Joanne Hamilton

Joanne Hamilton is a Professor of Zoology and Parasitology in the Department of Life Sciences at Aberystwyth University. Her research focuses on proteomic and molecular technologies to explore host-parasite interactions in systems involving blood-sucking insects, nematodes, and trematodes of medical and veterinary importance. She leads sustainability initiatives like SusNet Wales and Trio Sci Cymru, and serves as Faculty Associate Dean for Learning, Teaching and Student Experience.

• Research Interests: Host-parasite interactions, innate immunity in invertebrates, drug resistance mechanisms, liver fluke biology, tsetse fly-trypanosome interactions, schistosomiasis transmission, and arthropod gut roles in pathogen spread.
• Education & Outreach: Principal Investigator for SusNet Wales (RCUK-funded STEM education program) and Aberystwyth University Biology PI for £8.2M Trio Sci Cymru initiative. Senior Fellow and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology, and British Society for Parasitology President.
• Scientific Awards:
  • SET for Britain Commendation Award (2004)
  • Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2007)
  • Royal Society of Biology Fellowship (2017)
  • Queen’s Anniversary Prize (2023)
  • Senior HEA Fellowship (2015)
  • Sustain Wales Awards (2016)
• Publications & Research Trends: Her work spans proteomic analyses of parasitic nematodes (e.g., ivermectin resistance), liver fluke biology (Fasciola hepatica), immune responses in invertebrates, and pathogen transmission mechanisms. Recent projects emphasize drug resistance, zoonotic diseases, and sustainability in education.
• Grants & Leadership: Secured funding from BBSRC, EPSRC, Welsh Government, and WEFO. Leads the £7.2M OneZoo Centre for Doctoral Training and collaborates on global health challenges like schistosomiasis.
• Students: Supervises PhD researchers including Olugbenga Samuel Babatunde, Brenda Kisia Odhiambo, and Abigail Louisa Webb.