Dr Erica Plummer is a postdoctoral research fellow and bioinformatician with a growing national and international reputation for excellence in areas of sexual health and genital microbiome research. Dr Plummer completed her PhD at Monash University in 2021 in translational research and currently works with the Genital Microbiota and Mycoplasma Group in the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (Monash University). 

Dr Plummer has extensive experience in the analysis of next generation sequencing data, microbiology, and genomics that is specific to the genital microbiome. Her research involves using sequencing data to understand the contribution of the genital microbiome to common genital infections and STI syndromes, including bacterial vaginosis and urethritis. Erica's research interests concern understanding the pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis, as well as determining how interventions, behavioural practices, and sexual practices influence the composition of the genital microbiome.

Dr Plummer has received competitive fellowship and grant funding, totalling $346,740 to date. With a H-index of 13, her peer-reviewed published research has garnered almost 457 citations to date (Source: Scopus). Her publications include the first global investigation of the impact of male partner treatment for bacterial vaginosis on the genital microbiome of sexual couples, work that was cited in the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention 2021 STI Treatment Guidelines.

Dr Plummer's research interests involve investigating factors that influence the composition and stability of the vaginal microbiota.

Aug 2021 - present        

• Editorial Fellow, Sexually Transmitted Infections, BMJ

Oct 2022 - present         

• Social Media Editor, Sexually Transmitted Infections, BMJ

Jan 2022 - present         

• Executive Committee member (Executive assistant and Vice Secretary) of the Sexual Health Society of Victoria

Dr Plummer was a guest lecturer for Clinical and Translational Bioinformatics (TRM6006), a postgraduate unit within the School of Translational Medicine, Monash University. She lectured on Bioinformatics in Sexual Health.