معرفی
Priyia Pusparajah is an Associate Professor at the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia. She holds a medical degree from the University of Malaya and a Master’s in Paediatrics from the National University of Singapore. She joined Monash University in July 2012, transitioning from clinical paediatrics to a full-time academic career focused on medical education and research.
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), University of Malaya (1999–2004)
- Master of Paediatric Medicine (MMed), National University of Singapore (2008–2009)
Dr. Pusparajah is a passionate medical educator with a strong focus on integrating foundational sciences with clinical practice. She coordinates key components of the medical curriculum including Physiology, Clinical Skills, and the interdisciplinary Concept Consolidation sessions that reinforce learning in pre-clinical years. Her research lies at the intersection of bioprospecting and microbiome science, particularly exploring natural substances from mangrove-derived Streptomyces for novel antimicrobial therapies against drug-resistant pathogens.
Her recent publications highlight a consistent focus on microbial genomics, antimicrobial resistance, and the therapeutic potential of natural products. Trends in her research include whole-genome sequencing of pathogenic and beneficial bacteria, investigation of gut microbiome dysbiosis in dermatological conditions, and evaluation of plant-derived compounds for biomedical applications. Her work contributes to global efforts in combating antimicrobial resistance and advancing natural product drug discovery.
Dr. Pusparajah has been recognized for her contributions to education with two major awards:
- Malaysian Society of Pharmacology and Physiology Teachers Prize for Physiology (2016)
- Pro Vice Chancellor Commendation for Excellence in Education – Innovations in Education (2019)
She is actively involved in research mentoring and is currently accepting PhD students. Her collaborative research projects span microbiology, pharmacology, and medical education, often involving interdisciplinary teams. She has organized educational workshops, such as the MSPP Networking Initiative on digital technology in medical education, demonstrating her commitment to pedagogical innovation. Dr. Pusparajah leads the Clinical Microbiome section within the Microbiome and Bioresource Research Strength at Monash, positioning her at the forefront of microbiome-related research in Southeast Asia.
