Sacha Stelzer-Braid

Sacha Stelzer-Braid is a Lecturer at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), School of Life Sciences, and coordinates the Professional Experience in Medical Science (PEMS) Program. She also serves as a Senior Hospital Scientist in the NAT Laboratory at SAViD, Prince of Wales Hospital, where she focuses on blood-borne virus testing for organ and tissue donors. Dr. Stelzer-Braid holds a PhD from the University of New South Wales (2006) and previously worked as a Postdoctoral Scientist at UNSW (2010–2022), studying respiratory diseases and vulnerable populations, including children with chronic respiratory conditions. Her research spans virology, public health, and infectious disease epidemiology, with a focus on respiratory viruses like influenza, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2.

Education:

• PhD in Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, 2006

Research Interests: Dr. Stelzer-Braid's work centers on respiratory diseases, virology, and blood-borne pathogens. She investigates viral transmission dynamics, genomic characterization of influenza and other respiratory viruses, and public health responses to emerging pathogens. Her applied research includes diagnostic method validation (e.g., serological assays) and pandemic preparedness strategies.

Key Contributions: Her recent work highlights the post-pandemic resurgence of influenza A/H3N2 in Australia, genomic insights into respiratory viruses, and the inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 in human milk through pasteurization. These studies underscore her role in bridging clinical diagnostics and public health policy.

Labs/Teams: She is affiliated with the NAT Laboratory at SAViD, Prince of Wales Hospital, and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams in virology, genomics, and public health surveillance.