Chair
Amy Cain has a PhD from the University of Sydney, where she investigated movement of antibiotic resistance genes in Salmonella enterica with Prof. Ruth Hall. Amy moved to Cambridge, UK, to work as a research fellow at the Wellcome Sanger Institute with Prof. Julian Parkhill – developing genomics techniques like TraDIS. Then she moved to the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine in Malawi, tracking and sequencing hospital-acquired resistant infections. Amy established her own group in 2019 at Macquarie University, where she is an ARC DECRA fellow in the Department of Molecular Sciences and the Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology and Applied Biosciences. She focuses on developing new antibiotics using functional genomic techniques, novel single-cell microfluidics-based methodology, adaptive evolutionary approaches and the Galleria high-throughput in vivo model. She also uses synthetic biology to create microbes that degrade plastics.
Secretary
Kenya Fernandes is an ARC DECRA Fellow at the University of Sydney. Her research focuses on fungal biology and the complex interactions between fungi, hosts, and environments. One stream of her work focuses on combating fungal pathogens by uncovering the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis and developing innovative treatment strategies, including synergistic drug combinations and the discovery of bioactive natural products. Parallel to this, she study how microbial communities shape and are shaped by pollinator environments, using bees as a model to understand the functional, ecological, and evolutionary dynamics of microbe-host interactions. Kenya is particularly passionate about science communication and presenting accessible (and beautiful) science to diverse audiences.
Treasurer
Laurence Luu is a Scientia Lecturer at UNSW. He leads the Bacterial Colonisation Factor lab which uses multi-omics and molecular biology techniques to understand how different bacterial pathogens cause disease. His research focuses on two bacteria: Bordetella pertussis, which causes whooping cough – a re-emerging vaccine preventable disease that is most serious in babies, and Chlamydia trachomatis, one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted pathogens and a leading cause of infertility in females. Incredibly passionate about his research, Laurence’s ultimate aim is to understand how bacteria cause disease in order to develop new treatments and reduce the suffering associated with infectious diseases.
Chair Elect
Tom Jeffries did his PhD in marine microbial ecology at Flinders University before moving to the University of Technology Sydney for a postdoc in the same field. He then switched to soil microbial ecology, completing a second postdoc at the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment at Western Sydney University, where he was later appointed Lecturer in Microbiology. Tom teaches microbiology, serves as course advisor for the Bachelor of Science and has established a research group in molecular microbial ecology. His current research focuses on applying molecular and computational tools to understand the drivers of microbial diversity in different habitats including the ocean, dryland soils, biofilms and the human microbiome. Tom is the Deputy Director of the Joint Academic Microbiology Seminars (JAMS) group.
Alessandro Garritano has a PhD from the University of New South Wales, where he investigated the metabolism of microbial symbionts in deep-sea sponges, combining metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, and stable isotope labelling. After finishing his PhD, Alessandro stayed in Sydney to take up a postdoctoral research fellowship at the University of Sydney. His current work focuses on microbial adaptations to climate extremes in agricultural soils, particularly the role of intracellular carbon and phosphorus storage. Alessandro is based in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences and works closely with collaborators in plant-soil interactions, animal-host symbioses, environmental microbial ecology and physiology.
Anahit (Ani) Penesyan is a Research Fellow at the School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University. Since joining Macquarie University in 2011 Ani started a new research area for Macquarie, on microbial biofilms, which she currently leads. Ani uses state-of-the-art multi-omics tools to unravel microbial interactions, microbial evolution and adaptation in biofilms, as well as to uncover mechanisms of antimicrobial resilience. The overarching aim of Ani’s work is to understand the complex biofilm biology and develop novel strategies to construct and utilise beneficial biofilms, as well as to control unwanted biofilm formation. Ani currently leads biofilm research at the ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology.
Anjali Gowripalan is a research fellow and lecturer at the Australian National University. Anjali’s research focuses on generating tools for efficient engineering of therapeutic viruses. She completed her PhD at the University of Sydney, where she studied oncogenic signaling pathways activated by poxvirus infection. She then completed postdocs at the ANU in Canberra and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, USA, where she studied viral engineering platforms and HIV-1 fitness determinants. Upon returning to Australia, Anjali has worked in partnership with industry and academic collaborators to expand Australia’s catalogue of therapeutic poxviruses, including most recently working towards development of an anti-cancer vaccine for use in Tasmanian devils.
Arthika Manoharan is a Lecturer and early‑career researcher in microbiology with a strong background in immunology, based at the Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, University of Sydney. She completed her PhD under the supervision of A/Prof Jim Manos and Dr. Das Ashishkumar at the Charles Perkins Centre. Her research focuses on host–pathogen interactions in urinary tract infections, particularly how bacteria invade, persist within host cells, and modulate epithelial immune responses. She leads an independent research program using advanced single‑cell approaches, including super‑resolution and live‑cell microscopy, and spectral cytometry. Her work spans fundamental discovery and translational research, with close links to clinical and industry collaborators, including projects of developing novel anti biofilm agents to target biofilm‑associated UTIs and antibiotic resistance, and aims to improve the diagnosis and treatment of chronic and treatment‑refractory infections. She is also an avid ECR advocate and is especially passionate about championing young women in STEM.
Binod Rayamajhee is a final-year PhD student in Prof. Mark Willcox’s lab at the School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW. Binod is an early-career microbiologist primarily studying the intracellular microbiome composition of bacterivorous Acanthamoeba and host-microbe interactions using Acanthamoeba as a model host. Binod’s research also focuses on detecting and identifying keratitis-causing Acanthamoeba in water resources using metagenomic approaches through a one-health lens. Binod also works with animal models of keratitis to investigate the impact of intracellular bacteria harbored by the amoebal host on the severity of corneal infections. Binod is passionate about science communication for the promotion of accessible and inclusive science and has been part of the ASM Communication Ambassador Program since 2021, contributing to blog posts and interviews exploring various scientific topics.
Brodie Gillieatt is is a postdoctoral researcher at Macquarie University, with a research focus on antibiotic resistance, synthetic biology and environmental microbiology. Brodie completed his PhD in 2025 under the supervision of Associate Professor Michael Kertesz at The University of Sydney, where he investigated co-selection for heavy metals and antibiotic resistance. Following PhD completion, Brodie was an associate lecturer for The University of Sydney, co-coordinating third year microbiology subjects. His current post-doc is with Professor Amy Cain, working on a variety of projects from antigen discovery, to plastic biodegradation, and even biocomputing. Brodie is also an active member of the Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology and was a past long-term secretary for JAMS Sydney.
Carola Venturini is a research fellow at The Sydney School of Veterinary Science (SSVS, USyd). She is a microbiologist primarily investigating the role of mobile genetic elements in the evolution of multidrug resistant bacterial pathogens with a multidisciplinary approach. After completing her PhD at the University of Wollongong on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) mechanisms in pathogenic enterobacteria, which remains one of her main research interests, she moved to UQ to study horizontal gene transfer and virulence in the human pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes as well as progressing her work on AMR transmission in enteric pathogens. From 2013 to 2021, Carola was part of the Iredell Critical Infection research group at The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, where she led large-scope projects on the ecology of the gut microbiome related to antibiotic use and started exploring the use of bacteriophages to combat bacterial infection. Since joining the SSVS, Carola has expanded her research program on AMR control and bacteriophage use to animal settings, developing her independent research program with a truly One Health perspective. Carola is convenor of the ASM Public Health Microbiology SIG and committee member for the Bacteriophage Biology SIG.
Daneil Mediati is a Chancellor’s Research Fellow within the Australian Institute for Microbiology and Infection at the University of Technology Sydney. Daniel’s research group broadly examines the mechanisms of gene regulation in the model human pathogens S. aureus and E. coli. Daniel teaches and coordinates the undergraduate subject Molecular Biology within the School of Life Sciences (UTS), and is passionate about embedding innovative teaching practices that connect cutting-edge research to real-world applications and student learning.
Daniel Seed is a Senior Hospital Scientist working for NSW Health Pathology in the Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Department Concord Hospital. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from Wollongong University majoring in Biological Science and a Master’s of Public health from the University of Sydney. With 18 years’ experience in Clinical diagnostic microbiology, Daniel is part of the senior management team in the Department involved in the training, education and mentoring of staff. He oversees the Mycobacteria Laboratory culturing for acid fast bacteria and the Serology Laboratory where routine Serology is tested.
Fatemeh Mohaghegh is a PhD candidate in Microbiology in the Baker Lab at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). Her current research focuses on the relationship between biofilm formation and bacterial motility. She holds an MSc in Medical Microbiology – Pathogenic Bacteria from the University of Isfahan in Iran (2018–2022), where she investigated virulence factors in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and a BSc in Microbiology from the University of Mazandaran, Iran. During her Master’s thesis, she collaborated with the Iranian Red Crescent Society, contributing to their research and educational programs. Her professional experience includes contributing as a demonstrator for several UNSW courses, research assistant roles in microbiology and biochemistry laboratories in Iran, and teaching assistant positions. Fatemeh has received several honors, including the University International Postgraduate Award (UIPA) from UNSW and third place in the 23rd Biology Olympiad in Iran.
Grace O’Reilly is a postdoctoral researcher with Dr Carola Venturini at the Sydney School of Veterinary Science (SSVS), University of Sydney, working within the One Health Phage and Antimicrobial Resistance Lab (OHPAL). Grace completed her PhD at the University of Sydney in 2025, investigating the application of phages to reduce Rhodococcus equi burdens on horse breeding farms, an ongoing research area she remains involved in. Her current research interests span the dynamics of bacteria-phage interactions and therapeutic applications of phages to manage bacterial infections in companion animals, contributing to OHPAL’s broader One Health approach to antimicrobial resistance and disease intervention.
Hannah Brown is a postdoctoral researcher at the Australian Institute for Microbiology and Infection (UTS) specializing in archaeal cell biology and high-resolution microscopy. Her research focuses on understanding how diverse groups of archaea use their cytoskeletons to control cell division and morphogenesis, including salt-loving Haloarchaea and Asgard archaea, the ancestors of the first eukaryotic cells. After her undergraduate at the University of Melbourne, Hannah completed her honours and PhD (2025) under the supervision of Professor Iain Duggin at the University of Technology Sydney. Hannah is a long-term member of Joint Academic Microbiology Seminars (JAMS) and currently serves as the JAMS National Treasurer.
Jacob Scadden is a Postdoctoral researcher in A/Prof Matthew Baker’s lab, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, UNSW. Jacob has expertise in phylogenetics, genomic editing and microbial motility. His current project focuses on the evolution and biotechnological applications of the bacterial flagellar filament from multiple bacterial species. He received his PhD in 2022 from the Quadram Institute Bioscience, UK, where he studied the regulation and activity of a novel antimicrobial peptide, nisin O, produced by the human gut bacterium Blautia obeum.
Jasmin Li is a PhD candidate at the University of Sydney, working in Dr Kenya Fernandes’ lab and the Behaviour, Ecology, and Evolution (BEE) Lab. Her research explores how microbial communities support the health of Australia’s native stingless bees by providing essential nutrients, preserving hive products, and producing antimicrobial compounds. Beyond her research, Jasmin is passionate about bringing people together, building scientific communities, and sharing the fascinating discoveries emerging from microbiology with the broader public.
Karl Hassan is an ARC Future Fellow at the University of Newcastle. Karl is a molecular microbiologist with expertise in functional genomics and protein biochemistry/biophysics. Karl’s research broadly examines mechanisms of small molecule transport in bacteria, the physiology of bacterial cell envelopes and bacterial global regulatory networks. Karl has current research projects investigating antimicrobial drug resistance in Gram-negative bacteria, microbial metal ion homeostasis, plant pathogen suppression by biocontrol bacteria and tools for exploiting bacteria in the production of high-value chemicals.
Marwan Majzoub is a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of New South Wales, investigating host-microbe interactions using culturing and multi-omics approaches to gain a better understanding how bacteria and bacteriophages shape human health and disease, with a particular emphasis on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Marwan integrates metagenomics, single-cell sequencing and phage-guided culturing to identify and cultivate novel microbes that are often overlooked by conventional methods. Additionally, Marwan is interested in applying machine learning models to identify biomarkers associated with health and disease (>20,000 metagenomic samples). His ultimate goal is to develop innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches informed by the hidden microbiome.
Martina Sanderson-Smith is an Associate Professor in Molecular Microbiology at the University of Wollongong (UOW). She completed her PhD at UOW and undertook postdoctoral research at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Germany. Her research is focused on virulence mechanisms of the human pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes, with specific interests in interactions between S. pyogenes and the host fibrinolytic system, GAS-glycan interactions and mechanisms of innate immune resistance. Martina teaches Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Immunology at UOW and supervises undergraduate and postgraduate research students. She is also a strong advocate for the embedding of principles of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in teaching, research practice and training.
Mehrad Hamidian is a Senior Lecturer in Microbiology at the Australian Institute for Microbiology and Infection at UTS. His research focuses on studying antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Gram-negative bacteria in particular Acinetobacter baumannii, a bacterium that causes a range of hospital-acquired infections. His general interests include examining genomic diversity, clonality, and epidemiology in order to better understand how AMR spreads and evolves at local and global levels.
Michael Radzieta is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Western Sydney University working in Prof Slade Jensen’s lab. Based at the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, his area of research has focused primarily on chronic wounds, with particular focus on diabetic related foot ulcers. He received his PhD in 2019 for his work on novel antimicrobials and antibiotic resistance in clinically relevant bacterial pathogens. He then started a postdoc working for the South West Sydney Limb Preservation and Wound Research academic unit in which he studied the role of biofilm and the microbiome in chronic wounds. Currently, he is working as a postdoc on a CRC-P funded project to discover novel mechanisms to identify biofilm within chronic wounds in order to improve patient treatments and outcomes.
Mirei Okada is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Sydney, working with Associate Professor Andrew Holmes. Her research focuses on interactions between diet, the gut microbiome and the host, with a particular interest in the gut-brain axis. Her recently completed PhD (2026) investigated self-directed dieting and eating disorder risk in young adults, and she is now extending this work using metabolomics. Originally from Brisbane, Mirei completed dual Bachelor degrees in Science and Arts, followed by Honours, at the University of Queensland. She has been involved in undergraduate teaching at the University of Sydney since 2021, primarily in microbiology and related biomedical sciences. Mirei is also an active member of Sydney JAMS, serving as Secretary and National Node Liaison, having previously spent three years as Events Manager.
Thiru Vanniasinkam is an Associate Professor in Immunology at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW. Thiru teaches microbiology and immunology to undergraduates in a range of programs including B. Medical Science and B. Pharmacy. She is a Program Director in the School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences. Her research interests include veterinary and medical microbiology and vaccine development. Thiru is a member of the Wagga Wagga hospital research network (GOSI) promoting applied microbiology/immunology research within the local health district and contribuing to professional development programs offered to health care personnel in regional NSW. Thiru is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AdvanceHE) UK and has a keen interest in microbiology and immunology education, education related research and is Convenor of the ASM EdSIG.