Meet-your-teachers! MMFS Biomedical undergraduate student Dulani Giridarage recently interviewed Associate Lecturer Tayler Kent to find out more about her research journey...

Tayler Kent is an Associate Lecturer in the School of Medical, Molecular, and Forensic Sciences at Murdoch University, who is making significant contributions to the field of reproductive pharmacology. With a deep interest in pharmacology, toxicology, and reproductive biology, Tayler’s PhD research investigated the effect of herbal fertility supplements on sperm metabolism using a sheep model, work that holds significance for both human health and livestock fertility management.

Tayler’s academic journey began at Murdoch University, where she completed a Bachelor of Biomedical Science and a Bachelor of Science (Molecular Biology) with a minor in Forensic Biology. She undertook an Honours degree in Molecular Biology, conducting early research in reproductive pharmacology. She is in the process of completing her PhD and continues her work on the metabolic and functional impacts of herbal fertility products. As a full-time academic at Murdoch University, she coordinates many units such as BRD202 and BMS317.

Her research employs advanced tools such as flow cytometry, GC-MS metabolomics, ELISA, and computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) to examine how herbal fertility supplements influence sperm quality and function.  Herbal fertility supplements, despite their growing popularity, are often marketed with minimal regulation, raising concerns about their safety and efficacy. She was also awarded two grants from the school in 2024 to commence post-PhD research, one expanding flow cytometric methods to assess sperm function and one optimizing oocyte maturation to improve embryo development in vitro. Tayler's work has implications for both consumer safety and the improvement of assisted reproductive technologies in animals.

Tayler has significantly impacted student supervision and collaboration. She has co-supervised Honours, DVM, and Research Masters students on various topics, including:

• The antioxidant role of paraoxonase 1 in stallion semen,
• The effects of curcumin and rosiglitazone on sperm motility and morphology pre- and post-thaw,
• The hepatotoxic effects of herbal supplements with alcohol (in collaboration with the University of Adelaide),
• The effects of polyandroalbumin injection on maternal ewe lamb fertility and fecundity

  She is also involved in research on endocrine disruption in reproduction, sperm sex ratio analysis, and antimicrobial resistance in dairy cows, highlighting the broad relevance of her work across both human and veterinary science.

  Outside of academia, Tayler engages in activities such as travelling, hiking, snorkelling, and strength training. She actively volunteers as a hiking guide and regularly attends conferences. These pursuits contribute to her unique skill set and personal growth.

  Reflecting on her journey, Tayler says:

  “If you’re considering doing Honours or a PhD, just go for it. It will open many doors, and the skills you gain are transferable anywhere worldwide and truly shape your future.”

Dulani Giridarage