Students

Mr Samuel Liwei Leong

Manager

Mr Samuel Liwei Leong is a final‑year PhD candidate at the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Sciences in the Gras Laboratory. Samuel’s research focuses on T cell immunity to several respiratory viruses, including influenza and SARS‑CoV‑2. His work has resulted in several peer‑reviewed publications, including investigations into new and emerging vaccine strategies targeting T cells in seasonal and avian influenza viruses. His current research aims to improve understanding of the immunological differences between individuals infected with SARS‑CoV‑2 and those experiencing post‑acute or long‑term COVID‑19 symptoms.

Ms Sparsha Pallen

Animator

Sparsha Pallen completed her integrated dual Master’s program in Nanobiotechnology and Molecular Medicine at Amrita University, India and the University of Arizona, USA in 2022. During her master’s, she studied the immunostimulatory effects of calcium phosphate-based nanoparticles as a candidate vaccine adjuvant. Following her studies, she worked as a research technician (2023-2026) investigating the immune response to bacterial diseases in human samples and mouse models. Sparsha is a first-year PhD student at the Gras lab, La Trobe Institute of Molecular Sciences, La Trobe University and is interested in exploring the molecular mechanisms of immune responses to intracellular pathogens. Her PhD project focuses on the role of lipid particles in viral T cell communication and responses and their implications in long COVID. 

Ms Jamie Tuibeo

Manager

Jamie Tuibeo is a second-year PhD candidate in the Gras Laboratory at the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, where she investigates adaptive immune responses in the context of HIV and SARS‑CoV‑2 infection. Her research in HIV and chronic viral infection focuses on uncovering the mechanisms that underpin viral control, with particular attention to T cell immunity in understudied populations. This work has recently expanded into her current work on long COVID, in which she examines T cell responses during long COVID. Through this program of research, Jamie aims to advance our understanding of antiviral immunity across both acute and chronic disease settings.