Kate Mounsey

Associate Professor Kate Mounsey is affiliated with the School of Health at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), where she holds the position of Associate Professor in Biomedical Science. She earned a PhD from the Menzies School of Health Research (2007), an MPH in Tropical Health (Queensland), and a BSc (Hons) from Charles Darwin University. Her research focuses on parasitic mites, particularly Sarcoptes scabiei, addressing both human scabies and sarcoptic mange in animals. She is recognized for work on acaricide resistance, immunopathology, and community-based interventions to improve skin health. Key collaborations include projects with Prof. Robert Harvey on mite neurotransmitter receptors and Prof. Scott Carver on wombat mange treatment. She has secured grants from NHMRC and ARC, including a Discovery Early Career Research Award (2012-2015).

Her teaching spans Immunology, Pathophysiology, and Physiology. Research areas include molecular parasitology, arthropod control, and drug resistance. Notable projects involve developing Bravecto as a mange treatment and exploring gene knockdown methods for Varroa mites and fire ants. She also investigates immune factors influencing scabies susceptibility.