CHER-PHENG OOI, PhD

I am a molecular biologist passionate about understanding the fascinating biology of parasitic pathogens. I was awarded my PhD in Tropical Medicine from the University of Liverpool in 2011 for my research into how African trypanosomes exploit the blood-feeding adaptations of tsetse flies to complete their life cycle. This research was supported by an Overseas Research Students Awards Scheme Fellowship. In 2012, I furthered my post-doctoral training at the Pasteur Institute in Paris, France on an Île-de-France International Postdoctoral Fellowship, focussing on the importance of parasite motility for transmission. In 2014, I obtained a position as Research Associate at Imperial College, London, making contributions to our understanding the of extreme biology of African trypanosomes, evolved to make them highly effective in evading the immune system of their hosts.

In 2020, I joined Edge Hill University as a Senior Lecturer in Microbiology and have since endeavoured to establish molecular parasitology research at Edge Hill University. Through the generosity of established researchers in the field, in-house collaborators and the hard work of project students, I now have a research programme investigating diverse areas such as basic parasite biology, novel therapeutics and how the host immune system reacts to trypanosome infection.

Research aside, I am committed to delivering quality teaching in higher education, and to inspiring the next generation of STEM scientists. This has been recognised by an Innovation in Scholarship Award by the Edge Hill Centre for Learning and Teaching in 2023. From a Genetics Society Public Engagement grant, I have also initiated a Portable Genetics Programme, where Biology Department academics bring portable genetics laboratories to colleges and schools to give students an early taster of key skills they will need in further education or employment in molecular laboratories.

My laboratory works to shed light on the fascinating biology of African trypanosomes. These protozoan parasites have evolved fascinating and unique biological traits to evade the immune system of the host. One focus is how African trypanosomes dampen the host immune response, and how co-morbidities change the way the human immune system combats parasitic infections. Another focus is on how synthetic peptides can be used to bind and block nutrient uptake receptors of the African trypanosomes, preventing the parasite from acquiring essential nutrients for continued survival and infection of their hosts.

Findings from these investigations would inform our understanding of the mechanisms evolved in parasites to make them such effective pathogens. In the era where we are experiencing climate change, increased encroachment of human habitation into once-virgin wilderness, accessible and high volume of international mobility, and global pandemics, it is more important than ever that focus is given to these often-overlooked causative agents of tropical diseases.

I teach on a number of Biology Department modules, focussing on aspects of molecular biology, microbiology and infectious disease. I have also served as Programme Leader for International Teaching Partnerships.

I recently led the successful validation of a BSc (Hons) Global Infectious Disease Programme, which will be delivered in partnership between Edge Hill University and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. The is an exciting new direction for Edge Hill University, bringing together two academic partners with excellent track records in high quality education and research. This places Edge Hill University on the map as a centre for training in infectious disease research, strategically placed to supply field researchers, laboratory scientists and policy makers to combat the emerging threats of infectious disease.

Past Grants

• Genetics Society Public Engagement Grant approved 2022.
• BBSRC application BB/V004085/1 approved 15/1/2021. Contributed data and co-authored as co-investigator.
• Wellcome Trust fellowship number 095161. Contributed data and co-authored.
• Île-de-France International post-doctorial fellowship grant for the development of fluorescent parasites (2011 – 2013).
• Overseas Research Student Award Scheme for PhD (2008 – 2011).

Invited Research Seminars

• Alderley Park Biology Lecture Series, 24/6/25
• TAR University of Management and Technology, Malaysia, 2/5/2024
• Chongqing Normal University, China, 25/4/2024
• TAR University of Management and Technology, Malaysia, 17/5/2023
• Lancaster University, 15/11/2017

Post Graduate Viva Voce Examinations

• Manchester Metropolitan University, PhD, 2025.
• Edge Hill University, MRes, 2023, 2024.
• Edge Hill University, PhD, 2022, 2023.
• Lancaster University, MRes, 2022.

Professional Memberships

• British Society for Parasitology
• Royal Society of Biology
• Genetics Society