Diane Maresco-Pennisi

Diane Maresco-Pennisi is a Research Fellow/Senior Research Officer at the UQ Centre for Clinical Research within the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences at the University of Queensland. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Genetics from Ohio State University.

Her research spans microbiology, immunology, and clinical interventions, with recent foci including:

• Probiotic modulation of respiratory viruses and nasal epithelial responses
• Sinonasal microbiome therapeutics for chronic rhinosinusitis
• Wound healing mechanisms and evidence-based ulcer management
• Health disparities in respiratory/allergic conditions among Indigenous populations

Her publication trends show a progression from early work in cancer genetics and palliative care (2000-2013) to current interdisciplinary clinical research integrating microbiology, immunology, and otolaryngology (2016-present).

She currently serves as Associate Advisor for a Master's project investigating sinonasal microbiome transplants for chronic rhinosinusitis and has led significant grants including:

• NHMRC MRFF grant: 'Testing a sinonasal microbiome transplant therapy' (2021-2026)
• Garnett Passe/Rodney Williams Foundation: 'Probiotics to prevent otitis media in Indigenous infants' (2019-2025)