Charlotte Uniacke

I chose Hudson because it’s one of the few places where basic science and clinical research in endocrine hypertension really come together. My group has a strong track record in primary aldosteronism, and access to both patient samples and the molecular tools I need. For me, that combination means I can do research that’s not only interesting at the molecular level but also has a clear pathway to helping patients. It also gives me the chance to work with supervisors who are leaders in the field, but who also have a focus on mentoring and supporting early-career researchers, which was really important in my decision.

My research focuses on identifying new molecular biomarkers for primary aldosteronism, the most common cause of secondary hypertension. By studying how aldosterone affects immune cells and gene expression, I aim to uncover novel biomarkers that can improve diagnosis, guide more accurate subtyping of the disease, and ultimately enable more personalised treatment strategies. A key part of my work is ensuring that sex differences are explicitly analysed, so that underrepresented groups are not overlooked in the search for new diagnostic tools. I also aim to introduce familial germline genetic testing for primary aldosteronism in Australia, and to explore the role of aldosterone in an autoimmune disease context. Through this work, I hope to reduce the burden of undiagnosed primary aldosteronism and improve outcomes for people living with hypertension.

Being a student at Hudson has meant being apart of a community that is both academically rigorous and socially supportive. There is a strong focus on doing high-quality science, but at the same time plenty of opportunities to connect with other student through events and social activities with our student society. It feels like a place where you're challenged in your research but also supported and encouraged along the way.

During my time at Hudson, I have had the opportunity to submit my first first-author publication, which ahs been a big milestone in my research journey. I'm also part of the executive team for the Hudson Institute Student Society (HISS), which has given me the chance to make friends and build the student community here! On the research side, I'm collaborating with several groups across Hudson and Monash Health, including Fabien Vincent's lab, Monash Genetics and Monash Pathology. These collaborations have broadened the scope of my project and given me exposure to different approaches and expertise.

Primary aldosteronism is the most common cause of secondary hypertension, but it is still underdiagnosed and often misclassified. My research aims to identify new biomarkers that can improve diagnosis and guide treatment, so patients can receive the most effective therapy earlier. By explicitly examining sex differences, I also hope to ensure that both men and women are equally represented in research and that potential differences in disease biology are recognised in clinical care. Beyond this, I'm working to introduce familial and germline genetics testing for primary aldosteronism in Australia, which could help identify people at risk earlier, including family members. Finally, by exploring how aldosterone acts in autoimmune disease, I hope to expand our understanding of its role beyond blood pressure, which may open doors for better management of immune-related conditions.