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Strep A Pathogenesis and Diagnostics

The Strep A Pathogenesis and Diagnostics team aims to understand key aspects of how Strep A causes different infections and diseases and use this information to develop improved ways to diagnose, treat and prevent these infections and diseases.

Our team primarily uses laboratory-based investigations to understand fundamental aspects of Group A Streptococcus (GAS) and GAS-associated disease biology. Our research uses cutting-edge techniques in microbiology, cell biology and immunology to add value to the research direction of The Kids.

Our team's exciting research explores the interactions of GAS bacteria with the human host, which includes the cell biology of infection, the interactions of GAS with the oropharyngeal microbiome, antibiotic resistance, molecular diagnostics, and the pathogenesis of Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF), and Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD).

We prioritise a team-based research environment that nurtures the curiosity of students and junior research staff, leading to quality research outputs. The team has extensive collaborations both within The Kids and with external researchers, clinical colleagues, and community members. It is these vital relationships and partnerships that will ensure a cohesive and committed program to reach our ambitious goal of discovering new ways to reduce the burden of Strep A-related diseases.

Team leader

Head, Strep A Pathogenesis and Diagnostics

Team members (15)

Postdoctoral Researcher in Mucosal Immunology

Dr August Mikucki
Dr August Mikucki

BBioMedSci, PhD

Senior Research Officer

Jessica Hillas

Jessica Hillas

Program Manager

Rebekah Fowles

Rebekah Fowles

Program Coordinator

Dr Jua Iwasaki

Dr Jua Iwasaki

Senior Research Officer (honorary)

Dr Jasreen Kular

Dr Jasreen Kular

Research Officer (honorary)

Dr Wenna Lee

Dr Wenna Lee

Research Officer

Kalindu Rodrigo

Kalindu Rodrigo

PhD student, Research Assistant

Chloe Buckingham

Chloe Buckingham

Research Assistant

Vanessa Tenaglia

Vanessa Tenaglia

PhD Student

Bonnie Hyatt

Bonnie Hyatt

PhD student, Research Assistant

Fatoumata Camara

Fatoumata Camara

PhD student, Research Assistant

Giang Nguyen

Giang Nguyen

Masters Student

Sophie Brooks

Sophie Brooks

Honours Student