Dr Cheryl Walter

Cheryl completed her PhD in Microbiology from Rhodes University, South Africa in 2008 involving Tetraviruses. Post completing her PhD, Cheryl has a sustained academic career spanning 16 years that has involved both research into emerging viral pathogens and science communication and outreach. Cheryl is a passionate Microbiology educator, teaching on a range of undergraduate and postgraduate modules, including laboratory projects. Cheryl is interested in the molecular virology of RNA viruses, in particular, the mechanisms of virion assembly and egress and the host pathways that are sequestered for virion formation, and drug repurposing for novel antiviral compounds. Cheryl is an external examiner for both PGR and PGT degrees.

Cheryl is a committed advocate of STEM subjects to children and underrepresented groups and contributes regularly to outreach and communication activities at a local and national level. Cheryl is a member of the Microbiology Society’s Education and Outreach Network (EON) and is also an elected member of the Microbiology Society’s Building Communities committee.



Cheryl has provided expert comment for national and internal media outlets including: BBC News (TV and radio), The Economist, LadBible, NBC News and Australia’s ABC. She has written articles for The Conversation on Mpox, Lassa Fever and viral hepatitis, acting as an advisor on emerging viral threats to human health