Rate My Professor Tony Perkins

Professor Tony Perkins is the Foundation Dean of Health at the University of the Sunshine Coast, appointed in October 2022. He earned his B.Sc. and M.Phil. from Griffith University and his PhD from the University of London. Perkins completed his doctoral and post-doctoral studies at the Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford. In 2019, he was a visiting scholar at the Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge. Prior to UniSC, he served as Dean Academic (2012-2018) and Head of Medical Sciences (2008-2012) at Griffith University, contributing to the establishment of one of Australia's largest health faculties.

A biochemist, Professor Perkins' research focuses on placental biology, mitochondrial structure and function, antioxidant enzyme systems, oxidative stress, and placental dysfunction in gestational disorders including preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and preterm birth. He has published over 130 papers, securing more than $5 million in research funding, with his work cited approximately 4,800 times and an H-index of 39. Notable publications include 'Cellular Effects of Pyocyanin, a Secreted Virulence Factor of Pseudomonas aeruginosa' (Toxins, 2016, 550 citations), 'Increased biological oxidation and reduced anti-oxidant enzyme activity in pre-eclamptic placentae' (Placenta, 2005, 282 citations), 'Placental mitochondrial function and structure in gestational disorders' (Placenta, 2017, 235 citations), 'Placental mitochondria and reactive oxygen species in the physiology and pathophysiology of pregnancy' (Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology, 2020, 140 citations), and 'Placental derived biomarkers of pregnancy disorders' (Placenta, 2017, 140 citations). Perkins holds an international reputation in placental biology and biochemistry, with invitations to present at international and national meetings. He is Australasian Editor for Placenta, serves on the editorial board of Nutrients, and has supervised many Higher Degree by Research students who have advanced to successful academic careers.