Dr Katherine O'Flaherty
Postdoctoral Scientist
Working groups
Background
Katherine completed a PhD at Burnet Institute and the University of Melbourne in 2019 following undergraduate specialisations in Immunology and Microbiology (2014 BSc (Hons), Monash University). During her doctoral candidature, Katherine undertook studies investigating the epidemiology of malaria in Southeast Asia to understand the immune drivers of malaria infection and treatment efficacy in high risk populations and clinical patients.
Since 2019 she has been a Postdoctoral Researcher at Burnet Institute within the Malaria and Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Group, and a fellow of the NHMRC-funded Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) for Malaria Elimination. Her research continues to investigate antimalarial immunity in low transmission settings, including its role in surveillance of ongoing transmission and risk of disease rebound in regions approaching malaria elimination.
Qualifications
- 2019: Doctor of Philosophy, the University of Melbourne
- 2014: Bachelor of Science (Hons), Monash University
Appointments
- 2019: Postdoctoral Fellow, Australian Centre for Research Excellence in Malaria Elimination
Awards
- 2018: Crofts Public Health Publication Award
- 2017: Pauline Speedy Postgraduate Travel Award
Positions
- 2015: Research Assistant, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Melbourne
- 2014: Research Assistant, Malaria and Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Burnet Institute
Current projects
View 2 moreDeveloping a novel assessment tool for entering the malaria elimination phase in the Greater Mekong Subregion
Countries in the Greater Mekong subregion of Southeast Asia have committed to eliminating malaria by 2030, but validated assessment tools are still lacking.
ADVANCE: improving access to malaria diagnosis tools in the Indo-Pacific
We work to increase access to new diagnostic tools for malaria, reduce health inequities and accelerate malaria elimination.
Antibody biomarkers of pathogen and vector exposure for improved malaria surveillance
This project focuses on antibody responses to monitor ongoing transmission of malaria and malaria interventions.