Dr Joanna Hicks
Throughout my career, I have worked at the intersection of biochemistry and infectious diseases, focusing on pathogens such as tuberculosis, malaria, and gonorrhoea. In 2015, I returned to Aotearoa New Zealand and joined the University of Waikato, where I established a research group dedicated to studying Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacterium responsible for gonorrhoea.
Our multidisciplinary team addresses the global challenge of antimicrobial-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae by investigating how this bacterium causes infection and identifying potential targets for new antimicrobial drugs. Given the rising concern over antibiotic resistance, our work aims to contribute to the development of effective treatments. Building on this foundation, we are expanding our research to include Staphylococcus aureus, another bacterium known for its resistance to antibiotics and its role in various infections.