I’m a PhD graduate from the University of Hong Kong. My research interests focus on microbial genomics, including One Health, bacterial evolution, and clinical microbiology.

I’m very fortunate to be advised by Prof. Ho Pak Leung and Dr. Huiluo Cao from the Department of Microbiology.

Education

PhD, 2020-2024, The University of Hong Kong (Certificate in 2025)

MSc, 2018-2019, The University of Hong Kong

BSc, 2014-2018, Central South University

Work

RA, 2019-2020, The University of Hong Kong

Research interests

My research journey is deeply rooted in microbial genomics, especially unraveling the intricate world of bacterial genomes and the urgent challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). I’m a strong advocate for the ‘One Health’ approach, which means I meticulously track how antibiotic resistance genes move across different environments and hosts – from animals and humans to our food supply and the broader environment. It’s like following a complex, invisible network to understand the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of their spread. It’s not just about lab work for me. My work extends directly into clinical microbiology, thanks to invaluable collaborations with several Chinese hospitals. There, I get to expertly integrate real-world clinical data, allowing me to uncover the hidden genomic patterns that drive infections.

Beyond One Health and clinical microbiology, another major passion of mine within microbial genomics is unraveling the mysteries of bacterial evolution. I love tracing how bacterial lineages shift and spread across time and space, understanding the fascinating process of horizontal gene transfer and plasmid dynamics in ecological niches.

Looking ahead, I’m incredibly excited about diving into phage studies – exploring these fascinating viruses as potential tools against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. I’m also keen to investigate the specific genomic and virulence traits that enable bacteria to adapt to their hosts, with a particular focus on strains isolated from infants.

Selected publications

• Jiang, S., Ho, P.L., Cao, H., 2025. Cross-sectoral sharing of CTX-M-producing Escherichia coli: A One Health analysis to understand dissemination modes. Under review.
• Jiang, S., Gao, P., Ping, S., Hou, S., Xiao C., Richard K., Ho, P.L., Xiao, Y.H, Cao, H., 2025. Global emergence and evolution of Staphylococcus aureus clonal complex 59. Under review.
• Ma, Z., Hu, J., Mo, L., Yu, B., Cao, H., Jiang, S., 2025. Emergence and regional evolution of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae ST11 in China. Under review. *Corresponding author.
• Xiao, C.#, Jiang, S.#, Guo, Z., Ho, P.L., Dai, J., Cao, H., Yang, Z.T., 2025. Population Genomics and Host Adaptation of Acinetobacter junii: Integrated Genomic and Transcriptomic Analyses Reveal Novel Virulence Factors and Bloodstream Infection Mechanisms. Under review. #Contribute equally.
• Jiang, S., Ma, Z., Cao, H., Mo, L., Jin, J., Yu, B., Chu, K. and Hu, J., 2024. Genomic study substantiates the intensive care unit as a reservoir for carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in a teaching hospital in China. Microbial Genomics, 10(9), p.001299.
• Jiang, S., Ye, M., Liu, K., Cao, H. and Lin, X., 2025. Complete genome sequence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa YK01, a sequence type 16 isolated from a patient with keratitis. BMC Genomic Data, 26(1), p.7.
• Chan, Y.X., Cao, H., Jiang, S., Li, X., Fung, K.K., Lee, C.H., Sridhar, S., Chen, J.H.K. and Ho, P.L., 2024. Genomic investigation of Lactococcus formosensis, Lactococcus garvieae, and Lactococcus petauri reveals differences in species distribution by human and animal sources. Microbiology Spectrum, 12(6), pp.e00541-24.
• Lee, C.H., Jiang, S., Tong, M.K., Tse, C.W.S. and Ho, P.L., 2022. False-positive immunochromatographic CTX-M enzyme test from direct testing of a positive blood culture. European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, pp.1-3.

You can also find my articles on my Google Scholar profile.

Presentations

• Global overview of the origin and expansion of Staphylococcus aureus clonal complex 59. Jiang, S., Ho, P.L., Cao, H., Antimicrobial resistance symposium: challenges and solutions to the AMR crisis, 9-11 Sep 2024, Singapore. (oral presentation)
• One Health investigation of CTX-M type extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli isolated from food and human. Jiang, S., Ho, P.L., The 33rd European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (33rd ECCMID), 15-18 April 2023, Copenhagen, Denmark. (poster presentation)
• Evaluation of the NG-Test CTX-M MULTI assay for the rapid detection of CTX-M extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producers from positive blood cultures. Jiang, S., Ho, P.L., The 26th Research Postgraduate Symposium, 1-2 Dec 2021, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong. (poster presentation)