Professor Karena Waller is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Melbourne, within the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences. She earned her PhD in malaria research from Monash University in 2001 and a Graduate Certificate in University Teaching from the University of Melbourne in 2011. Prior to joining the university's academic teaching staff in 2010, she accumulated over 15 years of postdoctoral experience in local and international malaria research, focusing on Plasmodium falciparum. Key contributions include publications such as 'Characterisation of PfRON6, a Plasmodium falciparum rhoptry neck protein with a novel cysteine-rich domain' and 'Plasmodium falciparum: Genetic and immunogenic characterisation of the rhoptry neck protein PfRON4'. Her research during this period advanced understanding of apicomplexan rhoptry neck proteins essential for parasite invasion mechanisms.

Transitioning to a teaching-focused career, Waller significantly contributes to microbiology and immunology education for second- and third-year Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Biomedicine students. She holds positions as Lecturer and Subject Coordinator, Deputy Program Director of the Bachelor of Biomedicine, Academic Programs Coordinator, Majors Coordinator, and Exchange/Global Mobility Coordinator for the department. She serves on numerous committees across School, Faculty, Institute, and University levels, addressing teaching and learning, student experience and engagement, and academic governance. Waller's Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) research targets enhancing teaching quality, student engagement, overall student experience, and professional development pathways for teaching-focused academic staff. She has published numerous peer-reviewed articles in biomedical and educational research, including 'Delivery of a bespoke parasitology subject in an alternative online realm: lessons and lasting innovations' (2023). Recognized for excellence, she received the 2017 Australian Society for Microbiology David White Excellence in Teaching Award, 2016 ASMCUE Travel Award sponsored by the American Society for Microbiology, and MDHS Staff Excellence Award. Waller has engaged in international educational forums, including ISSOTL presentations and leadership roles.

Professional Email: klwaller@unimelb.edu.au