Deakin researcher helps identify flesh-eating ulcer risk: Deakin graduations

School of Medicine PhD researcher Michael Selorm Avumegah has dedicated his PhD to understanding the current trend in the distribution of Buruli ulcer cases in Victoria, as well as to developing protein preparations that could be used in a potential screening test.

Dr Avumegah is among almost 6000 graduands to take the stage at Deakin's biggest round of graduations for the year over the next two weeks.

He said his work studying Buruli ulcer – also known as Bairnsdale ulcer – had led to the potential development of a screening tool for use in at-risk communities.

"There have been reports of increasing Buruli ulcer infections rates in Victoria, but that rate is believed to be under-reported due to the lack of a rapid and easy to use screening test, among other factors," he said.

"The time of infection to showing clinical symptoms of disease ranges from one month to nine months. My study protocol can potentially be developed into a tool for disease surveillance, to identify exposure or overt disease in at-risk communities."

Dr Avumegah completed his research within the Geelong Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, a partnership between Deakin University, Barwon Health and the CSIRO. He said his studies were partly inspired by his upbringing in Ghana.

"Being African, I'm very familiar with the infectious diseases that plague both humans and animals on the continent, and I've always had a strong interest in medical research, especially in the area of infectious diseases and cancer," Dr Avumegah said.

"Research efforts into human and animal diseases are inadequate in many areas. This led me to my PhD project on Buruli ulcer, one of the neglected tropical diseases which has been reported in Africa and Australia."

Dr Avumegah received his doctoral degree at the Tuesday 12 February evening ceremony. He is currently a research assistant on a Buruli ulcer case-control study in Barwon Health and CSIRO’s Australian Animal Health Laboratory.

"The opportunities I've had throughout my study have been a huge benefit, equipping me with relevant research skills to make a difference. In addition, I've been challenged to think, stay motivated, imagine and dream of possible areas of research to better serve at-risk communities," he said.

The University's first round of ceremonies for 2019 will span across 12 events at the Waterfront Campus between 12 and 21 February. A further ceremony will also be held 28 February at Deakin's Warrnambool Campus.

Deakin Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane den Hollander AO said the graduation ceremonies signalled the start of a new phase in the graduands' lives and careers.

"Graduation ceremonies mark the completion of our students' current academic journey, and remind us that we are part of a remarkable human history of commitment to inquiry and scholarship," Professor den Hollander said.

"For our graduating class, their Deakin qualification will be valuable asset as they explore the range of opportunities ahead. Their degree will empower them to seek out new opportunities with the confidence that they are ready and can contribute, and with the resilience to overcome any obstacles in their way.

"Deakin is proud to have played its part in providing the skilled graduates who will drive the economy, using their creativity and skills, to generate the new ideas and enterprise necessary to face the global challenges of the 21st century."

The Deakin University February graduation ceremonies will be available to stream live at www.deakin.edu.au/life-at-deakin/graduations

Ceremony details:

• 6pm Tuesday 12 February – Occasional Address (OA) from nutrition and dietetics leader Ms Karen Inge.
• 12pm Wednesday 13 February – OA from Victorian Department of Health and Human Services Emergency Management and Health Protection Director Ms Sandy Austin.
• 6pm Wednesday 13 February – OA from Global Village Project founder and GP Dr Nicole Weber.
• 12pm Thursday 14 February – OA from National Gallery of Victoria Director Mr Tony Ellwood AM.
• 6pm Thursday 14 February – OA from community services leader and Deakin Honorary Doctorate recipient Mr Peter Norden AO.
• 12pm Monday 18 February – OA from Department of Agriculture and Water Resources Deputy Secretary responsible for biosecurity Ms Lyn O'Connell.
• 6pm Monday 18 February – OA from urban designer and start-up CEO Mr Dean Landy.
• 12pm Tuesday 19 February – OA from Paralympic gold medallist and disability advocate Ms Carol Cooke AM.
• 6pm Tuesday 19 February – OA from Grattan Institute Higher Education Program Director Mr Andrew Norton.
• 12pm Wednesday 20 February – OA from Australian Industry Group economics team leader Ms Julie Toth.
• 6pm Wednesday 20 February – OA from Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre CEO Dr Richard Thornton.
• 12pm Thursday 21 February – OA from Federal Circuit Court of Australia member and judge in charge of general federal law the Honourable Dr Joshua Wilson QC.
• 12pm Thursday 28 February (Warrnambool) – OA from former Victorian Premier the Honourable Dr Denis Napthine.