Georgia Stephen is a member of the Neonatal Research group at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute and a PhD student in the Department of Paediatrics at The University of Melbourne. She is conducting a thesis on optimising extubation strategies to improve respiratory outcomes in preterm infants under the supervision of Prof David Tingay (primary), Dr Prue Pereira-Fantini, Dr Arun Sett and Dr Risha Bhatia.

In 2024, Georgia joined the Neonatal Research group (MCRI) as an Honours student (the University of Melbourne) and produced a thesis investigating the impact of invasive mechanical ventilation on the preterm diaphragm (supervised by Dr Prue Pereira-Fantini, Monique Fatmous and Lovelle Poh). Underpinning the Neonatal Research group is the unique combination of clinical medicine and basic science-based projects that, together work to answer important questions about our most vulnerable neonates: preterm babies (less than 37 weeks' gestational age).

Being involved in this group, Georgia has built a strong foundation for her PhD through valuable research networks and diverse methodological skills. This includes basic science training (proteomics), exposure to clinical care in NICUs, bedside monitoring, applied lung physiology and imaging techniques (translational bedside), clinical trials, ethics procedures, and statistical analysis.

Georgia aspires to be a strong researcher and emerging voice in the field of neonatal respiratory medicine, ensuring consistency in the application of research in clinical practice to improve outcomes for preterm babies. She is committed to an academic career developing refined skills in the areas of advanced neonatal respiratory support and clinical trials.