Heather Russell

Heather is a third-year PhD candidate at the University of Western Australia and the Fiona Wood Foundation. Her research focuses on skin regeneration and fibroblast plasticity, with an emphasis on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that enable effective tissue repair. She is particularly interested in vertebrate models capable of scar-free healing and complex tissue regeneration, including the spiny mouse (Acomys spp.). By leveraging comparative biology and functional approaches, her work aims to define fibroblast heterogeneity and identify key pathways that distinguish regenerative healing from fibrotic repair. Through this research, she seeks to contribute to the development of improved therapeutic strategies for enhancing skin regeneration in humans.