Heema Vyas
Dr Heema Vyas completed her PhD at the University of Wollongong in 2021. Her thesis, titled "The Role of Pharyngeal Cell Surface Glycans in Group A Streptococcus Biofilm Formation," investigated host-pathogen interactions, specifically examining how pharyngeal cell surface glycans influence Group A Streptococcus biofilm formation and the implications for antibiotic treatment. Shortly after earning her PhD, Heema began a Postdoctoral Research position at the University of Sydney (Faculty of Engineering, 2021–24). In this role, she was part of a multidisciplinary team of microbiologists, engineers, and industry partners exploring the anti-biofilm properties of plasma-activated water (PAW), a novel technology that harnesses plasma, the fourth state of matter. Through this work, Heema has elucidate several mechanisms by which PAW eradicates biofilms and demonstrated its potential applications across diverse sectors, including biomedical and food industries. In July 2024, Heema commenced a new Postdoctoral Research role at the University of Adelaide, joining the team led by A/Prof Katharina Richter. Here, Heema continues to build on her work in the PAW–biofilm research space. Beyond her research, Heema is deeply committed to advancing the field of microbiology and biofilms. This dedication led her to establish and lead the first national Biofilm Special Interest Group within the Australian Society for Microbiology. Her passion for intersectional equity in STEMM also inspired her to co-found the ASM’s first LGBTQIA+ and Allies Network, which aims to provide visibility and support for queer-identifying microbiologists while promoting awareness and inclusivity through allyship.
Abstracts this author is presenting: