Audrey Walsh

Food Allergy Stream PhD Scholar

• PhD Candidate, University of Melbourne
• Project: Optimising the management of nut allergy before schoolthrough new models of care​
• Primary Supervisor: Professor Kirsten Perrett, NACE Director and Food Allergy Stream Advisory Group member
• Research Assistant, Population Allergy Group, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute

Why is this research important to you personally, and those living with food allergy?

I am really excited by the opportunity we have to transform the management of nut allergies in children. It is important to me that children and their families have access to food allergy care that makes them feel safe and improves their lives. This research aims improve the management of children's food allergies before they reach school, where it can be harder for the child, and their family, to manage exposure to allergens.

What inspired you to pursue a career in allergy research?

Growing up I had lots of friends and acquaintances with food allergies - it just seemed like a normal part of life. I also had a cow's milk allergy as a baby. Learning through my university studies and working as a research assistant at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute that we can prevent and treat food allergies through science, inspired me to pursue a career in allergy research. I am also inspired by the wonderful research team I work with, who are so committed and passionate about allergy research, and the families who generously participate in our research and share their journey with us.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Twitter: @audreywalsh123

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/audrey-walsh