Senior Lecturer, Clinical Microbiology, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences Healthcare-associated infections (HCAI) are those that occur in patients receiving medical treatment in a hospital, long-term care facility or as an outpatient. These infections increasingly involve bacteria that are resistant to most antibiotics and are therefore difficult to treat. The organisms that represent the most risk to human health, and for which we have limited treatment options are the ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Actinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter Spp.). My main areas of interest are the molecular epidemiology, transmission and pathogenesis of HCAIs, particularly ESKAPE pathogens and Clostridium difficile. Our group explores how these aspects of HCAIs can underpin the development of more effective infection control strategies and novel anti-infective therapeutics.Past and current projects have investigated:The significance of the host immune response and bacterial virulence to the clinical outcome of bloodstream infections caused by S. aureus including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA).The patterns and transmission of antibiotic-resistance genes in Gram-negative pathogens that produce extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL).The potential contribution of horizontal gene transfer within biofilms to the evolution of S. aureus.Detection and transmission of antibiotic-resistance pathogens such as Klebsiella pneumoniae and vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) in the clinical environment adjacent to patients.The effectiveness of targeted antimicrobial peptides and other novel agents, against specific infections involving antibiotic resistant pathogens such as MRSA (catheter-associated and wound infection), ESBL-producers (urinary tract and bloodstream infections)and P. aeruginosa (chronic respiratory infections) and infections involving multiple organisms (diabetic foot infections).
Associate Professor of Shakespeare and Early Modern Drama, The University of Melbourne David McInnis is Associate Professor of Shakespeare and Early Modern Drama in the English and Theatre Studies program at the University of Melbourne. His research focuses on lost plays from Shakespeare's England. His most recent books are the monograph *Shakespeare and Lost Plays* (Cambridge University Press, 2021) and the co-edited collection *Shakespeare and Virtual Reality* (Cambridge University Press, 2021).
Professor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Director of Electronic Warfare Research, City, University of London Professor David Stupples specialises in research and development of radar systems and electronic warfare. For a number of years he undertook research in this area at the Royal Signals and Radar Establishment (RSRE) at Malvern in the UK followed by surveillance and intelligence systems research for the UK Government. He then spent three years developing surveillance systems and satellites for Hughes Aircraft Corporation in the US. In his early career, Dr David Stupples was employed in radar and EW by the Royal Air Force. Later, he was a senior partner with PA Consulting Group where he was responsible for the company's consultancy work in surveillance technology. At City University London his research is now firmly focused in electronic warfare and radar counter measures. He is working with industry on low probability of intercept radars under the ELINT banner. David Stupples is an active member of the Association of Old Crows.
Research Fellow, University of Oxford I am a biologist with an interest in infectious diseases from evolutionary and immunological perspectives. I study influenza viruses, which naturally circulate in wild waterfowl, but which also spills over into several mammalian species, sometimes causing devastating outbreaks or pandemics. In my previous work, I studied the transmission dynamics and evolution of this virus in wild birds and livestock. Now, as a BBSRC Discovery Fellow, I am studying its evolution and pathogenicity in marine mammals. I focus specifically on two closely-related species of pinnipeds: grey and harbour seals – which happen to exhibit dramatically distinct outcomes due to viral infections. The idea is to use the avian-seal interface as a kind of “natural experiment” to study how avian influenza adapts to mammals, and the mechanisms underpinning the variation in host susceptibility to disease. This research can help us anticipate and respond to wildlife disease outbreaks and potentially, future pandemics.
Lived Experience Fellow, Centre for Disability Research and Policy, University of Sydney Dr Damian Mellifont is a Lived Experience Postdoctoral Fellow and member of the Centre for Disability Research and Policy (CDRP) leadership team at The University of Sydney. Damian is also lead Editor of the Disability Studies Collection at Lived Places Publishing. As a neurodivergent researcher specialising in disability studies and policy, Dr Mellifont enjoys undertaking evidence-based projects that help to: - inform and evaluate disability policy, programs and services - promote diversity and inclusion - progress more people with disability into employment and leadership roles - accommodate neurodivergent staff (and prospective staff) on an individualised basis - reveal the work performance strengths of neurodivergence - expose and oppose neuro-discrimination - debunk ableist stereotypes - stop the bullying of neurodivergent employees - support the legal rights of people with disability - encourage ethical media reporting of disability - and - advance neurodivergent pride.
Earthquake Geologist, Monash University Qualification - BSc Honours, Geology/Geophysics - LaTrobe University (1998) Employment - Minerals & Petroleum, Dept. Primary Industries (1998-2004) Employment - Seismology Research Centre (2004-2008) Qualification - PhD Earthquake Geology - Victoria University of Wellington (2008-2017) Employment - Seismology Research Centre (2017-) Employment - Monash University (2021-) Committee Member - Geological Society of Australia, Victoria Division (2021-) Committee Member - Australian Earthquake Engineering Society (2022) Vice President - Australian Earthquake Engineering Society (2023-)
