Devika Desai

With a recent submission of my Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) thesis in microbiology and a Masters of Medical Research, I have developed a strong foundation in standard microbiological techniques such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), DNA extraction and quantification, and scientific writing. My academic and professional experiences have honed my skills in effectively communicating complex scientific concepts and methodologies. I also excel at troubleshooting laboratory issues and am dedicated to fostering an engaging and productive learning environment. My ultimate goal is to apply my expertise to contribute to innovative research and provide quality education within a collaborative setting.

• Goh KGK, Desai D, Thapa R, Prince D, Acharya D, Sullivan MJ, Ulett GC (2024). "An opportunistic pathogen under stress: how Group B Streptococcus responds to cytotoxic reactive species and conditions of metal ion imbalance to survive", FEMS Microbiology Reviews, Vol 48, No.3. https://doi.org/10.1093/femsre/fuae009
• Thapa R, Goh KGK, Desai D, Copeman E, Acharya D, Sullivan MJ, Ulett GC (2024). "Alterations in cell arrangements of group B streptococcus due to virulence factor expression can bias estimates of bacterial populations based on colony count measures", Microbiology, Vol 170, No.4. https://doi.org/10.1099/mic.0.001453
• Varghese BR, Goh KGK, Desai D, Acharya D, Chee C, Sullivan MJ, Ulett GC (2023). "Variable resistance to zinc intoxication among Streptococcus agalactiae reveals a novel IS1381 insertion element within the zinc efflux transporter gene czcD", Frontiers Immunology, Vol 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1174695
• Desai D, Goh KGK, Sullivan MJ, Chattopadhyay D, Ulett GC (2021), “Hemolytic activity and biofilm-formation among clinical isolates of group B streptococcus causing acute urinary tract infection and asymptomatic bacteriuria”, International Journal of Medical Microbiology, Vol 311, No.6. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmm.2021.151520

BacPath 2022, Brisbane 27-30 September 2022

Poster presentation: Hemolytic activity and biofilm-formation among clinical isolates of group B streptococcus causing acute urinary tract infection and asymptomatic bacteriuria.

• Completion Assistance Postgraduate Research Scholarship (CAPRS)
• PAM Journal Publication Reimbursement Scheme 2023 ($1000)
• Winner of the poster presentation at School of Pharmacy and Medical Science end of year symposium 2022.
• Winner of the 3 – Minute Thesis competition in the post-confirmation category in the School of Pharmacy and Medical Science Round (2022)
• PAM HDR Conference Attendance Top-up Scheme 2022 ($200)
• PAM Publication Assistance Grant ($2000)
• Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship (GUPRS)
• Member of School of Medical Science Academic Excellence Society (ACES)