Paolo Bareng’s PhD research at Deakin focused on the antigenic diversity of Plasmodium vivax malaria, focussing on the parasite’s ability to escape human immune responses. By identifying genes and mutations involved in immune evasion, the research aimed to improve malaria vaccine design and shed light on the evolutionary interplay between parasites and human hosts.
Why did you decide to do a PhD?
I decided to pursue a PhD because of my interest in infectious disease research, particularly malaria, and my desire to uncover unknown aspects while understanding the complex challenges in health and medicine. I believe that doing a PhD offers the opportunity to explore cutting-edge technologies, network with leading experts, and make discoveries that can have tangible impacts.
Why is health and medical research important?
Medical research is important because it deepens our understanding of diseases and drives innovation in treatments, diagnostics, and prevention strategies. It is also vital for tackling health challenges in target communities by supporting the implementation of evidence-based policies and guidelines.
What support did Deakin and your supervisor provide during your PhD?
Deakin has supported me through a postgraduate scholarship, allowing me to focus entirely on my research project. Additionally, their generous HDR travel grant enabled me to attend an international conference, where I shared my findings and expanded my professional network.
My supervisor has been incredibly supportive throughout my PhD, guiding me through both practical and theoretical components of my study. She has also given me opportunities for my professional development and has encouraged me along the way.
How is your research linked to industry?
My research focusses on the antigenic diversity of malaria parasites. Understanding the genetic diversity of these parasites is essential for vaccine development, as it helps researchers and vaccine industries identify strains that are dominant across different populations and how these strains influence variability in human immune responses. By providing information into these genetic variations, my work contributes directly to the selection of vaccine candidates with broader efficacy. This link between academic research and industry is crucial for creating vaccines that can be deployed in various malaria-endemic regions, ultimately supporting efforts to accelerate a more robust and protective malaria vaccines.
What impact will your research work have on the world?
Prior to starting my PhD, I worked as a malaria researcher in the Philippines. During fieldwork, I saw firsthand how this devastating disease disproportionately impacts underserved populations, with children missing school and adults unable to work and support their families. These encounters motivated me to deepen my understanding of malaria and contribute to discoveries that can help alleviate the suffering of these individuals. My PhD research focusses on enhancing malaria vaccine design by incorporating population genetics, with the aim of creating more effective solutions. I hope my work will ultimately bring us closer to reducing the burden brought by this disease.
What’s next? Where do you hope your PhD will take you?
I am actively seeking postdoctoral positions in laboratories specialising in infectious diseases/malaria research. I am really passionate about this field and eager to contribute to advancing our understanding of these diseases. I hope to grow my career and further my expertise in this area.