Papanin Putsathit

Dr. Papanin Putsathit is a Post Doctoral Research Fellow at Edith Cowan University (ECU), affiliated with the School of Medical and Health Sciences. She collaborates with Professor Thomas Riley's Clostridium difficile research group at PathWest Laboratory Medicine, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre. Her research focuses on molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial susceptibility of Clostridium difficile in humans, livestock, and environmental sources, with an emphasis on developing novel antimicrobial strategies.

Education

• Doctor of Philosophy (2017) – University of Western Australia
• Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) (2017) – Edith Cowan University
• Bachelor of Science with Honours (Microbiology) (2012) – University of Western Australia
• Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science) (2011) – University of Western Australia

Research Interests

Dr. Putsathit’s work bridges molecular biology and clinical microbiology, addressing critical gaps in understanding pathogen transmission. Her studies explore:

• Epidemiological patterns of Clostridium difficile infections across human, animal, and environmental interfaces
• Mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance and their evolutionary trajectories
• Novel antimicrobial compounds targeting C. difficile biofilms and spores
• One Health approaches to mitigate multi-sectoral pathogen spread

Grants & Awards

• ECU Early Career Researcher Grant (2019–2020): $26,604 for studying C. difficile carriage in Western Australian communities
• UWA International Research Fees Scholarship (2013–2017)
• Australian Society for Microbiology Vacation Scholarship (2010)
• Tuart College International Student Scholarship (2007)

Lab & Collaborations

Works within the Clostridium difficile research group at PathWest, collaborating with institutions like the University of Western Australia and international partners. Current projects include:

• Genomic analysis of C. difficile ribotypes in Australian healthcare settings
• Environmental reservoir studies linking hospital and community C. difficile strains
• Screening antimicrobial peptidomimetics for efficacy against biofilm-forming pathogens