Find Academic Supervisors

• Parasitology
• Molecular Biology
• Phylogenetics
• +5 more

David Blair is a Professor at James Cook University, specializing in parasitic flatworms, molecular systematics, and evolutionary biology. His research focuses on understanding the genetic diversity, phylogeography, and host-parasite interactions of species such as Schistosoma, Paragonimus, and Opisthorchis. He has contributed extensively to studies on the molecular evolution of parasitic organisms and their implications for human and wildlife health. Key research areas include: molecular taxonomy of trematodes, phylogenetic analysis of parasitic flatworms, and genomic studies of host-parasite coevolution. Collaborations span global institutions, addressing public health challenges like paragonimiasis and fasciolosis. His work integrates field studies, lab-based molecular techniques, and computational biology to unravel evolutionary dynamics and ecological adaptations. Recent studies focus on the genetic diversity of Daphnia species, dugong population genetics, and drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis. His publications in journals like *Parasitology*, *Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution*, and *Scientific Reports* highlight interdisciplinary approaches to parasitology and conservation biology.

• Antimicrobial Resistance
• Bacterial Cell Biology
• Membrane Biochemistry
• +5 more

Professor Trevor Lithgow is a Research Professor in Microbiology at Monash University, affiliated with the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute. He holds a PhD from La Trobe University (1992) and has held fellowships including the ARC Federation Fellowship (2008) and ARC Laureate Fellowship (2014). His research focuses on bacterial cell biology, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and phage therapies, leveraging nanoscale imaging techniques like cryo-EM and super-resolution microscopy. He leads the Monash Centre to Impact AMR, an interdisciplinary initiative addressing global AMR challenges through collaborations across engineering, social sciences, and clinical medicine. Key achievements include the HFSP Tenth Anniversary Award (1999), Lemberg Medal (2020), and Royal Society of Victoria Medal (2017). His work on bacterial outer membrane assembly, phage-bacteria interactions, and structural analysis of the mitochondrial TOM complex has advanced understanding of pathogen resilience and novel antimicrobial strategies. Current projects include developing phage therapies and cross-sectoral AMR surveillance frameworks. Education: PhD in Biochemistry (La Trobe University, 1992) Research Interests: Bacterial cell surface visualization, nanoscale imaging, phage biology, AMR mechanisms Leadership: Director of Monash Centre to Impact AMR since 2020 Awards: 10+ national/international honors, including ARC Fellowships Publications span over 250 articles on bacterial membrane biology, AMR dynamics, and phage applications, with recent focus on polymyxin dependence in Acinetobacter and phage-driven resistance resensitization.

Chris GreeningView profile

Research Professor

• Microbial Metabolism
• Antimicrobial Resistance
• Environmental Microbiology
• +5 more

Professor Chris Greening is a Research Professor in the Department of Microbiology at Monash University, leading the One Health Microbiology group at the Biomedicine Discovery Institute. He holds a first-class degree in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry from the University of Oxford (2010) and a PhD from the University of Otago (2013). His career includes postdoctoral roles at Otago, CSIRO, and the Australian National University, followed by appointments as a group leader in Monash’s School of Biological Sciences (2016) and a medically-focused NHMRC EL2 Fellow in the Department of Microbiology (2020). Research Focus: Bacterial persistence mechanisms, microbial metabolism, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and One Health approaches linking environmental, clinical, and public health challenges. Awards: Fenner Medal (2022) and Jim Pittard Award (2019). Key Projects: RISE, Global Research Alliance on Agricultural GHGs, SAEF, and the ARC Carbon Utilisation Hub. Leads Monash’s AMR R&D Facility. Research spans metabolic pathways enabling bacterial survival in extreme conditions (e.g., hydrogen oxidation, F420 cofactor roles), climate impacts (greenhouse gas regulation), and translational programs addressing diarrheal diseases and AMR. Grants: ARC DECRA Fellowship, NHMRC EL2 Fellowship. Cross-disciplinary collaborations with engineers, ecologists, social scientists, and industry. Lab facilities include advanced microbiology, structural biology, and systems biology tools. Contributions align with UN SDGs: climate action (SDG13), good health (SDG3), and sustainable cities (SDG11).

• Plant Systematics
• Mycology
• Phylogenomics
• +6 more

Matthew D. Barrett is a researcher at James Cook University , specializing in plant systematics and fungal taxonomy. His work spans diverse areas including angiosperm phylogenomics, fungal biodiversity, and conservation biology of rare Australian flora. Research Focus : Phylogenomic analysis, fungal systematics, and ecological adaptations of Australian plant species. Publications : Contributed to major studies in Nature , Studies in Mycology , and Telopea , with a particular emphasis on Western Australian endemics. His recent publications highlight integrative approaches combining morphological and molecular data for taxonomic revisions, particularly in Basidiomycota and Orchidaceae.

• Bacteriophage Therapy
• Antimicrobial Resistance
• Gut Microbiota
• +3 more

Dr. Alicia Fajardo Lubian serves as a Research Fellow at the Westmead Clinical School within the University of Sydney's Faculty of Medicine and Health. Her work bridges bacteriophage therapy, antimicrobial resistance, and gut microbiome dynamics, with a focus on translating research into clinical solutions for infectious diseases. Her research explores the interplay between bacteriophages and human immunity, antibiotic effects on microbial communities, and molecular mechanisms of pathogen evolution. She employs genomic and experimental approaches to investigate Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and phage-based therapeutics. Publications spanning 2014-2025 demonstrate concentrated expertise in antimicrobial resistance surveillance (e.g., AGAR reports), phage-immune interactions, and microbiome disruption models. Over 85% of articles involve international collaborations, reflecting strong engagement with global health challenges. Awards: EMCR Emerging Star Funding (2022) Grant involvement includes the 2022 EMCR Emerging Star Funding from the Faculty of Medicine and Health, supporting innovative research in phage therapeutics.

Giel van DoorenView profile

Associate Professor

• Cell Biology
• Parasitology
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Giel van Dooren is an Associate Professor at the Research School of Biology , Australian National University. His research focuses on the cell biology and metabolism of apicomplexan parasites , particularly Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium falciparum , aiming to develop novel therapeutic strategies against these pathogens. Education: Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science (University of Melbourne, 2000), PhD (University of Melbourne, 2005) His work explores three core areas: Nutrient acquisition (plasma membrane transporters), Mitochondrial biology (electron transport chain inhibitors, apicoplast-mitochondrion metabolic integration), and Toxoplasma life cycle (felid host genetics). Collaborations include Kiaran Kirk , Adele Lehane , Alex Maier , and Kevin Saliba . Recent publications highlight advancements in understanding mitochondrial transporter functions , divergent respiratory complexes , and nutrient pathway drug targets . His lab actively seeks innovative tools for combating parasitic diseases through molecular physiology and metabolomics. Scientific Awards: College of Science Dean’s Commendation for Excellence in Education - Teaching Excellence (2024) College of Science Dean’s Commendation for Excellence in Education - Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning (2023) Bancroft-Mackerras Medal of the Australian Society for Parasitology (2021) College of Science Dean’s Commendation for Excellence in Education (2020, 2020) Grants & Projects: Na+-dysregulating antimalarials: PfATP4 physiology (2024-2027) Metal transporters in Toxoplasma gondii (2023-2026) Amino acid acquisition in Apicomplexans (2023-2025) Targeting mitochondrial ETC in parasites (2020-2023) Regulating nutrient uptake in intracellular parasites (2020-2022)

Maureen O'MalleyView profile

Associate Professor

• Philosophy of Microbiology
• Microbiome Research
• History and Philosophy of Science
• +3 more

Maureen O'Malley is an Associate Professor in the School of History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Sydney, part of the Faculty of Science. She previously held positions as a Research Fellow in Philosophy at the University of Sydney and a Senior Research Fellow at Egenis, University of Exeter. Her research focuses on the philosophy of microbiology, particularly exploring microbiome research and its intersections with evolutionary patterns, health, and traditional microbiological frameworks. She is currently writing a book on philosophical issues in microbiome research (anticipated 2025, Harvard University Press). Education: PhD in evolutionary explanations in social sciences and humanities from the Universities of Edinburgh and Sussex. Grants: Recipient of the 2015 Bridging Support Fellowship and 2014 Microbes as Knowledge Producers grant (DVC Research/Bridging Support Grant). Teaching: Involves interdisciplinary courses, including first-year Science Dalyell Scholars projects, philosophy of science, and honors-level philosophy of science. She also contributes to guest lectures on topics like the history of women in STEM and indigenous knowledge systems.

• Wildlife Disease Ecology
• Zoonotic Diseases
• Infectious Disease Ecology
• +3 more

Dr Alison Peel is a Sydney Horizon Fellow and wildlife disease ecologist at the University of Sydney, specializing in bat virome dynamics and zoonotic disease spillover. She holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge and has expertise in Hendra virus transmission, bat ecology, and climate impacts on disease. Her research bridges veterinary science, ecology, and public health through a One Health framework. Education: BSc(Vet) and BVSc, University of Sydney MSc and PhD (University of Cambridge), focusing on African bat virology Research Interests: Dr Peel investigates how habitat destruction, climate change, and ecological shifts increase zoonotic spillover risks. Her work emphasizes bats as reservoirs for viruses like Hendra and Nipah, and the role of environmental stressors in viral shedding patterns. Grants & Awards: Sydney Horizon Fellowship (2018–present) NIH-funded C-CHANGE Center (2024) ARC DECRA Senior Research Fellowship (Griffith University) Labs & Collaborations: Member of Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute Principal Investigator for Bat One Health (BOH) initiative

Deirdre CollinsView profile

Research Fellow

• Clostridium difficile Infection
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Molecular Epidemiology
• +3 more

Dr. Deirdre Collins is an NHMRC Early Career Fellow at Edith Cowan University (ECU), affiliated with the School of Medical and Health Sciences. She collaborates with Professor Thomas Riley's research group at PathWest Laboratory Medicine, QEII Medical Centre. Her primary focus is Clostridium difficile infection epidemiology, molecular diagnostics, and antimicrobial resistance. Dr. Collins holds a PhD from the University of Western Australia (2017) and a Master of Infectious Diseases (2011). Research Interests: Clostridium difficile infection, infectious disease epidemiology, molecular epidemiology, One Health, antimicrobial resistance. Key Projects: Includes a One Health/System Dynamics approach to reducing C. difficile infections (NHMRC Ideas Grant 2022–2025) and studies on environmental sources of C. difficile in hospitals. Her research spans Asia-Pacific regions, emphasizing community and hospital-acquired infections. Notable achievements include: Published over 50 peer-reviewed articles on C. difficile genomics, transmission dynamics, and environmental contamination. Received awards such as the Australasian Epidemiological Association Travel Award (2018) and Vice-Chancellor's Excellence in Research Award (2018). Active in grants totaling over $2M, including NHMRC Early Career Fellowship (2019–2023). Dr. Collins' work bridges laboratory research and public health policy, addressing global health challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Oral Microbiology
• Biofilm Biology
• Antimicrobial Nano-Technology
• +4 more

Dr. Peter Zilm is an Associate Professor in the Adelaide Dental School at the University of Adelaide, part of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. His research focuses on bacterial biofilm dynamics, particularly in oral pathogens linked to caries and periodontal disease, and their systemic implications. Key projects include developing oral microbiome transplantation therapies and pH-responsive 'intelligent particles' as antimicrobial agents. Collaborations with chemical engineers and industry aim to advance nano-technological solutions for dental applications. Research interests span biofilm inhibition mechanisms, the gut microbiome's role in gastrointestinal inflammation triggered by periodontitis, and the development of novel antimicrobial coatings for medical devices. His work integrates advanced technologies like cellular impedance (exCELLigence) and next-generation sequencing. He has secured NHMRC funding (2020-25) for oral microbiome transplantation research. Projects are based at the Helen Mayo South Building and involve collaborations with institutions in Spain, the UK, and elsewhere. Dr. Zilm supervises Honours, Masters, and PhD students across multiple translational projects, including anti-biofilm agents, oral microbiome transplantation efficacy, and the relationship between oral bacteria and systemic diseases like cardiovascular issues and cancer. His recent publications highlight innovations in nano-technology, biofilm disruption, and probiotic interventions for periodontal disease.

• Veterinary Epidemiology
• Antimicrobial Resistance
• One Health
• +3 more

Professor Ruth Zadoks is a faculty member at the Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney. She holds academic positions in the Sydney Institute of Agriculture and Sydney Southeast Asia Centre, and is involved with the Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute. Her research focuses on antimicrobial resistance, zoonotic diseases, bovine health, and One Health principles. Notable projects include investigations into Japanese encephalitis transmission dynamics, antibiotic use in East African livestock, and molecular epidemiology of Group B Streptococcus. Recent grants include studies on microbial spillover in aquaculture and precision feeding in broiler chickens. Her work integrates veterinary and public health perspectives, addressing issues like anthrax impacts in rural Africa, tilapia-borne zoonoses, and diagnostic innovations for bovine mastitis. Over 118 peer-reviewed publications highlight her contributions to aquatic pathogen genomics, food safety, and livestock disease ecology. Recent grants (2024): - Revealing microbial spillover drivers in aquaculture (SSEAC Incubator) - Sustainable Precision Feeding in Broiler Chickens (AgriFutures) - ASEAN Antimicrobial Resistance Network (DFAT-funded) Labs/Teams: Affiliated with Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute and collaborates across interdisciplinary One Health networks.

• Plant Genetics
• Rust Resistance in Cereals
• Cereal Cytogenetics
• +3 more

Associate Professor Peng Zhang is affiliated with the School of Life and Environmental Sciences and the Plant Breeding Institute at the University of Sydney. She holds memberships in the China Studies Centre and Sydney Institute of Agriculture. Her educational background includes a BSc from Wageningen Agricultural University (Netherlands), MSc in Biotechnology (Wageningen), and PhD in Genetics from Kansas State University (USA). Her research focuses on molecular cytogenetics of wheat, introgression of rust resistance genes from wild relatives, and developing durable resistant germplasm. Key research interests include cereal crop improvement, rust pathogen resistance mechanisms, and genomic tools for plant breeding. Notable awards include the 2023 Sydney Research Accelerator (SOAR) Prize. Recent grants involve rust resistance mechanisms and hybrid wheat breeding programs in collaboration with international partners. Publications highlight work on resistance gene characterization, molecular mapping, and disease management strategies. Collaborative research with institutions like Kansas State University and international bodies underscores her global impact in agricultural science.

• Pathogen Genomics
• Virus Diseases
• Bacterial Evolution
• +7 more

Tanya Golubchik is a Senior Lecturer in Computational Microbiology and an NHMRC Principal Research Fellow at the University of Sydney's School of Medical Sciences under the Faculty of Medicine and Health. She is affiliated with the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre and the Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute (Sydney ID). Her research focuses on applying modern genomics technologies to study pathogen evolution and transmission, particularly in viruses and bacteria with public health significance. She has collaborated extensively with institutions such as the University of Oxford's Big Data Institute and the PANGEA-HIV Consortium, contributing to HIV and SARS-CoV-2 genomic analysis. Educated at the University of Sydney with a dual major in biology and computer science, she earned her PhD in molecular biology. Her postdoctoral work at the University of Oxford involved pneumococcal vaccine escape variants and within-host bacterial evolution. She led computational analysis of SARS-CoV-2 sequencing during the pandemic as part of the COG-UK Consortium and returned to Sydney in 2022. Her research interests include understanding how pathogens evolve within hosts, develop strategies to combat infections, and integrate metagenomics for clinical insights. She has pioneered methods like targeted metagenomics for simultaneous sequencing and transcriptional profiling of pathogens. Recent work examines RSV intrahost diversity in infants and SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics in the UK. She also explores climate change impacts on disease through CLIMADE and investigates HIV transmission networks in Africa. Her scientific contributions include the 2023 Thompson Prize from the University of Sydney. Research grants span projects like genomics solutions for HIV surveillance in low-income settings, vector-borne disease detection amid climate change, and metagenomic studies in female reproductive health. Her work bridges epidemiology, genetics, and translational research, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to global health challenges. In advising and grants, she has secured funding for high-throughput sequencing and transmission network analysis. While no formal advisee names are listed, her supervisory roles in molecular epidemiology and bioinformatics suggest active student mentoring. Collaborations with international teams and institutes highlight her global engagement in addressing infectious disease threats through computational and genomic strategies. Key teams include the PANGEA-HIV Consortium, COG-UK, and CLIMADE. She leads initiatives at Sydney ID and the School of Medical Sciences, advancing pathogen genomics and outbreak response methodologies.

• Hepatocellular Carcinoma
• Liver Cancer Stem Cells
• Adiponectin Signaling
• +6 more

Lionel Hebbard is a Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at James Cook University's College of Medicine and Dentistry. His research spans hepatocellular carcinoma mechanisms, metabolic liver disease, and cancer therapeutics with significant contributions to adiponectin biology and sarcopenia assessment in cardiac surgery. James Cook University (Current) Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology College of Medicine and Dentistry Senior Researcher in Liver Cancer Biology His research focuses on hepatocellular carcinoma pathogenesis , particularly adiponectin signaling pathways and liver cancer stem cells. He investigates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease progression to cancer, metabolic drivers of tumorigenesis, and therapeutic targeting using aptamer-based delivery systems. Recent work explores sarcopenia quantification via CT imaging for cardiac surgery risk prediction, demonstrating clinical translation of his molecular findings. His lab employs advanced techniques including CRISPR screening (TARGET-SL platform), in vitro cancer models, and murine tumor systems. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals strong emphasis on translational liver cancer research (60%), cardiac surgery complications (20%), and emerging biotechnologies (20%). Key trends include adiponectin's dual roles in fibrosis and tumorigenesis, sarcopenia as a surgical biomarker, and aptamer-based targeting of cancer stem cells. His work consistently bridges molecular mechanisms with clinical applications, particularly in hepatocellular carcinoma diagnostics and treatment. He mentors multiple doctoral students and early-career researchers including Rhys Gillman and Miriam Wankell. His research is supported by continuous funding from Australian NHMRC and international collaborations with George Jacob (Westmead Institute), Qiao Liang (Bentham Books), and Ranscht Barbara (T-cadherin studies). He leads the Hepatic Cancer Biology laboratory focusing on: Liver cancer stem cell characterization Adiponectin receptor signaling in HCC Metabolic drivers of tumor progression Novel drug delivery systems for liver cancer Translational sarcopenia assessment tools

Fabio LucianiView profile

Professor

• genomics
• immunology
• computational biology
• +6 more

Fabio Luciani is a Professor in Systems Immunology and Machine Learning at the School of Medical Sciences at UNSW Sydney, with visiting fellow positions at the Garvan Institute for Medical Research and Weill Cornell College of Medicine NY, USA. His interdisciplinary research program integrates immunology, genomics, and computational approaches to develop novel immunotherapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases. With a background spanning physics, theoretical biology, and biophysics, Luciani leads an interdisciplinary team with expertise in immunology, mathematical modeling, statistics, and bioinformatics. His research focuses on T cell responses using single-cell genomic technologies to understand immune responses in viral infections, autoimmunity, and CAR T cell therapies. He has developed landmark bioinformatic methods for combining single-cell transcriptome data with antigen receptor sequences and computational models for haplotype reconstruction. Luciani's work demonstrates a strong emphasis on translating molecular and genomic discoveries into clinical interventions, particularly in predicting side effects and identifying solutions for unmet clinical needs in immunotherapy. His research spans multiple collaborative projects including single-cell multi-omics analysis in coeliac disease with Prof Chris Goodnow's team at the Garvan Institute, and CAR T cell therapy response studies with clinicians at Westmead Hospital and Weill Cornell. His scientific contributions include over 140 peer-reviewed publications and successful acquisition of more than $20 million in research funding from organizations including ARC, NHMRC, JDRF, NIH, and private industry partners. He serves as Principal Investigator of the UNSW Future Institute of Cellular Genomics, which has secured $4.5 million over seven years for single-cell technologies in cellular genomics. As an academic supervisor, Luciani currently mentors 3 PhD students, 2 honours students, and 2 postdoctoral researchers, welcoming applications from students interested in bioinformatics, statistics, data science, immunology, and genomics. His work bridges theoretical approaches with experimental immunology to advance precision medicine and transform current immunotherapies into more precise and accessible solutions.