Rate My Professor Fiona Baird

Dr Fiona Baird is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences at Griffith University, part of Griffith Health. She earned a Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) from RMIT University, followed by a Doctor of Philosophy specialising in molecular microbiology and vaccine development. Her additional qualifications include a Graduate Certificate in Education (GCertEd) and recognition as a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA). Previously, as a researcher at RMIT University, she explored innovative vaccine technologies to prevent gastrointestinal nematode infections. Earlier affiliations include James Cook University, where she contributed to research on pathogens and allergens in vaccination strategies.

Baird's academic interests encompass molecular microbiology, human physiology, vaccine development, food allergy, recombinant DNA techniques, protein expression, biochemistry, molecular cloning, biotechnology, immune responses, viruses, and vaccination. She has authored 15 publications, accumulating over 426 citations as listed on ResearchGate. Key works include 'The Anisakis Transcriptome Provides a Resource for Investigating Nematode Physiology and Host-Parasite Interactions' and 'Phenotypic and molecular characterization of Salmonella enterica serovar Sofia, an avirulent species in Australian poultry'. In her teaching role, she convenes the course 'Cells, Tissues, and Regulation' (1014MSC), emphasising physiological concepts. Baird integrates her expertise into professional development initiatives, such as active bystander training and work-readiness programs for students. She contributes to Griffith University's Disrupting Violence project, bridging microbiology, physiology, and social justice. Her SFHEA fellowship underscores her commitment to excellence in higher education teaching and learning practices.