Transforming brain health research in Australia and the US
Associate Professor Louise Mewton
Program lead in lifespan and brain health research, the Matilda Centre
For researchers looking to expand their research impact in the United States of America, a Fulbright Scholarship is a unique way to see the world, build connections with collaborators, and enhance the research relationship between Australia and the US.
For Associate Professor Louise Mewton, the Fulbright Future Scholarship was a chance for her to connect with her colleagues at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Youth Collaborative and further her research into prenatal alcohol exposure on adolescent health.
Working with MUSC’s Professor Lindsay Squeglia and her team, Louise joined them in South Carolina for four months in 2024, touring the country, learning more about US adolescent health research, and analysing the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study.
As Louise returns from her trip, she reflects on her experience, what she learned and her advice for anyone interested in applying for a Fulbright Scholarship.
Tell us about your journey to the Matilda Centre.
I completed my PhD with Professor Maree Teesson and Professor Tim Slade at the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre in 2012. My PhD focused on the epidemiology of alcohol use disorders in youth. In 2012, I started my postdoctoral research career with Gavin Andrews at the Clinical Research Centre for Anxiety and Depression at St Vincent's Hospital and initiated a program of research focused on innovation in online therapies for anxiety and depression.
In 2015, I received a Rotary Health Postdoctoral Fellowship and moved back to the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre to continue my research into online interventions. In 2019, I was appointed UNSW Scientia Senior Research Fellow and moved to the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing to lead the Dementia Risk Factors Group.
While I loved ageing research, I still had strong interests in youth-focused research. In 2023, I was very excited to be recruited as a Strategic Hire at the Matilda Centre where I am now Program Lead in Lifespan and Brain Health Research.
What was it about the Medical University of South Carolina that drew you there for your Fulbright Scholarship?
Having my Fulbright hosted by the Medical University of South Carolina was a bit of a no-brainer for me. My Fulbright builds on collaborations that have been established through several research exchanges between USYD and MUSC. These exchanges began in 2010 when Dr Sudie Back (MUSC) visited the Matilda Centre team at their former institution (the University of New South Wales).
Associate Professor Emma Barrett visited MUSC in 2015 and Professor Lindsay Squeglia (MUSC) visited the Matilda Centre in 2022-23. In June 2023, the MUSC’s Professor Carla Danielson also visited the Matilda Centre as part of the Fulbright Specialist Program. I've established a really strong relationship with my host at MUSC, Professor Lindsay Squeglia, who is a fantastic research collaborator, but now also a good friend.
Professor Squeglia co-directs the Youth Collaborative Centre at MUSC, which is comprised of over 40 researchers, clinicians, and educators conducting world leading research focused on improving adolescent substance use treatment and health outcomes.
The team have welcomed me with open arms and really shown me what "Southern hospitality" means! It has been such a pleasure to learn from Professor Squeglia and her team over the past few months.
Photo: Several members of the Matilda Centre join A/Prof Louise Mewton (far left) in San Diego for The UCSD Research Exchange. Source: A/Prof Louise Mewton
What have you found most interesting about the United States vs Australia?
One thing I absolutely love about the US is the amazing variation in culture and experiences that are only a short flight away. You can hop on a plane and travel 1-2 hours and be in a fantastic new city, with completely new sights, architecture, geography, food scene, culture, history and nightlife. There are so many choices!
I also love the thriving live music scene in the US, which is something I think we sadly lack in Australia. I am also a huge fan of Mexican cuisine and they do that so much better in the US than Australia. Australian hands down wins with coffee and beaches though!
Photo: A/Prof Louise Mewton (far left) with the PTSD Collboration Group at MUSC, who celebrated their 20 year partnership with the Matilda Centre in 2024. Source: Supplied
What advice do you have for anyone interested in taking a Fulbright Scholarship?
The Fulbright has been the best experience of my life - both professionally and personally. I totally encourage everyone who is eligible to apply! It's not only a research exchange, but really focuses on the cultural exchange as well, which is such a novelty in academia.
My advice is to choose a host that is actively engaged in the process and a city that you are going to love! Do your research!