Charlene Kahler

Charlene Kahler is a Professor and Head of Discipline for Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Western Australia (UWA). She leads the Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training and holds a PhD from the University of Queensland. Her work focuses on bacterial pathogenesis, particularly Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. She has established a laboratory studying these pathogens, with research extending to genomic epidemiology and anti-virulence therapeutics.

Education: BSc (Honours in Microbiology) and PhD from the University of Queensland, with postdoctoral training at Emory University (USA) and Monash University (Australia).

Research interests include genomic surveillance of meningococcal outbreaks, evolution of pathogens under vaccination pressure, and designing small molecule inhibitors against antimicrobial-resistant gonorrhea. Collaborators include experts from Murdoch University, Monash University, and others.

Teaching responsibilities include courses on Introductory Microbiology, Bacterial Diseases, and Molecular Epidemiology. She has supervised 13 PhD students, many of whom pursue careers in medicine, public health, and research.

Funding sources include the National Health and Medical Research Council, Amanda Young Foundation, and Western Australia Department of Health. Current projects address genomic epidemiology, vaccine impact, and antimicrobial resistance strategies.

She leads grants involving advanced microscopy, mass spectrometry, and PCR technologies. Notable achievements include pivotal contributions to understanding meningococcal disease dynamics and developing novel therapeutic approaches against antibiotic-resistant pathogens.