Many of us will experience some kind of trauma in our lifetime. While most people will be resilient to long-term impacts, some will go on to live with the terrible burden of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Bringing a diverse background to this daunting problem, Dr Bonnie Quigley is looking at very small biology to make a very big difference in PTSD.

Bonnie began her science journey in Canada in 2007 with a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from Queen’s University. Since then, her passion to understand complex systems has led her to investigate pathways and illnesses in people, animals, plants, bacteria and viruses in the United States, England, and finally Australia. Using molecular biology (the study of DNA, RNA and proteins) to connect and explore each system, Bonnie has brought a uniquely diverse perspective to a range of projects. 

Taking on her greatest challenge yet in 2022, Bonnie is currently investigating how our genetics (which show us the risk and resilience factors we inherited from our parents) and biochemistry (all molecules that keep our body working) impact PTSD. As the leader of the Molecular Biology research program within the National PTSD Research Centre at UniSC’s Thompson Institute and a Lecturer in Trauma and Translational Research within the Mental Health and Neuroscience postgraduate program, Bonnie’s work is connecting the body to the mind in our understanding of PTSD development and treatment. Her work adds to the narrative that our whole body is important to our mental health.

Outside the classroom and the lab, Bonnie is currently a Superstar of STEM, a Science & Technology Australia initiative to promote women and non-binary people in public-facing STEM roles. As part of this role, Bonnie actively promotes STEM opportunities and careers to young people in our community. If you are interested in Bonnie engaging with your school or organization, please email her.