistry, thrombophilia
Research field
Cardiovascular medicine and haematology, Medical biochemistry and metabolomics, Clinical sciences
Field of Research code, Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification (ANZSRC), 2020
Qualifications
- PhD (Queensland University of Technology)
Professional memberships and associations
- Thrombosis and Haemostasis society of Australia & New Zealand (THANZ):
- Science & Education Trustee (2021 - Current)
- Secretary (2016 - 2021)
- Member (1997 - Current)
- International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH):
- Member (2006 - Current)
- Australian Red Cross Lifeblood:
- Visiting Research Fellow (2016 - Current)
- Co-chair - BLOOD 2018
- Joint meeting of the HSANZ, ANZSBT and THANZ; Brisbane 2018.
Teaching
Undergraduate Teaching: I'm an experienced higher education academic with an extensive education portfolio in teaching and learning and curriculum development in biomedical sciences. I am passionate about biomedical advocacy and to inspire students to the cross-discipline nature of biomedical sciences. I currently contribute to teaching activities or as unit coordinator for the following units.
- LQB184 Introduction to Biomedical Science
- LQB286 Quantitative Skills for Health Professionals
- LQB381 Biochemistry
- LQB655 Clinical and Applied Haematology
Supervision of Research Students: The main focus of my research which aims to improve the risk of thrombosis (blood clots) by understanding the mechanisms of blood coagulation that impact coagulopathy in various diseases, transfusion and/or resuscitation practices.
- PhD
- Sudhir Jadhao 2022
- Alex Jackson Current
- Ji Hui Hwang 2024
- MASTERS
- Amelie Babinet 2016 (ONRIS, France)
- HONOURS
- Jacqueline Leggett 2019
- Kyle Raubenheimer 2016
- Htet Htet Aung 2014
- Shauna French 2013
- VACATION / VISITING PROJECTS
- Htet Htet Aung 2012
- Diashanti Mardiasmo 2011
- Luke Isbel 2010 - JCU
- Scott Morin 2005 - Scripps Research
Experience
After completing my PhD, I have held academic research only and research/teaching positions in the USA and Australia.
ACADEMIC AND CAREER APPOINTMENTS
- Assoc. Prof. | Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health
- Visiting Research Fellow | Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Brisbane
- Lecturer | James Cook University, Townsville
- School of Pharmacy and Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Molecular Sciences
- Staff Scientist | The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Senior Research Associate | The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Post-doctoral Fellow | The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Division of Translational Vascular Medicine, Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine
- PhD | Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane
- CRC for Diagnostic Technologies, School of Life Sciences.
Publications
- Hwang, J., Tung, J., Harkin, D., Flower, R. & Pecheniuk, N. (2024). Extracellular vesicles in fresh frozen plasma and cryoprecipitate: Impact on in vitro endothelial cell viability. Transfusion, 64(9), 1709–1718. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/251468
- Jadhao, S., Davison, C., Roulis, E., Schoemann, E., Divate, M., Haring, M., Williams, C., Jaya Shankar, A., Lee, S., Pecheniuk, N., Irving, D., Hyland, C., Flower, R. & Hiriyur Nagaraj, S. (2022). RBCeq: A robust and scalable algorithm for accurate genetic blood typing. EBioMedicine, 76. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/227683
- Raubenheimer, K., Hickey, D., Leveritt, M., Fassett, R., de Zevallos Munoz, J., Allen, J., Briskey, D., Parker, T., Kerr, G., Peake, J., Pecheniuk, N. & Neubauer, O. (2017). Acute effects of nitrate-rich beetroot juice on blood pressure, hemostasis and vascular inflammation markers in healthy older adults: A randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study. Nutrients, 9(11), 1–19. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/114429
- Passmore, M., Fung, Y., Simonova, G., Foley, S., Diab, S., Dunster, K., Spanevello, M., McDonald, C., Tung, J., Pecheniuk, N., Hay, K., Shekar, K. & Fraser, J. (2017). Evidence of altered haemostasis in an ovine model of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. Critical Care, 21. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/109892
- Aung, H., Tung, J., Dean, M., Flower, R. & Pecheniuk, N. (2017). Procoagulant role of microparticles in routine storage of packed red blood cells: potential risk for prothrombotic post-transfusion complications. Pathology, 49(1), 62–69. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/102306
- Letson, H., Pecheniuk, N., Mhango, L. & Dobson, G. (2012). Reversal of acute coagulopathy during hypotensive resuscitation using small-volume 7.5% NaCl adenocaine and Mg2+ in the rat model of severe hemorrhagic shock. Critical Care Medicine, 40(8), 2417–2422. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/53507
- Pecheniuk, N., Elias, D., Deguchi, H., Averell, P. & Griffin, J. (2008). Elevated plasma fibronectin levels associated with venous thromboembolism. Thrombosis and Haemostasis, 100(2), 224–228. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/43496
- Eichinger, S., Pecheniuk, N., Hron, G., Deguchi, H., Schemper, M., Kyrle, P. & Griffin, J. (2007). High-density lipoprotein and the risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism. Circulation, 115(12), 1609–1614. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/43498
- Pecheniuk, N., Deguchi, H. & Griffin, J. (2005). Cholesterol enhances phospholipid-dependent activated protein C anticoagulant activity. Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis, 3(2), 340–345. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/43501
- Deguchi, H., Pecheniuk, N., Elias, D., Averell, P. & Griffin, J. (2005). High-density lipoprotein deficiency and dyslipoproteinemia associated with venous thrombosis in men. Circulation, 112(6), 893–899. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/43500
QUT ePrints
For more publications by Natalie, explore their research in QUT ePrints (our digital repository).
Awards
- Type
- Committee Role/Editor or Chair of an Academic Conference
- Reference year
- 2021
- Details
- THANZ Science and Education Trustee
- Type
- Appointment to State/National/International Reference Group or Government Committees
- Reference year
- 2015
- Details
- SECRETARY THANZ council
- Type
- Visiting Professorships/Fellowships
- Reference year
- 2016
- Details
- Visiting Research Fellow, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood
- Type
- Committee Role/Editor or Chair of an Academic Conference
- Reference year
- 2018
- Details
- Co-chair BLOOD2018; Joint meeting of HSANZ, ANZSBT & THANZ
- Type
- Academic Honours, Prestigious Awards or Prizes
- Reference year
- 2022
- Details
- The Kanematsu Memorial Award (The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia)
- Type
- Keynote Speaker/Expert Panel Member/Invited Speaker for a Conference
- Reference year
- 2016
- Details
- Invited Symposium Speaker AIMS AACB 2016
- Type
- Keynote Speaker/Expert Panel Member/Invited Speaker for a Conference
- Reference year
- 2009
- Details
- Invited Local Speaker - HAA2009
- Type
- Academic Honours, Prestigious Awards or Prizes
- Reference year
- 2016
- Details
- Vice-Chancellor's Performance Award (Faculty of Health)
Supervision
Current supervisions
- Design of a potent, dual domain antifibrinolytic and anti-inflammatory protease inhibitor
PhD, Associate Supervisor
Other supervisors: Professor Jonathan Harris - Blood Group antigens and alleles: application and consideration in compatibility matching in the age of genomics
PhD, Associate Supervisor
Other supervisors: Adjunct Professor Robert Flower, Professor Damien Harkin
The supervisions listed above are only a selection.