Assistant Professor Payne was awarded his PhD in molecular microbiology from the University of Queensland in September 2007. He subsequently conducted post-doctoral research on the microbiology of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia and Cystic Fibrosis at Kings College London (2007-2009); and later directed his research focus towards the role of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida spp. in breastfeeding infections while at La Trobe University (2009-2011). Assistant Professor Payne accepted a post-doctoral role at The University of Western Australia in 2011 within the School of Women’s and Infants’ Health, where he is focused on preventing infection-mediated preterm birth.