Professor Aaron Maule is Professor of Molecular Parasitology within The School of Biological Sciences and The Institute for Global Food Security.

Career Path and Advice

Tell us about your research and how your career has progressed?

Parasites are an enigma – estimated to represent up to half of the organisms on the planet, they undermine the health and economy of the world and yet their biology is poorly understood.  I was alerted to the incredible world of parasites during my Honours project, since which time I’ve worked as a parasitology researcher in major industry and in Queen’s University as an academic.  Our team has built new tools to explore the amazing biology of parasites at both the organismal and cellular levels - we exploit these tools to uncover new ways to reduce the burden of infectious disease across the globe. 

What do you find most rewarding about your work?

The most rewarding aspects of the work are threefold:

• Seeing those who you have supervised/mentored/coached succeed and flourish;
• The strong team-work culture where disappointments are shared, and successes celebrated together;
• Making new discoveries that illuminate understanding and expose new chinks in the parasites’ armour! 

What advice do you have for an aspiring individual hoping to pursue a career in your field?

A fundamental trait is enthusiasm for knowledge and new understanding – remaining curious and focused will expose diverse opportunities that will allow your career to flourish. 

All About Aaron

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself?

My other half and I are passionate companion animal lovers – ‘rescues are us’! 

What is the best advice you have received or quote that you live by?

Make all your decisions for the right reasons whilst nurturing empathy and humility.

Who inspires you?

My life mentor Professor David Halton and Team fluke are inspirational!