Bill Soderstrom

Dr. Bill Soderstrom is an ARC Future Fellow and leads the Microbial Super-Resolution Microscopy Lab at the Australian Institute for Microbiology and Infection (AIMI), UTS. He holds roles including Program Director for the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Pre-Med and Pharma Majors) and serves on the UTS Academic Board (2023-2024). With a PhD in Biophysics (Stockholm University, 2014) and MSc in Engineering Physics (KTH & Karolinska Institute), his research focuses on bacterial morphology during UTIs, employing advanced imaging and genetic techniques. His lab develops methodologies like cryo-CLEM and vertical imaging of bacteria to study cell division dynamics. Key achievements include securing $3M+ in grants (ARC, MRFF), pioneering UTI vaccine development, and receiving the Dean's Award and FASM Fellowship. His work impacts medical imaging, microbial pathogenesis, and antibiotic alternatives.

Education:
- PhD in Biophysics, Stockholm University, 2014
- MSc in Engineering Physics (KTH/Karolinska Institute), 2010

Research Interests:
Utilizing super-resolution microscopy and microfluidics to investigate UTI-causing bacteria (e.g., UPEC, Klebsiella) under stress. Projects include identifying division inhibitors, imaging protein complexes in live bacteria, and developing mRNA vaccines for UTIs.
Lab innovations: cryo-CLEM, vertical bacterial imaging, and multi-species infection models.

Grants & Collaborations:
- $1.8M MRFF grant for UTI mRNA vaccine (2023)
- ARC Discovery Project on DamX dynamics (2021)
- Collaboration with CSIRO/UNSW on vaccine development

Labs & Teams:
Lab webpage: soderstromlab.com
Interdisciplinary team includes postdocs (e.g., Dr. Alaska Pokhrel), PhD/Master’s students, and international collaborators (OIST Japan, Institut Cochin France).