Keeva Connolly

Keeva graduated with a Bachelor of Genetics (Honours) from the Australian National University in 2018. For her honours project, she investigated potential roles of a single stranded DNA binding protein in transcription during ovary and wing development in Drosophila melanogaster, commonly known as the vinegar fly. After graduating, she worked at the Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, assessing risks associated with pests and pathogens in relation to plant biosecurity.

Keeva commenced her PhD candidature under Dr Anai Gonzalez-Cordero in the Stem Cell Medicine group in October 2021. During her project, she will aim to generate inner ear organoids to investigate the pathophysiology of Usher Syndrome type 1B, an inherited disorder causing deafness and blindness. She aims to use these organoids to trial gene therapies, with the object of restoring otic function. In her spare time, Keeva enjoys reading and cooking.

Keeva is a recipient of the Research Training Program Scholarship from University of Sydney.