Dr. Fiona Kumfor

Associate Professor

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Biography

Fiona Kumfor is an Associate Professor and NHMRC Career Development Fellow in Clinical Neuropsychology at the University of Sydney. With over 15 years of experience in dementia research, she has significantly contributed to the understanding of cognitive and social behavioral changes associated with dementia. Early in her career, Fiona was involved in the Older Australian Twins Study, which examined the genetic and environmental factors influencing cognition in twin populations aged 65 and older. She completed her PhD at Neuroscience Research Australia, focusing on emotional memories in individuals with Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia. Fiona's research program aims to improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of individuals living with dementia, emphasizing treatments for behavioral symptoms such as apathy. In addition, she has led a multidisciplinary team exploring how digital solutions can enhance the quality of life for dementia patients. She is recognized for her pivotal role in establishing a research group at the University of Sydney, supported by NHMRC funding, which directly addresses the behavioral symptoms of dementia. Her work has been acknowledged with numerous awards, including the Vice-Chancellor's Award for Outstanding Early Career Research and the Australian Psychological Society's Early Career Research Award. Fiona's dedication to improving assessment methods and intervention strategies underscores her commitment to enhancing the lives of those affected by neurocognitive disorders and their caregivers.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Professor

2017-01-01 — Present

University of Sydney • Sydney, NSW

Leads research focused on dementia and its behavioral symptoms.

National Health Medical Research Council Fellow

2014-01-01 — Present

University of Sydney • Sydney, NSW

Pursued research examining social cognition in dementia.

Awards

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Vice-Chancellor's Award Outstanding Early Career Research

2019-01-01
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Early Career Research Award

2018-01-01

Requirements for University of Sydney

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:17
Reading
Required:17
Writing
Required:19
Speaking
Required:17
Total
Required:85
PTE
Listening
Required:54
Reading
Required:54
Writing
Required:54
Speaking
Required:54
Overall
Required:61
Prerequisites
A master's degree with a research component or a bachelor's degree with first or second-class honours. Demonstrated research experience and capability.
Application Checklist
  • Academic transcripts
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Research proposal (1000+ words)
  • Two academic referee reports
  • Evidence of residency status
  • Written statement of support from potential supervisor
Specialization Notes

This entry applies to Faculty of Science PhD programs including Departments such as Life and Environmental Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics and Statistics.