This research develops hybrid lipo-polymeric nanoparticles that overcome major limitations of current mRNA vaccine technology. The particles can be freeze-dried, rapidly loaded with mRNA, and simultaneously deliver therapeutic drugs. Their flexibility improves vaccine storage and distribution while enabling powerful combination therapies, including enhanced cancer treatments with improved survival in preclinical models.

This research uses artificial intelligence to analyse immune-system data and predict vaccine effectiveness. By identifying early biological signals associated with strong, long-lasting immunity, the work aims to improve vaccine design, personalise vaccination strategies, and support development of universal vaccines capable of protecting against rapidly evolving infectious diseases.

This thesis examines who turns to AI for mental health support, rather than whether AI can be a therapist. Drawing on TherapyGPT forum analysis and ongoing experiments, the research identifies fear of judgment, trust in AI and past therapist failures as possible drivers of AI therapy use.

This research uses wastewater-based epidemiology to monitor antibodies excreted by communities, providing early insights into population vulnerability to infectious diseases. By analyzing antibody trends in wastewater over time, the work helps public health authorities identify at-risk communities, allocate resources more effectively, strengthen vaccination strategies, and improve outbreak preparedness.

This research develops an inhalable treatment for lung infections using nanocrystalline silver with both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. By adapting proven skin-based technology for respiratory delivery via nebulization, it targets both pathogens and harmful inflammation, addressing a major gap in lung disease treatment affecting over a billion people worldwide.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) causes severe breathing failure and kills tens of thousands annually, yet has no effective treatment. This research studies how ARDS disrupts lung surfactant, a critical stabilizing substance in the lungs. By identifying immune-related factors that damage surfactant, the work aims to develop the first targeted therapeutic cure.

This research investigates COVID-19 stigma among survivors in Nepal during the pandemic. It found that one-quarter experienced discrimination, social exclusion, and psychological distress. Misinformation, weak health-system preparedness, and lack of public trust fuelled stigma. The study argues that future pandemic preparedness must address social stigma alongside healthcare capacity.

This research develops a rapid, light-based method to study viral fusion, the first step of infection. By applying split NanoLuc technology to HIV, it reveals strain-specific fusion behaviors and unexpected regulatory steps, providing tools that can accelerate responses to future pandemics such as COVID-19.

Variants weaken current COVID vaccines because they target parts of the spike protein that mutate. This project uses nanoparticles displaying engineered versions of the conserved RBD region to steer the immune system toward making broadly protective antibodies. Computational design helps optimize immune targeting, potentially eliminating yearly boosters and protecting against future coronaviruses.

This study tracked viral load in saliva, throat, and nose samples collected daily from newly infected individuals. The findings show each sample type follows a distinct viral-load trajectory, with saliva and throat detecting infection earlier than nose. This has major implications for COVID test accuracy, sampling strategies, and future pandemic preparedness.