Associate Professor Deborah Cromer leads the Infection Epidemiology and Policy Analytics Group in the Infection Analytics Program at the Kirby Institute, UNSW. She has made significant contributions to understanding immune correlates of infection for COVID-19, and her work has influenced vaccination policy internationally. She is a member of the World Health Organisation's Technical Advisory Group on COVID-19 Vaccine Composition. She has also assisted with public understanding of immunity and vaccination through frequent media contributions and appearances, and presentations in public science forums and to school students. She is passionate about encouraging and supporting females to engage and excel in mathematics. She holds an NHMRC Investigator Fellowship.
Specific Research Keywords:
COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Mathematical Biology, Mathematical Modelling, Mathematics, Malaria, Theoretical Biology, HIV, CMV, Vaccination Policy, Influenza, Rotavirus, RSV
My Grants
Investigator Grant (EL1: 2020-2024, EL2: 2025-2029)
ARC Discovery Grant (2018-2020)
NHMRC Project Grant (2015-2017)
NHMRC Project Grant (2012-2014)
ARC Discovery Grant (2012-2014)
My Qualifications
PhD in Mathematical Biology (Imperial College, London UK, 2008)
BSc (Hons Class 1 and University Medal) in Mathematics and Computer Science (UNSW, 2000)
My Awards
Australian Museum Eureka Prize Finalist (2016 and 2023)
Young Tall Poppy Science Award (2015)
Aileen Plant Memorial Prize in Infectious Diseases Epidemiology (2015)
Vice Chancellor's Post Doctoral Research Fellowship (2010 - 2014)
My Research Activities
Research Interests:
I am interested in the application of mathematical models to understanding infectious diseases both from an epidemiological perspective and as well as a within host perspective. My research includes understand COVID-19 epidemiology and immunology, the dynamics of HIV reactivation during and after antiretroviral therapy and the effects of vaccination on respiratory viruses. I have investigated the spread of mumps, rotavirus and influenza and the impact of vaccination against these common diseases.
Broad Research Areas:
Mathematical Biology and Modelling, Infectious Diseases, Epidemiology, Immunological Modelling
My Research Supervision
Supervision keywords
Areas of supervision
I am available to supervise PhD, Masters and Honours students in Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases. I have projects available applying quantitative techniques to understand the dynamics of HIV and Malaria, as well as modelling the impact of childhood vaccination programs. Students with a background in Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, or other quantitative discipline, and with an interest in infectious disease research are encouraged to get in touch. Generous scholarships are available.
Currently supervising
I am currently supervising PhD, Masters and Honours students modelling infectious diseases. Projects apply mathematical techniques to understand COVID-19, HIV and other infectious diseases.
My Engagement
I am passionate about encouraging girls and women to explore their passion for mathematics. I regularly present the applications of my mathematical research at schools and in public forums.
Selection of Current and Past Society Memberships & Professional Activities:
Member of the Kirby institute Executive Committee
Executive Committee Member of the Women in Mathematics Special Interest Group of the Australian Mathematical Society
Executive Committee Member of the Mathematical Biology Special Interest Group of the Australian and New Zealand Industrial and Applied Mathematics Society (ANZIAM)
Member of Australasian Society for Immunology, Society for Mathematical Biology, Australian Mathematical Society, Australia and New Zealand Industrial and Applied Mathematics Society, Australian Society of Parasitology
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5276-5094