Antonina, a Senior Researcher at Epigenes Australia, holds a PhD in Behavioural Neuroscience. Her research focuses on understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying complex behaviours, with a particular interest in how early life experiences of stress and diet influence the brain and behaviour. She has authored several publications in peer-reviewed journals within this field and is presently examining the role of the microbiome in anxiety and depression. She possesses expertise in rodent behavioural models and paradigms, along with experience in employing techniques to investigate epigenetic, genetic, and protein expression changes. Her research aims to pinpoint the brain circuitry and chemistry driving these behavioural changes, ultimately translating findings into innovative and novel approaches to improve mental health and well-being.