Dr Marie Yang PhD

Personal Statement

I completed a BSc degree with a major in Neurosciences, followed by an MSc in Immunology (Marseille, France). I subsequently graduated with a PhD in Food Science (peptide-Immunotherapy in allergy) at the University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada. I then moved to UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas (U.S.A.) to work on the topic of lipid-mediated inflammation during lactation. I travelled back to Europe, and took up a postdoctoral researcher post at Trinity College Dublin, to explore the vaccine applications of nanoparticulate materials. In 2012, I started my journey into the fascinating world of infectious diseases, with a particular emphasis on Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus agalatiae. The core of my research is based on the principle of reverse vaccinology, the use of state-of-the-art microscopy to elucidate the disease mechanisms underlying bacterial meningitis, and more recently, the exploitation of 3D in vitro platforms to model the materno-fetal interface. Within the Centre for Global Health Research (CGVR) and the Centre of Excellence for Infectious Disease (CEIDR), my current role is to strategically contribute to developing the University and CEIDR’s Infection theme, through driving forward research and development opportunities in vaccine and infectious disease.