Rukshan Mohamed Raseek

Rukshan Ahamed is a Lecturer at School of Science & Technology. Dr. Ahamed's global academic journey includes a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from UNE, an MPhil in Virology from University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, and a BSc from University of Mysore, India. This diverse background enriches both his research and his teaching, offering students a unique and comprehensive perspective on modern biomedical science.

Rukshan joined the staff of UNE as a Research Associate in 2022 and continued to work as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (NHMRC) until 2025. His current teaching portfolio includes Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry—subjects he enriches with real-world insights and research-led content.

Rukshan has a keen interest in understanding the pathophysiology of post streptococcal autoimmune complications and discovering biomarkers using animal models. He has been involved in a variety of other projects such as determination of immune response to Q fever vaccine (Q-VAX) and investigating the role of specific proteins in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease.

Prior to his work at UNE, Rukshan held academic and research positions at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka where he contributed to studies on respiratory virus epidemiology and hepatitis B. His multidisciplinary expertise and passion for translational research continue to drive innovations in infectious disease and immunology.

Research Program: Molecular Pathogenesis and Immunology of Streptococcal Diseases: From Infection to Autoimmune Heart Disease.

This program integrates three complementary pillars:

1. Bacterial Pathogenesis
   • GAS virulence mechanisms
   • Host-pathogen interactions
   • Molecular mimicry
   • Novel in vitro infection models
2. Host Immune Responses
   • Innate and adaptive immunity
   • Immunometabolism
   • Vaccine immunology
   • Biomarker discovery
3. Autoimmune Disease and Therapeutics
   • ARF/RHD pathogenesis
   • Experimental autoimmune models
   • Drug repurposing
   • Precision immunotherapy

MICR220 Introductory Microbiology

MICR350/550 Clinical Microbiology and Virology

PSIO350/550 Immunology and Haematology

LSK310/LSK510 Capstone Biophysiological Techniques

BCHM210/BCHM410 Introductory Molecular Biology and Biochemistry I

JMP Joint Medical Program

SCI395 Science Report