Dr Hannah Thomas is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Healthy Skin and ARF Prevention team, and an Adjunct Research Fellow in the UWA Centre for Child Health Research. She holds a PhD in wound healing mechanisms and a Master of Science Communication and Outreach. Hannah’s research partners with children and their families to support healthy skin, particularly for Australian Aboriginal children, who experience some of the highest rates in the world of skin infection and downstream health consequences such as sepsis, acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.

Hannah first joined The Kids Research Institute Australia with the DETECT Schools Study, a project rapidly stood up in 2020 to assess the asymptomatic transmission and psychological impact of COVID-19 in 79 schools across WA. Drawing on her research background and experience in school-based outreach and engagement, Hannah led the interpretation and consolidation of DETECT data and findings to inform local Government responses to the pandemic in WA. In 2021, Hannah joined the Healthy Skin team to work under the guidance of Professor Asha Bowen. From 2021-2024 she supported the coordination and scientific direction of the SToP Trial, a project which successfully halved the burden of skin sores (caused by Strep A infection) for school-aged children in the Kimberley region of WA through the implementation of a holistic skin control program of ‘See’, ‘Treat’ and ‘Prevent’ skin health activities.

Now, as a BrightSpark-funded Fellow, Hannah continues to work with families and communities to progress community-owned initiatives which improve the environments, programs and supports necessary to give all children the opportunity for strong skin and strong lives, no matter where they live.