Sofiya Tsimbalyuk

Dr. Sofiya Tsimbalyuk is a Gulbali Research Fellow at Charles Sturt University's Gulbali Institute, where she conducts postdoctoral research in biosecurity and molecular virology. She joined the institute in 2023 as a DECRA Track Postdoctoral Fellow, continuing her research career after completing her PhD at Charles Sturt University in 2021 under Professor Forwood's supervision.

Dr. Tsimbalyuk's educational background includes:

• Bachelor of Equine Science and Science (Hons I) at Charles Sturt University
• PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (2021) at Charles Sturt University

Her research focuses on investigating the biochemical and physiological mechanisms responsible for biological pest control using probiotic bacteria, with particular expertise in viral protein characterization and host-pathogen interactions. Dr. Tsimbalyuk has made significant contributions to understanding how Hendra and Nipah viruses hijack nuclear trafficking machinery in human cells, as evidenced by her presentations at national conferences and publications in high-impact journals. Her work on the intrinsically disordered W protein during henipavirus infection has provided critical insights into viral immune evasion strategies.

Dr. Tsimbalyuk's publication record demonstrates a strong trajectory in structural virology and biochemistry, with publications in Nature Communications and other respected journals. Her recent work spans viral protein characterization, enzyme kinetics of bacterial resistance factors, and innovative applications of artificial intelligence in drug discovery, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach to solving complex biological problems.

Her scientific achievements have been recognized through several prestigious awards:

• Travel scholarship to present research at EAPS 5th Annual EMBL Australia Postgraduate Symposium (2018)
• Multiple Maslen travel scholarships for structural biology conferences (2019, 2022)
• Selection for the Australian Biochemistry lunch seminar series for early- and mid-career researchers

Dr. Tsimbalyuk has been actively involved in collaborative research projects that have contributed to successful grant applications with NHMRC and NIH. Through national and international collaborations, her research has generated significant scientific outputs including publications in Nature Communications. By the end of her current contract, she plans to prepare and submit an application for the highly competitive ARC DECRA Fellowship, marking the next stage of her independent research career.

Her work is conducted within Professor Forwood's research laboratory at Charles Sturt University, which focuses on structural biology and molecular mechanisms of viral pathogenesis. The lab employs advanced techniques including X-ray crystallography, protein biochemistry, and cell-based assays to investigate host-pathogen interactions, with particular emphasis on henipaviruses and other emerging pathogens.