Leah Rankine-Wilson

Leah Rankine-Wilson

Research Officer

PhD, MSc, BSc

leah.rankine-wilson@thekids.org.au

Dr Rankine-Wilson is an early-career microbiologist and postdoctoral researcher in the Foundations of Lung Disease Team at The Kids Research Institute Australia. She completed a Master of Infectious Disease at the University of Western Australia under the supervision of Professor Charlene Kahler, where she investigated prophages in invasive Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Leah then completed her PhD with Professor Yossef Av-Gay at the University of British Columbia, Canada, developing host-directed therapeutic strategies for tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacterial disease by targeting phagosome acidification in macrophages.

In 2026, Leah returned to Australia to join The Kids, where she works with Associate Professor Kathryn Ramsey on paediatric muco-obstructive lung disease cohorts, including BRIGHT and TIME-CF. Drawing on her expertise in microbiology, drug discovery, and host–pathogen interactions, her research investigates how long-term antibiotic use and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator therapies influence airway infection, immune responses, and antimicrobial resistance. Her goal is to generate evidence that supports more effective, sustainable treatment strategies for children and young people living with chronic respiratory infections.

Education and Qualifications

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada (2026) - “Leveraging macrophage acidification for tuberculosis drug discovery”
• Master of Infectious Disease – The University of Western Australia (2017) - “MDA-like phage in Neisseria gonorrhoeae causing invasive disease”
• Bachelor of Science - The University of Western Australia (2015) - Microbiology & Immunology, Botany.