Affiliation: School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales

Dr. Umme Laila Urmi works as a research associate at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia. She recently completed her PhD in 2025, where her research focused on the development and evaluation of novel antiviral peptides and their mimics targeting both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. Her work involved a multidisciplinary approach, integrating virology, biophysical techniques, surface chemistry, and transmission electron microscopy imaging. Upon identifying effective antiviral peptides and mimics, she explored their potential real-world application by coating them on surfaces to investigate their ability to inhibit virus transmission. Urmi has hands-on expertise in virus cultivation, antiviral and cytotoxicity assays, and surface modification technologies. She is passionate about peptide-based therapeutics and aims to contribute to innovative, practical solutions for viral control and public health.