Dr Kira Hughes

Biography

As both a hay fever sufferer and a scientist, Kira is dedicated to tackling the issue of thunderstorm asthma. While completing her PhD at Deakin University within the NeuroAllergy Research Laboratory (NARL), her research focused on understanding the environmental triggers of asthma, identifying the impact of climate change on hay fever & asthma, and developing better ways to monitor airborne allergens like pollen. Kira also worked for 5 years as a Research Scientist and Site Manager for Deakin AIRwatch, providing data to the Bureau of Meteorology and Victorian Department of Health for pollen forecasting services and ongoing thunderstorm asthma research. Kira maintains an Honorary Fellow appointment at Deakin University to continue her important research work on thunderstorm asthma.

In addition, Kira is an award-winning Science Communicator with a passion for promoting scientific research to diverse audiences as well as advocating for underrepresented groups in STEM. She currently works as a Research Grants Officer for the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre where she helps scientists effectively communicate their work to secure funding for important cancer research.

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