Amanda Choo

Dr Amanda Choo serves as a Visiting Fellow in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Adelaide within the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology. Her academic journey includes significant contributions to genetic research with applications in agricultural and biosecurity contexts.

Her research interests span multiple specialized domains including insect genetics, CRISPR/Cas genome editing technology development, agricultural pest control methodologies, biosecurity applications, and more recently, rare disease research. Dr Choo pioneered the application of CRISPR/Cas systems specifically for tephritid fruit flies, creating breakthrough methodologies in genetic pest management.

Analysis of her published work reveals a strong focus on biotechnological applications in entomology, particularly in developing genetic control strategies for agricultural pests. Her research demonstrates interdisciplinary connections between molecular biology, agricultural science, and biosecurity frameworks.

Scientific Awards:

• Dean's Commendation for Doctoral Thesis Excellence (2015)
• University of Adelaide School of Biological Sciences Postgraduate all round Achievement Award (2015)
• Insect Genetic Technologies Research Coordination Network (IGTRCN) Peer-to-Peer Training Fellowship (2016)
• SARDI Publication of the Year Award (2020)
• Australian Federation of University Women Postdoctoral Grant Award (2021)
• Edith Dornwell Medal for Early Career Research Excellence (2021)
• ARC Discovery Early Career Research Award DE23

Dr Choo previously supervised research projects related to insect genetics but currently has no active student projects available as she has transitioned her primary focus to the rare disease sector. She maintains collaborations with national and international tephritid fruit fly research groups on a consulting basis. Dr Choo served as a member of the national SITPlus Technical Advisory Committee, contributing her expertise to strategic research directions in the field.

Her laboratory work previously centered on developing genetic strains for pest control applications, with her CRISPR/Cas editing breakthrough representing a significant methodological advancement in the field. While she has moved to rare disease research, she continues to consult on insect genetics projects in her personal capacity.