Dr. Jessica Agius

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Jessica Agius is a Research-Focused Academic at the School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney. Her research primarily focuses on the integration of molecular epidemiology and the surveillance of infectious diseases to improve public health outcomes. She is currently the postdoctoral lead for an invasive pneumococcal disease project under the translational Australian Pathogen Genomics Program (AusPathoGen). Her contributions are foundational in research initiatives under the AusPathoGen framework, targeting communicable pathogens such as Salmonella, Shigella, Tuberculosis, and Invasive Group Streptococcus. Jessica completed her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Veterinary Bioscience (Hons) at the University of Sydney in 2016, followed by a PhD in 2021, which involved collaborations across several institutions including the Westmead Institute for Medical Research and the Taronga Conservation Society Australia. During her PhD, she charactered a novel Enterococcus bacterium threatening critically endangered wild reptiles on Christmas Island. Her work also examines broader health issues faced by these reptiles, particularly focusing on viruses and parasites. Additionally, Jessica has engaged in supervising several research theses for Honours and DVM students and is a member of various professional organizations. Her notable awards include the 6th Annual Marie Bashir Institute Colloquium Poster & Presentation Award and inclusion in the University of Sydney's Dean's List.

Research Interests

Experience

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

2021-01-01 — Present

Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute • Sydney

Leads research projects focused on infectious disease surveillance and epidemiology.

Awards

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Deans List

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Academic Achievement Award

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Poster Presentation Award

Requirements for University of Sydney

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:17
Reading
Required:17
Writing
Required:19
Speaking
Required:17
Total
Required:85
PTE
Listening
Required:54
Reading
Required:54
Writing
Required:54
Speaking
Required:54
Overall
Required:61
Prerequisites
A master's degree with a research component or a bachelor's degree with first or second-class honours. Demonstrated research experience and capability.
Application Checklist
  • Academic transcripts
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Research proposal (1000+ words)
  • Two academic referee reports
  • Evidence of residency status
  • Written statement of support from potential supervisor
Specialization Notes

This entry applies to Faculty of Science PhD programs including Departments such as Life and Environmental Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics and Statistics.