
Dr Erin Brazel
Postdoctoral Research Associate
School of Biological Sciences
Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology
Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD - email supervisor to discuss availability.
Erin's research is focused on developing novel prevention and treatment strategies against bacterial pathogens.
- My Research
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Erin has a background in molecular and translational microbiology, with a focus on developing new ways of preventing and treating bacterial diseases.
A major focus of Erin's research is the development of new vaccines to address emerging and existing pathogens that threaten global health and biosecurity. Since 2019, Erin has worked closely with the R&D team at GPN Vaccines Ltd in the development of a whole cell pneumococcal vaccine. This serotype-independent vaccine aims to address the major shortcomings of the currently used vaccines, including the serotype selection and high cost of manufacture. Erin brings her knowledge of fundamental S. pneumoniae biology to the team and has contributed to the design and preclinical testing of next generation vaccine candidates, including the current lead candidate (Gamma-PN3), which is capable of providing improved immunogenicity and has favourable properties for large-scale manufacture. This vaccine is currently being tested in a first-in-human Phase 1 clinical trial (commenced January 2023). Erin now leads the exploratory and discovery research focused on the design, IP development, and preclinical evaluation of new vaccines to expand GPN Vaccines' development pipeline, spanning both human and animal health.
With antibiotic resistant superbugs projected to kill 10 million people each year by 2050, new ways of combatting disease are urgently required. A key focus for Erin's early research was the study of the impact of zinc, both nutritional and as a therapeutic, against bacterial pathogens. This work has provided fundamental insight into the metabolic and transcriptomic impacts of zinc on bacteria and identified a novel drug repurposing strategy that could be used to restore the susceptibility of bacteria to antibiotics. These findings have the potential to extend the shelf life of commonly used antibiotics.
Erin continues her fundamental research on Streptococcus pneumoniae in her current role as post-doctoral researcher in the Research Centre for Infectious Diseases. By combining her microbiology and biochemistry expertise, Erin investigates pneumococcal virulence and metabolism, with a particular interest in the function of bacterial membrane proteins and enzymes. Her research aims to define the mechanisms underlying bacterial behaviour in the host environment and the adaptation of pneumococci to specific host sites. In 2021, Erin was awarded a Channel 7 Children's Research Foundation grant to explore how these bacteria signal to and communicate with neighbouring bacteria and the host. Together, this research aims to contribute to the understanding of pneumococal biology and ultimately exploit these pathways as new treatment strategies.
Erin is passionate about translating research findings from the laboratory bench into commercial products that can have a positive impact on patients and public health. In 2022, Erin was awarded the QUT Bridge Pitch Competition ($10,000) for her medical innovation presentation and a Bridge Industry Fellowship ($10,000). In this fellowship, Erin is gaining experience working with GPN Vaccines on business strategy and IP development for new vaccines.
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Appointments
Date Position Institution name 2020 - ongoing Postdoctoral Research Associate University of Adelaide 2019 - 2020 Research Assistant University of Adelaide -
Language Competencies
Language Competency English Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review -
Education
Date Institution name Country Title 2016 - 2020 University of Adelaide Australia Doctor of Philosophy (Biological Sciences) 2015 - 2015 University of Adelaide Australia Bachelor of Science (Honours) 2010 - 2014 University of Adelaide Australia Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science) -
Research Interests
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Journals
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Patents
Year Citation 2021 David, S., Alsharifi, M., Brazel, E., Hirst, T., & Paton, J. (2021). US20210361758A1, Streptococcal vaccines and methods for use. US. 2021 Brazel, E., Alsharifi, M., David, S., Hirst, T., & Paton, J. (2021). US20210361757A1, Streptococcal vaccine formulations and uses thereof. US.
- REDI Bridge Industry Fellowship (2022), $10,000
- School of Biological Sciences EMCR Association Small Grant Scheme (2022). "Structural studies of the Streptococcus pneumoniae sugar uptake protein FruA" - $1,000
- QUT/MTPConnect Bridge Program Pitch Competition (2022) $10,000
- School of Biological Sciences EMCR Association Small Grant Scheme (2021). "A metabolite screening approach to uncover new Streptococcus pneumoniae treatments" - $1,000
- Channel 7 Children's Research Foundation Grant (2021), "Expanding the toolkit for the treatment of ear infections" - $40,000
Academic Mentor, Principles and Practices of Research (Advanced) II (SCIENCE 2300), 2022-
Supervisor, Principles and Practices of Research (Advanced) III (SCIENCE 3100), 2022-
Lecturer, Infection and Immunity IIIA (MICRO 3000, MICRO 3007, MICRO 3102), 2022-
- Nutrients at the host-pathogen interface (2 lectures)
- Bacterial vaccines (1 lecture)
Practical Demonstrator, Infection and Immunity IIIA (MICRO 3000), 2016-2018
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Current Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name 2023 Principal Supervisor Investigating the drivers of pneumococcal pathogenesis Master of Philosophy Master Full Time Miss Kate Patricia Whyte 2023 Principal Supervisor Development and preclinical evaluation of a freeze-dried pneumococcal vaccine formulation Master of Philosophy Master Full Time Ms Rachel Chin 2023 Principal Supervisor Developing a novel cross-protective, inactivated vaccine against non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Carla Ruth Gallasch 2022 Co-Supervisor Investigating Streptococcus pneumoniae pathogenicity Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Hannah Naomi Agnew 2021 Co-Supervisor Influenza A Virus Vaccine Development Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Chloe Gates
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Committee Memberships
Date Role Committee Institution Country 2022 - ongoing Secretary Australian Society for Microbiology SA/NT Branch Australian Society for Microbiology Australia 2019 - ongoing Chair Adelaide Protein Group Australian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Australia 2019 - ongoing Representative Professional Development Standing Committee Australian Society for Microbiology Australia 2019 - 2019 Representative Faculty of Sciences Gender Equity and Diversity The University of Adelaide Australia 2019 - 2019 Secretary Adelaide Protein Group Australian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Australia 2018 - ongoing Representative Australian Society for Microbiology SA/NT Branch Australian Society for Microbiology Australia 2018 - 2019 Representative Institutional Biosafety Committee The University of Adelaide Australia 2017 - 2018 Member Adelaide University Biosciences Network The University of Adelaide Australia 2016 - ongoing Representative Adelaide Protein Group - Australia
Connect With Me
External Profiles