Thiru Vanniasinkam

Genetics

Associate Professor Thiru Vanniasinkam

BSc (Flinders Uni), Hons Appl. Sci (UniSA),Grad. Dip.Med. Lab Sc. (UniSA), PhD (UniSA), SFHEA (UK) FASM

Course Director / Associate Professor in Immunology
Wagga Wagga
Building 288 Room 215

After completing her PhD, Dr Vanniasinkam undertook a Postdoctoral research fellowship in an Immunology Laboratory at the Wistar Institute (University of Pennsylvania campus) in Philadelphia, USA, prior to taking up a lecturer position at Charles Sturt University. Dr Vanniasinkam is engaged in research and teaching in microbiology and immunology.

Professional Award:

  • Australian Society for Microbiology Distinguished Service Award (2023)

MEMBERSHIP IN PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS

  • Fellow of the Australian Society for Microbiology
  • Member of the American Society for Microbiology
  • Member of the Microbiology Society (UK)
  • Member of the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists

Dr Vanniasinkam has significant experience in the development and delivery of courses (subjects) in Immunology and Microbiology, and program (course) development. She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education  Academy (UK). She also has an interest in the scholarship of teaching and learning and collaborates with colleagues nationally and internationally on teaching related research projects.

TEACHING AWARDS AND CITATIONS

  1. Teaching Leader 2008 - 2010 (awarded by CSU Division of Learning and Teaching Services)
  2. Vice Chancellor's Award for Team Teaching - 2012
  3. Office for Learning and Teaching citation for outstanding contributions to student learning (microbiology development team) - 2013
  4. Australian Society for Microbiology Teachers’ Travel Award (2021)
  5. David White Excellence in Teaching Award (ASM)(2023)

Dr Vanniasinkam's research experience includes DNA and viral vector based vaccine development, development of diagnostic tests for Campylobacter spp. and Rhodococcus equi and epitope mapping of bacterial virulence proteins. Her current research involves vaccine development and development of diagnostic techniques for veterinary pathogens such as equine adenovirus, Campylobacter jejuni and Rhodococcus equi.

Current externally funded projects:

  • AgriFutures Australia. Mahony, T., Vanniasinkam, T., Bond S., Barton M. Evaluation of a prototype vaccine for rattles in foals ($380, 409).

Training Hub promoting Regional Industry and Innovation in Virology and Epidemiology (THRIIVE): Boosting Australia’s Agriculture and Manufacturing Project.