Overview
Background
My research has focused on molecular studies of pathogens, disease syndromes and health of Australian wildlife and domestic species. Particular research interests include the study of emerging and novel viral infections and syndromes of Australian bat species, being awarded the School of Veterinary Science, Award for Outstanding Contribution to Research in 2023. I am passionate about my undergraduate teaching in the discipline of animal genetics and genomics and my supervision and mentorship of Higher Degree Research students, being awarded the School of Veterinary Science, Helen Keates Developing Teacher Award, and Higher Degree Research Supervision Excellence Award in 2022. I mentor my students in developing their molecular biology skills in a diverse range of project areas, from molecular detection and characterisation of pathogens with zoonotic potential in wildlife and companion animals, characterisation of novel viruses of wildlife with potential wildlife health and conservation impacts and gene expression analyses in disease of companion animals.
Availability
- Dr Lee McMichael is:
- Not available for supervision
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced), The University of Queensland
- Masters (Coursework), The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
Research interests
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Overview
Dr McMichael's research focuses on molecular studies of emerging viruses with veterinary health, zoonotic and conservation implications; investigation of health biomarkers and gene expression analyses in disease of companion animals with translational outputs; and threatening disease syndromes of Australian wildlife species with a particular focus on threatened Australian bat species.
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Pathogenic threats to Australian Pteropus (flying fox) species
Generously supported by the Australian Bat Society, the Keith Mackie Lucas student scholarship, SVS Philanthropic Funds, and in collaboration with Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Biosecurity Sciences Laboratory.
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Tick paralysis in the endangered Spectacled flying fox
Generously supported by NSW Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service (WIRES) and the Department of Environment and Science Threatened Species Research Grant Program, in collaboration with the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI) and the Tolga Bat Hospital.
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Tick borne pathogens
Generously supported by Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, in collaboration with QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute.
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Cleft palate syndrome in the endangered Spectacled flying fox
Generously supported by Wildlife Health Australia (WHA), Morris Animal Foundation Veterinary Student Scholar Program, and in collaboration with the Tolga Bat Hospital, James Cook University and the University of Missouri.
Research impacts
Dr McMichael's research into the epidemiology of Hendra virus in its Australian reservoir flying fox host has contributed to establishing risk management policies at Queensland state government levels. Her continuing research into emerging viruses in Australian bats has lead to the discovery and characterision a number of novel viruses with potential wildlife health and conservation implications. Dr McMichael works collaboratively with Biosecurity Queensland (Department of Agriculture and Fisheries), and several Australian universities, inclusive of Griffith University, University of Southern Queensland, James Cook University and Macquarie University as part of her research into emerging infectious diseases. Dr McMichael also has ongoing collaborations with wildlife research organisations, in particular the University of Queensland Hidden Vale Teaching and Research Centre and the Tolga Bat Rehabilitation and Research Organisation, in undertaking conservation orientated research in Australian endangered species, particularly the mahogany glider and spectacled flying fox.
Works
Search Professor Lee McMichael’s works on UQ eSpace
Featured
2018
Journal Article
Phylogeny of Hepatocystis parasites of Australian flying foxes reveals distinct parasite clade
Schaer, Juliane, McMichael, Lee, Gordon, Anita N., Russell, Daniel, Matuschewski, Kai, Perkins, Susan L., Field, Hume and Power, Michelle (2018). Phylogeny of Hepatocystis parasites of Australian flying foxes reveals distinct parasite clade. International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife, 7 (2), 207-212. doi: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2018.06.001
Featured
2018
Conference Publication
Chronic physiological stress in Australian flying-foxes and Hendra virus
McMichael, Lee , Meers, Joanne , Kopp, Steven and Field, Hume (2018). Chronic physiological stress in Australian flying-foxes and Hendra virus. In: Australian Mammal Society Conference Proceedings. Australian mammal Society Conference, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, (). July 2018.
Featured
2017
Journal Article
Physiological stress and Hendra virus in flying-foxes (Pteropus spp.), Australia
McMichael, Lee, Edson, Daniel, Smith, Craig, Mayer, David, Smith, Ian, Kopp, Steven, Meers, Joanne and Field, Hume (2017). Physiological stress and Hendra virus in flying-foxes (Pteropus spp.), Australia. PLoS One, 12 (8) e0182171, e0182171. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182171
Featured
2017
Other Outputs
Physiological biomarkers of Hendra virus infection in Australian Flying-foxes (Pteropus spp.)
McMichael, Lee Anne (2017). Physiological biomarkers of Hendra virus infection in Australian Flying-foxes (Pteropus spp.). PhD Thesis, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/uql.2017.871
Featured
2017
Journal Article
Physiologic biomarkers and hendra virus infection in Australian black flying foxes (Pteropus alecto)
McMichael, Lee, Edson, Daniel, Mayer, David, Broos, Alice, Kopp, Steven, Meers, Joanne and Field, Hume (2017). Physiologic biomarkers and hendra virus infection in Australian black flying foxes (Pteropus alecto). Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 53 (1), 111-120. doi: 10.7589/2016-05-100
Featured
2016
Journal Article
Temporal variation in physiological biomarkers in black flying-foxes (Pteropus alecto), Australia
McMichael, Lee, Edson, Daniel, Mayer, David, McLaughlin, Amanda, Goldspink, Lauren, Vidgen, Miranda E., Kopp, Steven, Meers, Joanne and Field, Hume (2016). Temporal variation in physiological biomarkers in black flying-foxes (Pteropus alecto), Australia. EcoHealth, 13 (1), 49-59. doi: 10.1007/s10393-016-1113-0
Featured
2015
Journal Article
Spatiotemporal aspects of Hendra virus infection in pteropid bats (flying-foxes) in Eastern Australia
Field, Hume, Jordan, David, Edson, Daniel, Morris, Stephen, Melville, Debra, Parry-Jones, Kerryn, Broos, Alice, Divljan, Anja, McMichael, Lee, Davis, Rodney, Kung, Nina, Kirkland, Peter and Smith, Craig (2015). Spatiotemporal aspects of Hendra virus infection in pteropid bats (flying-foxes) in Eastern Australia. PloS One, 10 (12) 144055, e0144055. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0144055
Featured
2015
Journal Article
Haematology and plasma biochemistry of wild Black flying-foxes, (Pteropus alecto) in Queensland, Australia
McMichael, Lee, Edson, Daniel, McLaughlin, Amanda, Mayer, David, Kopp, Steven, Meers, Joanne and Field, Hume (2015). Haematology and plasma biochemistry of wild Black flying-foxes, (Pteropus alecto) in Queensland, Australia. PLoS One, 10 (5) e0125741, 1-13. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0125741
Featured
2015
Journal Article
Flying-fox roost disturbance and hendra virus spillover risk
Edson, Daniel, Field, Hume, McMichael, Lee, Jordan, David, Kung, Nina, Mayer, David and Smith, Craig (2015). Flying-fox roost disturbance and hendra virus spillover risk. PL o S One, 10 (5) e0125881, 1-16. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0125881
Featured
2015
Journal Article
Routes of Hendra virus excretion in naturally-infected flying-foxes: implications for viral transmission and spill over risk
Edson, D., Field, H., McMichael, L., Vidgen, M,, Goldspink, L., Broos, A,, Melville, D., Kristoffersen, J., de Jong, C., McLaughlin, A., Kung, N., Jordan, D,, Kirkland, P. and Smith, C. (2015). Routes of Hendra virus excretion in naturally-infected flying-foxes: implications for viral transmission and spill over risk. PLoS One, 10 (10) e0140670, e0140670. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0140670
Featured
2015
Conference Publication
Hendra virus infection of Black flying-foxes (Pteropus alecto): Assessment of nutritional and physiological drivers
McMichael, Lee , Edson, Daniel , Mayer, David , Kopp, Steven , Meers, Joanne and Field, Hume (2015). Hendra virus infection of Black flying-foxes (Pteropus alecto): Assessment of nutritional and physiological drivers. In: Wildlife Disease Association International conference proceedings. Wildlife Disease Association International Conference, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia, (). 26-30 July 2015.
Featured
2014
Journal Article
Measuring physiological stress in Australian flying-fox populations
McMichael, Lee A., Edson, Daniel and Field, Hume (2014). Measuring physiological stress in Australian flying-fox populations. EcoHealth, 11 (3), 400-408. doi: 10.1007/s10393-014-0954-7
Featured
2014
Conference Publication
Hematology and biochemistry of black flying-foxes. Towards understanding population health and association with Hendra virus
McMichael, Lee , Edson, Daniel , Mclaughlin, Amanada , Kopp, Steven , Meers, Joanne and Field, Hume (2014). Hematology and biochemistry of black flying-foxes. Towards understanding population health and association with Hendra virus. Wildlife Disease Association Australasia Conference, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, ACT, Australia, September 2014.
Featured
2013
Conference Publication
Physiological drivers of hendra virus excretion in black flying-foxes: a PhD study
McMichael, Lee, Meers, Joanne, Kopp, Steven and Field, Hume (2013). Physiological drivers of hendra virus excretion in black flying-foxes: a PhD study. Wildlife Disease Association Australasia Conference, Grampians, VIC Australia, September 2013.
Featured
2012
Conference Publication
Flying fox dispersal and Hendra virus risk
Edson, Daniel, McMichael, Lee, Jordon, David and Field, Hume (2012). Flying fox dispersal and Hendra virus risk. Emerging Infectious Diseases Symposium, Geelong, VIC, Australia, 22-23 October 2012.
Featured
2012
Conference Publication
Flying fox dispersal, stress and Hendra virus risk
Edson, Daniel, McMichael, Lee and Field, Hume (2012). Flying fox dispersal, stress and Hendra virus risk. In: WDAA Annual Conference Proceedings. Wildlife Disease Association Australasia Conference, Stradbroke Island, QLD Australia, (). September 2012.
Featured
2012
Conference Publication
Measuring stress in wild Australian flying foxes
McMichael, Lee, Edson, Daniel and Field, Hume (2012). Measuring stress in wild Australian flying foxes. In: WDAA Annual Conference Proceedings 2012. Wildlife Disease Association Australasia Conference, Stradbroke Island, QLD Australia, (). September 2012.
Featured
2002
Other Outputs
Plant and viral promoters PMP Schenk, L Sagi, S Remy, RL Swennen, RG Dietzgen, ADW Geering, LA McMichael, JE Thomas, CPL Grof, AR Elliott. CSIRO, 2002. United States Patent US 6,391,639 B1.
Schenk, P. M. P., Sagi, L., Remy, S., Swennen, R. L., Dietzgen, R. G., Geering, A. D. W., McMichael, L. A. , Thomas, J. E. , Grof, C. P. L. and Elliott, A. R. (2002). Plant and viral promoters PMP Schenk, L Sagi, S Remy, RL Swennen, RG Dietzgen, ADW Geering, LA McMichael, JE Thomas, CPL Grof, AR Elliott. CSIRO, 2002. United States Patent US 6,391,639 B1.. US Patent 6,391,639 B1.
2024
Conference Publication
Investigating the role of Koala Retrovirus in primary skeletal neoplasia in koalas
Chu, Carmen, McMichael, Lee, Palmieri, Chiara, Gordon, Jo, Meers, Joanne and Gonzalez Astudillo, Viviana (2024). Investigating the role of Koala Retrovirus in primary skeletal neoplasia in koalas. Australia and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists Science Week, Gold Coast, QLD Australia, 25-27 July 2024.
2024
Other Outputs
Blubber gene expression and cortisol concentrations reveal changing physiological stress in a Southern ocean sentinel species (Eastern Australian Humpback Whale)
Linsky, Jake and McMichael, Lee (2024). Blubber gene expression and cortisol concentrations reveal changing physiological stress in a Southern ocean sentinel species (Eastern Australian Humpback Whale). The University of Queensland. (Dataset) doi: 10.48610/1e736d1
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Lee McMichael is:
- Not available for supervision
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Characterisation of a novel flying fox retrovirus
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Joanne Meers, Professor Timothy Mahony
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Doctor Philosophy
The Oncogenic and Immunosuppresive Potency of Novel Flying Fox Gammaretrovirus : Uncover The Species-Shifting of Bat Virus Origin
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Deanne Whitworth, Professor Joanne Meers
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Doctor Philosophy
Novel immunotherapeutics in the treatment of cancer in pet dogs: an investigation into the tumour microenvironment
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Karen Jackson, Professor Chiara Palmieri, Dr Solomon Woldeyohannes, Professor Rachel Allavena
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Doctor Philosophy
Investigation into stem cell markers as potential therapeutic vaccine targets for cancer treatment in dogs
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Chiara Palmieri, Professor Rachel Allavena
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Doctor Philosophy
Comparing the clinical and histological changes seen in dogs treated with either an autologous anti-cancer vaccine or intra tumoral adjuvant.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Chiara Palmieri, Professor Rachel Allavena
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Doctor Philosophy
Critical foraging habitat of the Grey-headed flying fox in Queensland and its diet in the Toowoomba region
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Annabel Smith, Dr April Reside
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Doctor Philosophy
Investigation into stem cell markers as potential therapeutic vaccine targets for cancer treatment in dogs
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Chiara Palmieri, Professor Rachel Allavena
Completed supervision
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Pathogenesis and Epidemiology of Zoonotic Mosquito-borne Diseases in Horses
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Nick Hudson, Professor Joerg Henning, Dr Albert Sole Guitart
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the population health of the eastern Australian humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Michael Noad, Associate Professor Rebecca Dunlop
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Bandicoots in anthropogenic landscapes of south-east Queensland: health and zoonoses
Associate Advisor
Media
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