Sonja Frolich

Dr. Sonja Frolich is an NHMRC Grant-Funded Researcher (A) at the School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide. She is affiliated with the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology and the Molecular and Biomedical Science department. Her research focuses on the integration of proteomics, advanced imaging techniques (e.g., super-resolution microscopy), and AI to study infectious diseases, particularly malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. Key areas include the biosynthesis of rhoptry-associated proteins (RAPs) and their role in parasite invasion of human erythrocytes.

Her work extends to drug discovery, including high-throughput screening for antimalarial inhibitors and exploring azithromycin derivatives. She collaborates on projects involving microscopy advancements like Expansion microscopy and applies AI-driven image analysis to virology and bacteriology models. Dr. Frolich is eligible to supervise Masters and PhD students as a co-supervisor.

Her research has led to publications in Nature Communications, Journal of Virology, and Journal of Bacteriology, among others. She actively contributes to global health efforts through drug target identification and novel intervention strategies against malaria and other pathogens.