Meet Our Academics: Dr Siobhon Egan

From Australian wildlife and tick-borne microbes to cutting-edge genomic technologies, Dr Siobhon Egan's research sits at the intersection of human, animal and environmental health. A Lecturer in Systems Biology and Research Fellow in the School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, she is helping to uncover the biological mechanisms behind some of Australia's most challenging infectious disease questions.

Originally trained in Animal Health and Wildlife Biology at Murdoch University, Siobhon has built her research career around understanding the microscopic organisms that influence health and disease. After completing Honours and a PhD at Murdoch, she developed expertise in ticks, the microbes they carry and the potential impacts these organisms can have on wildlife, domestic animals and people.

That expertise has recently contributed to a new publication in Scientific Reports, which investigated molecular changes associated with tick bites and debilitating symptom complexes attributed to ticks (DSCATT). The collaborative study analysed circulating microRNAs, tiny molecules that help regulate gene expression, and identified distinctive molecular signatures in people affected by tick exposure and persistent symptoms.

For Siobhon, the project reflects years of work aimed at better understanding tick-associated diseases in Australia.

"Much of my research has focused on the microbes present in Australian ticks and wildlife. This study allows us to look from a different perspective by examining how the human body responds following tick exposure," she said.

The publication brings together researchers from across Australia and highlights the strength of Murdoch University's long-standing expertise in tick-borne disease research. Among the co-authors are Murdoch researchers Amanda Barbosa, Una Ryan, Charlotte Oskam, and Peter Irwin, who have spent many years investigating pathogens, parasites and emerging infectious diseases affecting both animals and humans.

For Siobhon, research is increasingly about connecting disciplines. Her work combines molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics and microbiology to address questions that cannot be answered through a single field alone. Current projects span tick-borne diseases, emerging zoonotic infections, and the complex interactions between microbes and their hosts.

This approach is grounded in the One Health concept, which recognises that human, animal and environmental health are closely interconnected.

Her research also has a growing international dimension through a partnership with the Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre (SIDC) in Malaysia. Working with colleagues across Murdoch University and SIDC, Siobhon is helping build genomics and infectious disease surveillance capacity in the region through projects focused on zoonotic diseases, pathogen genomics, tuberculosis elimination and community-based disease surveillance. The collaboration reflects her commitment to translating research into real-world public health impact through international partnerships and a One Health approach.

"Many infectious diseases emerge at the interface between people, animals and the environment. Understanding those connections is essential if we want to improve health outcomes and respond effectively to future disease threats."

Alongside her research, Siobhon teaches in laboratory medicine and infectious disease programs and supervises Honours and postgraduate students. She is passionate about introducing students to modern genomic tools and helping them develop the analytical skills needed for contemporary biomedical research.

Her contributions have already attracted international recognition, including the Sinnecker-Kunz Early Career Researcher Award and an Australian Academy of Science fellowship to attend the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting.

As new technologies continue to transform how scientists study infectious diseases, researchers such as Siobhon are helping ensure Murdoch remains at the forefront of discoveries that improve both human and animal health. Recent publications such as the DSCATT study demonstrate how collaborative research, combining expertise from researchers in MMFS and beyond, can provide valuable new insights into some of Australia's most complex health challenges.

Listen to a recent podcast from the Pawsey Supercomputing Centre featuring Siobhon.