I am a Lecturer and virologist based at the Virology Research Laboratory (Prince of Wales Hospital Randwick), University of New South Wales. My research focuses on 1) viral detection and diagnostics, 2) genomic surveillance of viral epidemics, and 3) serological screening and characterisation of antibody-mediated immunity to viral infections. I am also an Associate Investigator within the Virology theme of the Environmental Determinants of Islet Autoimmunity (ENDIA) Study, following 1,500 mother-infant pairs with a first-degree relative with type 1 diabetes across Australia (ENDIA Study).

Research capabilities of myself and the lab include:

- Whole genome sequencing and genomic analysis of respiratory viruses (RSV, Influenzavirus, and SARS-CoV-2). Applications include molecular epidemiology and phylogenetics, monitoring viral evolution and transmission, identifying emerging variants, surveillance approaches such as wastewater-based detection, and assessing mutations associated with vaccine, monoclonal antibody and antiviral escape.

-  Serological screening and immune profiling, including the development and application of assays (e.g. PhIP-Seq) to detect and and characterise virus-specific antibodies. This includes assessment of antibody binding, neutralising activity and cross-reactivity, cohort screening, and evaluation of immune responses to infection, vaccination and emerging viral variants.

- Isolation, culture, and phenotypic characterisation of viral isolates (including variants of SARS-CoV-2 under PC3 containment). These capabilities support investigation of viral replication, screening of novel therapeutic candidates, neutralisation sensitivity, antiviral susceptibility, and the functional significance of mutations identified through genomic surveillance.

I am interested in developing collaborative research programs and contributing virological expertise and laboratory capacity to investigator-led studies, translational projects and externally funded research.

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