Rachel Stephenson

My research journey began with the development of innovative synthetic strategies for development of multi-functional peptide-sulfonamide drug candidates, coupled with rigorous in vitro immunological assessments for biomedical applications. These efforts centered on pioneering solid-phase peptide synthesis and chemical conjugation techniques, culminating in cell-based immunological analyses of novel anti-cancer drug candidates.

Transitioning from Chemistry to Virology and Immunology, I leveraged my chemical expertise to design and optimise protein-based multiplex diagnostic assays, such as Luminex and ELISA, for critical diseases affecting the swine industry, including porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, bovine viral diarrhea, and African swine fever. This collaborative work played a key role in maintaining the disease-free status of imported meat and animals in the USA, safeguarding public health and the agricultural economy.

At the School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland (Australia), I have embraced an interdisciplinary approach in my role as a research-focused academic in Medicinal Chemistry. My current work revolves around the structural and immunological evaluation of synthetic peptide-based subunit vaccines aimed at preventing or treating human diseases such as Group A Streptococcus infection, schistosomiasis, cocaine addiction, and cancer. This research emphasises the critical role of synthetic immune-stimulants in subunit vaccine design and seeks to advance the technological methodologies underlying multi-component vaccine development, thereby contributing to the growth of peptide-based vaccine innovations.

Supported by collaborations across UQ and funded by the NHMRC (Australia), Meat & Livestock Australia, and Venture Capitalist Brandon Biocatalyst, my research aims to make significant strides in vaccine development, with broad implications for public health and agricultural biotechnology.