Gianni is a research assistant in the Cardiometabolic Health and Exercise Physiology laboratory exploring the role of the sympathetic nervous system in health and disease. Overactivity of this system contributes strongly to the development and maintenance of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and heart failure. Gianni’s work has looked at therapies that target this system in the form of renal denervation — a surgical approach to lowering blood pressure by ‘silencing’ the nerves which control the kidneys and consequently drive-up blood pressure. They continue to work on projects investigating the role of the microbiome in the development of a hyperactive sympathetic nervous system in patients with hypertension and understanding which brain regions controls blood pressure.

Currently, Gianni investigates the role of the sympathetic nervous system in patients with Long COVID and ME/CFS. This project aims to understand how post-viral illness may disrupt the peripheral nerves in ways to contribute to fatigue and exercise intolerance in these cohorts. They have ongoing projects working with the National Hypertension Taskforce — a cohort of scientists and clinicians working to improve blood pressure screening and treatment Australia-wide.