Who we are

Professor Carolyn Sue, AM, MBBS, PhD, FRACP, holds the prestigious Kinghorn Chair of Neurodegeneration at Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), is a Professor of Neurology at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and Director of Neurosciences at Prince of Wales Hospital (POWH). An internationally recognised clinician-scientist, Professor Sue is renowned for her pioneering research in Parkinson's disease and mitochondrial disorders. She leads the Australian Mitochondrial Disease Centre and the Parkinson’s Disease Centre of Excellence at NeuRA and has significantly advanced the understanding of neurodegenerative diseases through her innovative research integrating genomics, molecular neuroscience, and adult stem cell models. As the immediate past Executive Director of the Kolling Institute, she has established a legacy of translational research excellence. Professor Sue’s research has resulted in the discovery of several key disease genes and new diagnostic approaches, with over 200 peer-reviewed publications and numerous accolades, including the Member of the Order of Australia for her services to medicine. She also holds multiple leadership roles, including President of the Movement Disorder Society of Australia and New Zealand and Council Member of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). Her work continues to shape the future of medical research and patient care in neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr Simon Rowe is a neurologist and researcher with special interest in the areas of neurogenetics, Parkinson’s disease and neurodegeneration. He completed his medical degree at the University of Sydney and was the Nicholas Blair Fellow in Movement Disorders at the Kolling Institute in Sydney while completing his neurology subspecialty training. His work focuses on the integrated care of people with Parkinson’s disease, from diagnostics through to pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments that focus on patient quality of life and independence.

Christina is a neurologist with subspecialty interests in Neuromuscular and Neurogenetics disorders, and the management of Parkinson's disease including the device-assisted therapies. Her doctoral studies were in recognising and improving the diagnosis and management outcomes of adult patients with mitochondrial diseases. Christina cares for adolescents and adults with inherited and acquired neuromuscular conditions at Royal North Shore Hospital. She is involved in ongoing clinical trials and research including those on primary mitochondrial disease, sporadic inclusion body myositis, adults with spinal muscular atrophy and spinal cerebellar ataxia.

Dr Dennis Yeow (BSc/MBBS, FRACP) is a neurologist with subspecialty interest in movement disorders and neurogenetics. He attained his medical degree through the University of Queensland, graduating with first class honours and subsequently completed his neurology training through Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital and Gold Coast University Hospital. As a part of his training, he undertook a joint neuromuscular/movement disorder fellowship at Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital and subsequently a neurogenetic and mitochondrial disorder fellowship at Royal North Shore Hospital. He is interested in seeing patients with genetic neuromuscular and movement disorders and is involved in ongoing clinical trials for patients with mitochondrial disorders.

Dr Geara is the neurogenetics fellow with Professor Carolyn Sue. He was the recipient of the Mito Foundation grant for the 2025 clinical year. Dr Geara is a recently qualified neurologist at Northern Beaches Hospital. He has a masters by research from the University of Sydney ( MPhil) in the topic of Uveitis.. He completed a fellowship in Motor Neuron Disease in 2024 at Macquarie University Hospital. Dr Geara is interested in all aspects of neurology. He aims to integrate basic and clinical sciences to help provide the best care for patients.

Dr Liu is the Parkinsons Disease and Movement Disorders fellow. He completed his Doctor of Medicine and Masters of Science (Clinical Epidemiology) at the University of Sydney. He has trained in multiple regional sites, including the Central Coast, Mid-North Coast and Northern NSW, and completed his Basic Physicians Training in Liverpool Hospital. He aspires to become a clinician-scientist with an interest in epidemiology and the intersection of medicine with artificial intelligence. Dr Liu is involved in multiple research projects throughout NeuRA and will be starting the Rural Gene-Environment project with Professor Carolyn Sue’s group, exploring the association between environmental exposures such as pesticides in regional and remote NSW and their interaction with one’s genes in the development of Parkinson’s Disease. Outside of medicine, Dr Liu competes in weekly social basketball, enjoys crocheting and remains involved in university teaching.

Rachael Mackinnon is a highly skilled and compassionate Clinical Nurse Consultant with a specialised focus on Parkinson’s disease and related movement disorders. With extensive experience in both clinical care and patient education, Rachael has dedicated her career to improving the quality of life for individuals living with Parkinson’s and supporting their families through the challenges of this condition. Rachael holds advanced qualifications in neurology nursing and has received specialised training in the management of Parkinson’s disease, including motor and non-motor symptom management, medication optimisation, and device assisted therapies such as deep brain stimulation (Duodopa). Her expertise encompasses a holistic approach to care, addressing the physical, emotional, and social needs of her patients.