Background

After completing her Bachelor of Biomedical Science degree in 2007, Jo-Anne went on to pursue an Honours degree in the laboratory of Professor Ray Norton at the Walter & Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI), to study the structural interactions of malaria antigens.

In 2009, she joined Professor James Beeson’s group at WEHI as a PhD student before moving with the rest of the group to the Burnet Institute. Her PhD project focused on understanding the significance of human antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum surface antigens and their role in protective immunity.

Jo-Anne completed her PhD and is currently working as a post-doctoral scientist under the supervision of Dr Michelle Boyle and Professor Beeson, with a particular focus on naturally acquired immunity to Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte antigens.

Qualifications

• 2012: Doctor of Philosophy, University of Melbourne
• 2008: Bachelor of Science (Honours), University of Melbourne
• 2007: Bachelor of Biomedical Science, University of Melbourne

Appointments

• 2019 Honorary Lecturer, Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne
• 2018 Adjunct Lecturer and Registered Supervisor, Department of Immunology, Monash University
• 2018 Postdoctoral Fellow, Australian Centre for Research Excellence in Malaria Elimination

Awards

• 2024: Equitable Carer Travel Fellowship
• 2022: Burnet Institute NHMRC Near-miss Fund (CIA)
• 2021: Australian Centre for Research Excellence in Malaria Elimination Seed Grant
• 2021: Gender, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Travel Fellowship
• 2021: Women and Leadership Australia Leading Edge Program (shortlisted to represent Burnet Institute)
• 2020: Australian Centre for Research Excellence Seed Grant
• 2020: Gust Translational Fellowship
• 2020: Hon Geoffrey Connard Travel Award
• 2019: Australian Centre for Research Excellence in Malaria Elimination Travel Award
• 2019: Australian Centre for Research Excellence in Malaria Elimination Seed Grant
• 2018–2020: Jim and Margaret Beever Postdoctoral Fellowship
• 2018: CASS Foundation Medicine/Science Grant
• 2018: Dorothy Vida Martin Postdoctoral Travel Award
• 2018: Crofts Public Health Publication Award – PNAS 2017
• 2017: Ian Potter Foundation Travel Award – ASTMH Conference, USA
• 2016: Cass Foundation Travel Award – BioMalPar Conference, Germany
• 2012: Best Poster Prize – Molecular Approaches to Malaria
• 2012: Best Poster Prize – AMREP ECR symposium
• 2011: Best Poster Prize – Lorne Infection and Immunity Conference
• 2011: OzEMalaR Travel Award – London School of Hygiene
• 2011: Travel Award – Australian Society for Parasitology
• 2010–2012: Australian Postgraduate Award – University of Melbourne
• 2009: Melbourne Research Scholarship – University of Melbourne
• 2008: Alan W Harris Scholarship – Walter and Eliza Hall Institute