Meet END RHD CRE Researcher Dr Simone Reynolds

Introducing Simone Reynolds, PhD - Research Fellow 

Based in: Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland

Key area of interest: Medical Parasitology, Infectious Diseases and Indigenous Health

I chose to get involved in the END RHD CRE because: Rheumatic heart disease is an unacceptable health issue for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and through my work I believe I can make a difference. I hope that my contribution goes some way to improving the health outcomes of Indigenous Australians and other Indigenous peoples in the world.

My average day involves: Mostly I am designing experiments investigating the immunogenicity and protection conferred by vaccine candidates we are exploring and conducting a lot of experiments with the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes.

I became a doctor/scientist/researcher because: I have an insane curiosity for how life works and how disease affects the body mixed with a background in traditional medicine. As a scientist I get to explore all these things and feel as though I am making a positive contribution.

Proudest achievement: Being awarded my doctorate and becoming a mother in the same year – I wasn’t sure if I would achieve either of those.

What I would like to see in five years’ time: the launch of a vaccine that protects against RHD.

Secret special talent/hobby: Sadly, I have no special talent. My hobby is to sleep – I don’t get much of it these days thanks to some little people I live with!