Biography

Dr Jessica Borger is a cellular immunologist who has contributed to understanding fundamental molecular mechanisms governing T cell function. Since appointment at Monash University in 2017 Jessica has focussed on two diverse research areas, understanding the cellular mechanisms driving bronchitis and investigating how to improve immunotherapy for the treatment of cancer, with the personal and professional goal to translate her research into the clinic to improve health outcomes for people with debilitating chronic lung disorders. Jessica spent 10 years training overseas, initially completing her PhD on a prestigious Medical Research Council scholarship at the National Institute of Medical Research in London, and then undertaking a MRC Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Edinburgh. At the University of Edinburgh Jessica was also involved in research to understand host-pathogen interactions in hookworm infection (S. mansoni and H. polygyrus) and the role of extracellular vesicles or exosomes may play a role in extracellular communication between the parasite and host. She currently holds a CASS Foundation Medicine/Science grant to design superior killers in CAR-T therapy and hopes to also continue studying the role of exosomes in cancer immunotherapy. Science education and communication is a passion for Jessica. She is a Teaching Associate and guest lecturer at Monash University and is the secretary of the Australian Society of Immunology Advanced Immunology School. Jessica was recently appointed Associate Editor of Web Content and Promotions at Immunology & Cell Biology, is a Topic Editor and reviewer for Frontiers in Immunology, Associate Faculty member of F1000 Prime and has written for The Conversation, Women in STEMM Australia, Women's Agenda and has appeared on the radio speaking on the science program Einstein a go-go. An exciting new initiative, Jessica will be a judge on in 2019 is the TV show Smart Brains Australia, which will showcase the experiments and inventions of high school children from across Australia. Jessica presents to students and the public discussing gender equity in science and medical research, with her contributions recognised through a veski Inspiring Women in STEM scholarship for mid-career emerging leaders.

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