Despena Vedis
Australia
Summary
I am a driven biomedical researcher with a passion for understanding immune mechanisms and translating complex science into meaningful impact. My research experience across Australia, Switzerland, and the United States has shaped me into technically strong, independent, curious scientist who thrives in fast-paced, collaborative environments. My work has focused on vaccine immunology, host–pathogen interactions, and translational research, driven by a genuine curiosity for solving complex biological questions. Beyond the bench, my research communication and experience mentoring STEM students have strengthened my ability to convey complex concepts clearly and collaborate effectively across diverse teams.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Chemistry and biology tutor
Cluey learning
06.2021 - Current
- Designed and delivered tailored chemistry and biology lessons for secondary school students to simplify complex concepts and improve understanding.
- Created and organised lesson plans and practice materials aligned with Australian curriculum standards to enhance learning outcomes.
- Mentored students to develop academic skills, study strategies, and confidence in STEM subjects.
- Adapted teaching methods for online learning environments to maintain engagement and continuity of instruction.
- Provided feedback and guidance to track progress and reinforce understanding, resulting in measurable improvements in student performance.
Masters candidate
Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics
07.2024 - 01.2026
- Designed and conducted immunological studies to evaluate immune responses to Streptococcus pyogenes vaccine candidate epitopes in human and murine models.
- Analysed antibody titers, cytokine profiles, and antigen-specific immune responses using ELISA and flow cytometry to assess vaccine efficacy.
- Infected and monitored mouse models to measure bacterial clearance, tissue pathology, and immune cell recruitment following S. pyogenes challenge.
- Assessed vaccine-induced protection and immune memory to identify potential correlates of long-term immunity.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to align experimental design with immunopathogenesis and translational vaccine development goals.
- Prepared data summaries, figures, and presentations for lab meetings, reports, and conference submissions.
- Assisted in manuscript preparation by organising experimental data, generating figures, and contributing to draft revisions for publication.
Research Fellow
University Hospital Zurich
Zurich
09.2025 - 12.2025
- Optimised bacterial culture and biofilm formation assays to assess virulence variability across S. pyogenes clinical isolates.
- Performed Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) testing to assess antimicrobial susceptibility and identify resistance patterns across isolates.
- Executed and analysed enzyme and haemolytic activity assays to evaluate the contribution of secreted virulence factors to bacterial fitness.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to integrate microbiological findings with clinical metadata, contributing to mechanistic insights into infection dynamics.
- Documented and presented results in research meetings, supporting ongoing publication efforts and advancing understanding of S. pyogenes pathogenic mechanisms.
Research intern-R&D and scientific communication
BiomeCentric Pty Ltd
06.2025 - 09.2025
- Assisted in the research and development of prebiotic and postbiotic formulations designed to support skin microbiome health and barrier repair.
- Conducted product testing and stability assessments to evaluate ingredient efficacy and compatibility within skincare formulations.
- Supported experimental design and documentation for R&D projects aimed at identifying novel bioactive compounds for dermatological applications.
- Translated complex scientific concepts into accessible language for marketing and educational materials, ensuring scientific accuracy and public understanding.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams integrating science, product design, and market strategy.
Research intern
Hawai‘i Pacific University
01.2023 - 05.2023
- Assisted in conducting wound healing assays to evaluate cell migration and tissue repair processes under varying experimental conditions.
- Performed microscopy-based assessments and quantitative analyses to measure wound closure rates and cellular responses.
- Collaborated with research staff in troubleshooting assay optimisation and documenting laboratory procedures.
Education
Master of Medical Research -
Institute For Biomedicine And Glycomics, Griffith University
01.2025
Bachelor of Biomedical Science -
Griffith University School of Pharmacy and Medical Science
01.2024
Publications
- Subclinical exposure to Streptococcus pyogenes drives the development of long-lived immunity, Under review, Nature Communications, Lepletier A, Vedis D, Ozberk V, Anugraham M, Bassette D, Calcutt A, Frost H, Azzopardi K, Steer A, Kolarich D, Osowicki J, Good M, Pandey M, 2025
- Delineating humoral and cellular immune responses induced by a peptide-based vaccine for protection against Streptococcus pyogenes, Published abstract, Proceedings, Lancefield international symposium on streptococci and streptococcal disease conference, Vedis D, Lepletier A, Ozberk V, Reynolds S, Calcutt A, Bessette D, Good MF, Pandey M, https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2025124019, 2025
- Low-dose interleukin-2 therapy: A transformative approach for the management of autoimmune complications associated with Streptococcus pyogenes infections, Published abstract, Proceedings, Lancefield international symposium on streptococci and streptococcal disease conference, Lepletier A, Rafeek RA, Vedis D, Weerakoon H, Ketheesan N, Good MF, Pandey M, https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2025124021, 2025
- Investigation of immune correlates: Drawing parallels between streptococcal infection-induced and vaccine-mediated immunity, 2024, Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics forum, poster presentation, Vedis D, Lepletier A, Ozberk V, Calcutt A, Frost H, Steer A, ‘Myer R, Good M, Pandey M
Honors And Awards
2025- ThinkSwiss Research Scholarship, Swissnex
2024- Glycomics Circle Masters Scholarship, Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics
2023- Summer Research Scholarship, Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics
Timeline
Research Fellow
University Hospital Zurich
09.2025 - 12.2025
Research intern-R&D and scientific communication
BiomeCentric Pty Ltd
06.2025 - 09.2025
Masters candidate
Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics
07.2024 - 01.2026
Research intern
Hawai‘i Pacific University
01.2023 - 05.2023
Chemistry and biology tutor
Cluey learning
06.2021 - Current
Master of Medical Research -
Institute For Biomedicine And Glycomics, Griffith University
Bachelor of Biomedical Science -
Griffith University School of Pharmacy and Medical Science