Alexandra Mccarron PhD

Dr. Alexandra McCarron, PhD, is a Future Making Research Fellow at the Robinson Research Institute at the University of Adelaide and Co-Director of the Cystic Fibrosis Airway Research Group. Based within the Department of Respiratory Medicine at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, her work focuses on advancing translational therapies for chronic lung disease.

Dr. McCarron’s research centers on developing innovative gene and molecular therapies for cystic fibrosis (CF), with a particular emphasis on airway-directed gene addition strategies designed to correct the underlying genetic defect of the disease. Her work aims to improve the delivery and effectiveness of genetic therapies to airway cells—one of the key challenges limiting clinical translation of these approaches.

In addition to gene therapy, she has a strong research interest in airway stem cells, investigating their potential as therapeutic targets and their application in regenerative medicine and stem cell transplantation for CF lung disease. Her research integrates advanced experimental techniques, including gene vector development, in vivo airway delivery, and preclinical disease modeling.

Dr. McCarron earned her PhD in Medicine from the University of Adelaide, following earlier degrees in Health Science (Honours) and Animal Science. Through her work, she aims to translate cutting-edge genetic and stem cell research into effective clinical therapies that improve outcomes for patients with cystic fibrosis.