Li Zhang

Dr. Li Zhang is an Associate Professor at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), affiliated with the School of Biotech & Biomolecular Science. She holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge and an MBBS from Fudan University, with prior clinical experience at China-Japan Friendship Hospital.

• Medical Microbiology and Immunology expertise
• Specializes in gut microbiome and oral microbiome interactions with immune systems
• Key contributions to understanding Campylobacter concisus and Aeromonas in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Research Focus:

• Pathogenic mechanisms of IBD-associated Campylobacter plasmids
• Epidemiology and virulence of Aeromonas species in Australia
• Impact of commensal bacteria on PD-L1/PD1 immunotherapy
• Development of anti-inflammatory agents and improved diagnostics

Notable Scientific Contributions:

• Identified C. concisus genomospecies linked to IBD
• Discovered Aeromonas as second most common enteric pathogen in Australia
• Elucidated bacterial modulation of immune checkpoint proteins

Academic Service:

• Associate Editor for Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology (2022-)
• Associate Editor for Gut Pathogens (2021-)
• Editorial Board Member for World Journal of Gastroenterology (2017-)

Teaching and Supervision:

• Course Coordinator for UNSW's Immunology (BABS 3041) (2012-)
• Supervised 8 PhD, 5 MSc, and 5 Graduate Diploma students
• Lecturer in Medical Microbiology and Bacteria & Disease courses