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Denby Evans

Postdoctoral Researcher

Denby Evans

Postdoctoral Researcher

PhD

denby.evans@thekids.org.au

Dr Denby Evans is an early-career postdoctoral researcher based within the Foundations of Lung Disease team, with adjunct positions at The University of Western Australia and Curtin University. Denby’s research focuses on preterm-associated lung disease, with a specific interest in understanding the mechanisms that contribute to lung function deficits persisting beyond neonatal intensive care in individuals born preterm.  

Denby completed her PhD thesis through Curtin University in 2024, which investigated how preterm birth changes the structure and function of airway cells in both babies and adolescents. Throughout her PhD, Denby published multiple first-author papers and received >15 awards at local, national and international levels. This includes the 2023 TSANZ ‘Ann Woolcock New Investigator’ award and the 2023 ‘Student Scientist of the Year’ in the WA Premier’s Science Awards.

Denby is now funded by a WA Early Career Child Health Researcher Fellowship and leading project grants that utilise both her laboratory and clinical skillset to better understand the impact of preterm birth on the underlying biology. Using a wide range of techniques including primary cell culture, bioinformatic analysis and pulmonary function testing, Denby is currently investigating how preterm birth impacts the body’s immune responses, airway repair and inflammation. 

Denby is fully committed to research that bridges fundamental biology and clinical impact, with the ultimate aim of improving respiratory outcomes for children born preterm.

Education and Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy (with Chancellors Commendation), Curtin University
  • Bachelor of Science with Honours in Pharmacology and Molecular Biology, University of Western Australia

Awards/Honours

  • Illuminate Award (2026)
  • Raine Collaboration Award with The University of Barcelona (2025)
  • Klosterfrau International Publication Award (2024)
  • Stan and Jean Perron Career Launching Award (2024)
  • Premier’s Science Award – Western Australia Student Scientist of the Year (2023)
  • Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand Ann Woolcock New Investigator Award (2023)
  • Asia-Pacific Society of Respirology Young Investigator Award (2023)
  • Stan and Jean Perron Excellence Award (2023)
  • Child and Adolescent Health Service Best Student Poster (2021)
  • Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand Best Oral Presentation for Cell Immunology and Biology (2021)