Background
Jenna completed her honours in 2021 at Burnet's HIV, Inflammation and Microbiome working group with her thesis titled: "The biotherapeutic potential of cervicovaginal lactobacilli for the prevention of HIV in South African women."
Her project focused on culturing and characterising clinical strains of Lactobacillus anaerobic bacteria that may protect against HIV infection.
Jenna is currently a research assistant with interests including metaproteomics, microbiological risk factors for pre-term birth, and the impact of intrauterine copper on the female reproductive tract microbiome.
Qualifications
- 2021: Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours), Monash University, Melbourne, Australia;
- 2020: Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
Positions
- 2022: Research Assistant, HIV, Inflammation and Microbiome Laboratory, Burnet Institute, Melbourne
Awards
- 2025: National Travel Fellowship
Current projects
View 2 more
The role of female genital tract microbial function in inflammation and HIV infection risk
This project uses metaproteomics data to describe the microbial activities and properties that drive genital inflammation, reduce epithelial barrier integrity and increase HIV infection risk.
MISC: Mucosal injury from sexual contact
The aim of the MISC study is to identify the socio-behavioural and biological causes of inflammation in young South African women.
Diagnostics for preterm birth risk prediction in pregnant Australians
We aim to advance point-of-care diagnostics for spontaneous preterm birth caused by infection in Australian women, including First Nations women
