Samantha Barnes

Samantha Barnes is a PhD student and Casual Teaching academic in the School of Biomedical Sciences at The University of Western Australia. Her research focuses on NK cell biology and adoptive cell therapy to enhance cancer immunotherapies, particularly targeting leukemia. She holds a Master of Pathology (2020) and a Bachelor of Science in Genetics, Microbiology & Immunology (2016).

Engagement: Committee member for the WA branch of the Australian and New Zealand Society for Immunology (2021–present). Research emphasizes molecular drivers of NK cell function using bioinformatics, with aims to identify novel therapeutic targets. Key techniques include flow cytometry and RNA sequencing.

• Education:
  • Master of Pathology, University of Western Australia (2020)
  • Master of Clinical Pathology, University of Western Australia (2017–2018)
  • Bachelor of Science (Genetics, Microbiology & Immunology), University of Western Australia (2014–2016)

Research trends highlight immunomodulatory pathways (e.g., interferons, cytokines) and translational strategies for improving adoptive cell therapies. Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and innovation.