This thesis examines cytokine release storm, where the immune system becomes dangerously overactive. Using rat models, mathematical modelling, science and coding, she maps how corticosteroids move through organs and control inflammation. The goal is to optimise treatment for CRS during cancer therapy, COVID or future pandemics.

This research uses a high-throughput screening platform called EpiScan to identify HIV peptides that bind strongly to MHC molecules and appear on infected cell surfaces. By discovering these immune-visible targets, the work aims to improve detection and elimination of hidden HIV reservoirs, supporting the development of future HIV therapies.

This research investigates macrophages, immune cells that regulate infection, tissue repair, and cancer responses. Through laboratory experiments and machine-learning models, it aims to predict macrophage function across different diseases and patients. The work could improve prognosis, guide treatments, evaluate drug safety, and forecast recovery following major illnesses and injuries.

This research investigates how cells select which protein fragments, or peptides, to display to the immune system. Contrary to previous assumptions, peptide presentation appears highly curated rather than random. Understanding these selection rules could improve cancer immunotherapy, enhance antiviral treatments, and provide new insights into autoimmune diseases.

This research combines focused ultrasound and engineered genetic circuits to activate cancer immunotherapy directly within solid tumors. By locally triggering immune-stimulating cytokines such as IL-12, the approach aims to convert “cold” tumors into “hot” tumors while minimizing systemic toxicity, potentially expanding curative immunotherapy treatments to more cancer patients.

This research investigates whether activation of the sympathetic nervous system can enhance tissue regeneration. Using engineered neural switches in mice, the study demonstrated improved healing after ear injury, including growth of nerves, blood vessels, and cartilage. The findings suggest that nervous system regulation may play an important role in future regenerative medicine therapies.

This research uses wastewater-based epidemiology to monitor antibodies excreted by communities, providing early insights into population vulnerability to infectious diseases. By analyzing antibody trends in wastewater over time, the work helps public health authorities identify at-risk communities, allocate resources more effectively, strengthen vaccination strategies, and improve outbreak preparedness.

This research develops synthetic genetic circuits that automatically alternate CAR T-cell activity between active cancer killing and recovery states. By preventing immune-cell exhaustion, these circuits could improve cancer immunotherapy effectiveness. The work also suggests broader biomedical applications where controlled cycling of gene activity may enhance treatment safety, longevity, and therapeutic performance.

This research improves combination vaccines by addressing antigen competition using injectable hydrogels that slowly release antigens. This approach produces balanced immune responses to multiple diseases, unlike traditional vaccines. The innovation could reduce the number of shots required, improve global vaccine access, and ensure more effective immunization, particularly in underserved populations.

This research investigates why blocking an early asthma “alarmin” signal often fails as a treatment. Using mouse models, it reveals that environmental differences—particularly the microbiome—can bypass this signal and still drive asthma. Understanding microbiome health may help predict treatment success and lead to more personalized, effective asthma therapies.