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
PhD
Head, Strep A Pathogenesis and Diagnostics
Team members (15)
BSc PhD
BSc, PhD
BBioMedSci, PhD
Senior Research Officer
Jessica Hillas
Program Manager
Rebekah Fowles
Program Coordinator
Dr Jua Iwasaki
Senior Research Officer (honorary)
Dr Jasreen Kular
Research Officer (honorary)
Dr Wenna Lee
Research Officer
Kalindu Rodrigo
PhD student, Research Assistant
Chloe Buckingham
Research Assistant
Vanessa Tenaglia
PhD Student
Bonnie Hyatt
PhD student, Research Assistant
Fatoumata Camara
PhD student, Research Assistant
Giang Nguyen
Masters Student
Sophie Brooks
Honours Student
Featured projects
Acute Rheumatic Fever Diagnosis Collaborative Network (ARC)
ARC is a global network of collaborators committed to reducing the burden of RHD in our lifetime.
What risk does underlying trimethoprim resistance pose for the development of cotrimoxazole-resistant skin infections
Investigating what risk does underlying trimethoprim resistance pose for the development of cotrimoxazole-resistant skin infections.
Other projects