Rate My Professor Katrina Binger

Dr. Katrina Binger is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Monash University. She earned her PhD in biochemistry from the University of Melbourne in 2009, focusing initially on protein chemistry and biophysics. Transitioning to chronic disease research, she secured the NHMRC CJ Martin Fellowship for postdoctoral training at the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in Berlin, Germany. Her landmark study there revealed that high dietary salt polarizes macrophage responses by promoting pro-inflammatory M1 states and suppressing anti-inflammatory M2 mechanisms, as detailed in her 2015 Journal of Clinical Investigation paper, 'High salt reduces the activation of IL-4- and IL-13-stimulated macrophages' (Binger et al., cited over 300 times).

Returning to Australia, A/Prof. Binger advanced to Senior Lecturer at La Trobe University from July 2019 to February 2026, heading the Immunometabolism and Macrophage Biology group. Her research explores the complex links between macrophage metabolism, function, and tissue microenvironments to uncover therapeutic targets for cardiovascular disease, inflammation, diabetes, hypertension, and infections. Notable publications include 'Salt Transiently Inhibits Mitochondrial Energetics in Monocytes' (Circulation, 2021), 'Atp6ap2 deletion causes extensive vacuolation that consumes the insulin content of pancreatic β cells' (PNAS, 2019), and 'Tetraspanin CD82 restrains phagocyte migration but supports efferocytosis' (Cell Reports, 2022). With over 3,400 citations on Google Scholar, her contributions have shaped understanding in immunometabolism and cell biology. An award-winning educator, she received La Trobe University's Vice Chancellor's Teaching Award in 2024 for innovative curriculum design, student engagement, problem-based learning, and peer-mentoring. She has chaired school committees and led the creation of a multidisciplinary honors course in biochemistry.