Image: New Burnet Working Group Head, Dr Lindi Masson
Burnet Institute is delighted Dr Lindi Masson is joining our team to head a new research group in the Life Sciences Discipline, building on her work relating to the vaginal microbiome and its association with increased risk of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Dr Masson is from the University of Cape Town, South Africa, and her research interests also include adverse reproductive health outcomes.
Her expertise in immunology and microbiology includes studying immunological and proteome markers of dysbiosis (microbial imbalance or impairment), as well as understanding the function of vaginal microbiota as potential biotherapeutics.
"I'm thrilled to be joining Burnet in January, primarily because the Institute's research vision is very closely aligned with my interests, as well as my ongoing clinical work in South Africa," Dr Masson said.
"My research focuses on identifying and understanding socio-behavioural and biological risk factors for HIV acquisition in women, and developing tools to reduce this risk."
Dr Masson said she's looking forward to expanding her microbiome-related work and helping to strengthen the existing program at Burnet.
"I'm also excited about the translational work being done at Burnet and very keen to learn more about diagnostics development," she said.
