Sam completed his PhD in the Department of Microbiology at La Trobe University in 2014 focusing on horizontal gene transfer and the regulation of mitochondrial gene expression in protozoa. In 2015, Sam joined the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute as a post-doctoral researcher. His research involves investigating the biology, genetics and virulence of the bacterial pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae. Sam has attracted over $175,000 in funding and has also received multiple awards in recognition of his work including the Robert Austrian Research Award in Pneumococcal Vaccinology and the Australian Society for Microbiology Jim Pittard Early Career Award.