Jhobert Bernal

Jhobert Bernal is a biomedical scientist with a strong background in parasitology and infectious diseases. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Biomedical Science from the Philippine Women’s University.

JB began his research career in 2010 as a research assistant, gaining experience across multiple laboratory disciplines including entomology, virology, and bacteriology. In 2012, he joined the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) – Parasitology Department, the research arm of the Philippines Department of Health, where he is now the Unit Head of the Reference Laboratory Section. In this role, he oversees confirmatory testing for malaria and other parasitic infections.

His research interests span malaria and water-borne parasites, as well as molecular and serological diagnostics, microscopy, and public health.

JB is currently undertaking a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) at the University of Melbourne, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (MDHS). He is based at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) in the Longley Lab, under the supervision of Dr. Rhea Longley. His current research focuses on malaria serology, specifically targeting Plasmodium malariae. He is investigating Pm proteins with the potential to serve as biomarkers of recent or past P. malariae exposure.