Ana Maria Valencia Hernandez

Dr. Ana Maria Valencia-Hernandez is a postdoctoral research fellow currently associated with the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine at James Cook University (JCU). Ana counts with international education and expertise in the fields of immunology, intracellular pathogens, and vaccine development. Her current research endeavours revolve around the development of novel T-cell based vaccines for tuberculosis (TB).

Ana studied Microbiology at Universidad de los Andes in Colombia, then moved to Germany for her Master’s program at the University of Würzburg. She completed her PhD as part of a joint program between the University of Bonn and The University of Melbourne in 2021, with the goal of optimising a malaria vaccine in animals. Under the supervision of Prof. Heath, her PhD project developed a novel vaccination strategy for the generation of liver resident memory T cells capable of preventing malaria infection. A successful murine vaccine was produced that conferred more than 90% sterile protection in mice. For her second PhD project, she investigated how TLR ligands function as adjuvants for the generation of tissue resident memory T cells.

Ana's research findings have featured in prestigious scientific journals such as Cell Host & Microbe and Science Immunology and has also been presented at numerous national and international conferences. With a particular focus on the development of immunisation strategies that promote the generation of tissue resident memory T cells, important for the local control of tumours and infections.

Driven by a passion for improving human health and advancing knowledge, at this early career stage, Ana has received several notable awards, and scholarships throughout her academic journey. These include two ECR grants as CIA; two scholarships, one from the University of Melbourne to perform PhD by research and a second one from the Universidad de los Andes to undertake undergraduate studies in Colombia; invitations to present in overseas Annual Meetings and travel grants for conference participation.

Ana’s is a driven team player with a collegial attitude and cultural competence with collaborators from various institutes across Germany and Australia. She is passionate about science communication and data presentation and is committed to stablish new interdisciplinary collaborations.