About
I am a computational biologist and Research Officer at QIMR Berghofer with expertise in host-pathogen interactions with high-consequence viruses including Japanese Encephalitis virus (JEV), Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), dengue virus and SARS-CoV-2. The overarching aim of my research is to develop mechanistic insights into viral infection and disease to identify therapeutic targets and test interventions. I achieve this using a combination of clinical samples, model systems of viral disease, and a range of high-throughput ‘omics modalities including transcriptomics, single-cell spatial transcriptomics, viral genomics, whole-genome CRISPR-Cas9 KO screening, and shotgun proteomics.
Recent research outputs
- Identifying the role of Apolipoprotein E in driving inflammation resolution essential for recovery from Japanese encephalitis.
- Characterisation of a Japanese Encephalitis virus genotype 4 isolate from the 2022 Australian outbreak.
- Tracking inflammation resolution signatures in lungs after SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Evaluating the recombination potential of a self-amplifying RNA vaccine.
- Investigating lipid nanoparticles to deliver defective interfering RNAs.
Professional Associations
Australasian Virology Society
Funding
NHMRC Ideas Grant. Virus restriction-guided drug target discovery for chikungunya virus. $1,041,471. CI. 2025-2027. APP2036533.
NHMRC Targeted Call for Research: Climate-related health impacts and effective interventions to improve health outcomes. The Impact of Climate on Vector-Borne Zoonoses in Australia: Changing transmission Pathways and Increased Spill-Over Risks. AI. $999,837. 2024-2027. APP2039802.
Queensland Immunology Research Centre Grant:  Evaluating immune responses of ISVac technology against JEV and emerging genotypes. $25,000. CIA. 2025