معرفی
Dr. Stella Liong is a Research Fellow at the Health and Biomedical Sciences school of RMIT University, specializing in respiratory viral infections, cardiovascular disease, immunology, and reproductive sciences. Her research focuses on understanding how viruses like influenza and RSV cause systemic complications in vulnerable populations, particularly pregnant individuals.
- Research Expertise: Respiratory Viral Infections, Cardiovascular Disease, Immunology, Reproductive Sciences
- Notable Funding: $2.93M in research support including NHMRC Ideas Grant ($1.3M)
- Scientific Awards:
- RMIT Vice-Chancellor Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (2018)
- Rising Stars Award, CHA Medical Research Symposium (2016)
- Emerging Investigator Award, Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society (2015)
- SRI-Pardi President's Distinguished Scientist Award (2015)
- Invited Talks:
- Australian Influenza Symposium, The Peter Doherty Institute (2021)
- GOSS Seminar Series, University of Melbourne (2022)
- ASCEPT SIG Virtual Symposium (2020)
- UniSA Visiting Researcher Series (2023)
- International Federation of Placenta Associations (2015)
Her work has revealed that pregnancy immunity isn't suppressed but overactivated during viral infections, leading to systemic inflammation. She demonstrated that influenza in pregnancy causes vascular inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and placental blood flow impairment, resulting in fetal growth restriction. Her research also explores the viral origins of neurodevelopmental disorders like schizophrenia, examining how maternal influenza infections might predispose offspring to behavioral deficits.
Key collaborations include institutions like the University of Melbourne and UniSA. She actively supervises Masters and PhD students in projects related to respiratory infections in pregnancy and their long-term consequences.
