
Erin Brazel
School of Biological Sciences
Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology
Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD (as Co-Supervisor) - email supervisor to discuss availability.
Erin's research is focused on developing novel prevention and treatment strategies against bacterial pathogens.
- My Research
- Career
- Publications
- Grants and Funding
- Teaching
- Supervision
- Professional Activities
- Contact
During her PhD, Erin investigated the impact of zinc on the bacterial pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae. This work provided fundamental insight into the metabolic and transcriptomic impacts of zinc stress and identified a novel drug repurposing strategy that could be exploited to restore the susceptibility of bacteria to antibiotics.
Erin continues her research on S. 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 carbohydrate metabolism, with a particular interest in the function of bacterial membrane proteins and enzymes. Her research aims to define the mechanisms underlying bacterial nutrient metabolism in the host environment and the adaptation of clinical pneumococcal isolates to specific host sites. Erin also explores the mechanisms by which 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 target these pathways as new treatment strategies against pneumococcal infections.
Erin also works 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 S. pneumoniae biology to the team and has contributed to the invention of a range of next generation vaccine candidates. The current lead candidate, which is capable of providing improved immunogenicity and favourable properties for large-scale manufacture, will be tested in a Phase I clinical trial in late 2022.
-
Appointments
Date Position Institution name 2020 - ongoing Postdoctoral Research Associate University of Adelaide 2019 - 2020 Research Associate 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
-
Journals
-
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.
- School of Biological Sciences EMCR Association Small Grant Scheme (2021). "A metabolite screening approach to uncover new Streptococcus pneumoniae treatments" - $1000
- Channel 7 Children's Research Foundation Grant (2021), "Expanding the toolkit for the treatment of ear infections" - $40,000
Lecturer, Infection and Immunity IIIA (MICRO 3000, MICRO 3007, MICRO 3102), 2022
Practical Demonstrator, Infection and Immunity IIIA (MICRO 3000), 2016-2018
-
Current Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name 2021 Co-Supervisor Investigating Streptococcus pneumoniae pathogenicity Master of Philosophy Master Full Time Miss Hannah Naomi Agnew 2021 Co-Supervisor Influenza A Virus Vaccine Development Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Chloe Gates
-
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 - ongoing 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 - ongoing Representative Institutional Biosafety Committee The University of Adelaide Australia 2017 - ongoing Member Adelaide University Biosciences Network The University of Adelaide Australia 2016 - ongoing Representative Adelaide Protein Group - Australia
Connect With Me
External Profiles