I am a graduate of The University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand and hold BSc (Hons) and PhD degrees in biochemistry. I conducted postdoctoral studies at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland (1997-2006) on cystic fibrosis and host response to lung disease. Since 2006 I have lead research on the protective role of platelets in malarial infection, whilst working at the Menzies Research Institute, University of Tasmania (Senior Research Fellow; 2006-2012) and at the Australian School of Advanced Medicine, Macquarie University (Associate Professor; 2012-2014). I was appointed as an Associate Professor at the John Curtin School of Medicine (JCSMR), Australian National University (ANU) in 2014. I currently serve roles in undergraduate teaching (course convener) and am the Associate Director of Higher Degree Research at the John Curtin.

BSc (Hons), PhD

The McMorran group works in the Division of Immunology and Infectious Disease at ANU’s prestigious John Curtin School of Medical Research. We investigate the two major cells of the blood, red blood cells (RBC) and platelets, and the important roles of these cells play in various human diseases affecting the circulation. We have a strong track record in discovery science, having identified platelets as innate immune protective cells in malarial infection and that platelets are regulators of erythrocyte turnover. Our current work explores the biology and biochemistry that underpins these remarkable platelet functions. We are interested in both the broader physiological significance of platelet-RBC interactions in the bloodstream, how these cells impact on host susceptibility and resistance to malaria, and how they contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic conditions affecting platelet and erythrocytes, as well as translating this knowledge for clinical applications. 

In other collaborative work, we also host projects investigating the genetic causes of chronic kidney disease in an Indigenous Australian community. The projects listed below are available for undergraduate and post-graduate students interested in immunology and parasitology, malaria drug development, haematology and platelet function, or human genetics.