Kate Summer
Postdoctoral Research Officer
PhD
Kate is a post-doc researcher with the Strep A Translation team, based remotely in New South Wales. She currently works on STARFISH, a multidisciplinary NHMRC-funded project seeking to address the social and environmental determinants of health underpinning Strep A infections, and the development of Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) and Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD), in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. STARFISH integrates a wide range of expertise in environmental health, public health, infectious diseases, and housing, and brings together researchers, clinicians, and community partners.
Kate has a background in health and environmental science research, and recently completed her PhD in peptide-based antimicrobial drug development for respiratory infections. She brings valuable knowledge and skills in microbiology and science communication to the diverse projects within STARFISH.
Education and Qualifications
- PhD – Southern Cross University
- B Env Sc (Hons) – Southern Cross University
- Dip H Sci – Southern Cross University
- Dip VA – Southern Cross University
Awards/Honours
- 2025 – Chancellors Medal, Southern Cross University
- 2018 – University Medal, Southern Cross University
- 2016 – School of Environment, Science and Engineering Prize of Excellence, Southern Cross University
- 2014-2016 – Various scholarships and awards, Southern Cross University