Benjamin Rowlands

Lecturer, Biomedical Sciences
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Physiology and Pharmacology

  • Biography

    I am a neuroscientist and educator with a PhD in Pharmacology and Physiology from UNSW and over a decade of university teaching experience. I have taught across undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with particular expertise in neurobiology, neuropharmacology, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, histology, and physiology. At the University of Sydney, I co-coordinate postgraduate research programs and design and deliver coursework. My teaching philosophy centres on equity, engagement, and evidence-based practice, and I am proud that strong student and peer feedback consistently reflects these values.

    I was recently appointed as a Lecturer in Biomedical Science at the University of Notre Dame, where I teach Neuroscience and Biochemistry.

    My research has focused on neurobiology and neurochemistry, leading to 17 peer-reviewed publications, patents with translational diagnostic and therapeutic potential, and over $1 million in competitive funding. I have also contributed to international neurochemistry priorities and developed strong academic–industry partnerships.

  • Teaching areas

    My teaching focuses on neuroscience and biochemistry.

  • Research expertise and supervision

    My research interests are in neurobiology, neurochemistry, and neuropharmacology, particularly in brain metabolism, copper biology, and neurodegeneration. I have been fortunate to collaborate with colleagues across academia and industry, contributing to projects that developed new approaches with diagnostic and therapeutic potential. This work has led to publications, funding support, and involvement in international neurochemistry initiatives.

    As a supervisor and educator, I have worked with Honours and HDR students, some of whom have been recognised with University Medals. I also help coordinate postgraduate research training and supervisor development programs. I value mentoring and supporting students, with the aim of helping them build confidence, curiosity, and the skills they need to succeed as researchers.

  • Journal articles and proceedings

    • Rae, C.D., Rowlands, B.D. & Balcar, V.J. Aspartate in the Brain: A Review. Neurochem Res 50, 199 (2025).
    • Rowlands BD, Trist BG, Karozis C, Schaffer G, Mor D, Harwood R, Rosolen SA, Cottam V, Persson-Carboni F, Richardson M, Li AA, Gotsbacher MP, Abdeen AH, Codd R, Double KL. Copper supplementation mitigates Parkinson-like wild-type SOD1 pathology and nigrostriatal degeneration in a novel mouse model. Acta Neuropathol Commun. 2025 Jun 25;13(1):133.
    • Adair LD; Trist BG; Graziotto ME; Hawtrey TJ; Rowlands BD; Rosolen SA; Cottam V; Kuligowski M; Chitty JL; Mok ETY; Cox TR; Gotsbacher MP; Double KL; New EJ, 2025, 'Imaging Copper Levels during Life in the Brain and beyond Using a Fluorescent Copper Sensor with Multimodal Capacity', Chemical and Biomedical Imaging
    • Abdeen AH, Trist BG, Nikseresht S, Harwood R, Roudeau S, Rowlands BD, Kreilaus F, Cottam V, Mor D, Richardson M, Siciliano J, Forkgen J, Schaffer G, Genoud S, Li AA, Proschogo N, Antonio B, Falkenberg G, Brueckner D, Kysenius K, Liddell JR, Fat SCM, Wu S, Fifita J, Lockwood TE, Bishop DP, Blair I, Ortega R, Crouch PJ, Double KL. Parkinson-like wild-type superoxide dismutase 1 pathology induces nigral dopamine neuron degeneration in a novel murine model. Acta Neuropathol. 2025 Mar 5;149(1):22.

  • Community engagement

    Beyond academia, I serve as a Director of Liberty Foundation Australia. We recently successfully secured $825,000 in government funding to establish the nation’s first dedicated research animal rehoming facility. This work allows me to contribute to initiatives that connect research, education, and the community, with a focus on ethical practice, equity, and inclusion.