Jovita Lewis

Microbiologist with proven experience in clinical diagnostics and biotechnology research, skilled in applying molecular and bioinformatics tools to solve real-world problems. Strong background in pathogen detection, antibiotic resistance testing, and protein modelling, with hands-on expertise in PCR, DNA extraction, and bioinformatics analysis. Published researcher in Scientific Reports, bringing both technical precision and data-driven insight to support innovation in biotech, pharma, and diagnostic industries.

Alongside my research and diagnostic work, I have developed teaching skills through mentoring and knowledge-sharing, translating complex concepts into accessible learning for students and peers. I combine scientific rigor with clear communication, making me an equally effective individual in the laboratory and the classroom.

PRT Homeroom Teacher (Primary) - Alpha School CBSE - CIT Nagar, Chennai, India

(2025-05)

• Core subjects taught: English, Maths and Environmental Science. Additional subjects included moral science, Karadi path, library, and general knowledge.
• My capacity as a teacher included grooming their behaviour, civic sense, conduct and communication. I acted as student counselor, parent-teacher liaison, English language in charge, and classroom manager where I ensured that the classroom was equipped with the essential tools and built an atmosphere that encouraged students to learn and participate.
• My teaching style caters to the various learners, while being mindful that there are several variables that contribute to the transmission and understanding of information. School events called for my role to be transformed into dance teacher, sport coach, external liaison, sponsorship director, arts, and craft teacher and so on, while holding the title 'Teacher'.
• I succeeded in encouraging the introverts to speak in English and part take in optional school activities, designed extra activities that made reading fun for those who struggled to read, and set up worksheets that simplified the syllabus – teaching students how to be efficient learners. Held class assemblies that served as a platform for each student to articulate their talents and day to day stories.
• Received Seva Ratna Award for teaching excellence.

Microbiologist - Hi-Tech Diagnostic Center - Kochi, India

(2023-08 - 2023-12)

• ISO 158: 2012 lab
• Assisted in processing samples for quality testing (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) standards) sent from Vellore. Case studies were provided, along with the samples to assist in causative pathogen identification and reporting.
• The patient samples were analyzed using manual hands-on techniques to infer causative organisms such as Pseudomonas, Salmonella, Klebsiella, Acinetobacter, Vibrio, Moraxella, Mycobacteria tuberculosis, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Enterococcus etc.
• Inoculated and streaked samples on self-prepared media: urease, citrate, mannitol, triple sugar iron, peptone, bile esculin, MacConkey agar, chocolate agar, nutrient agar, and blood agar
• Plate reading, microscopy and further testing performed based on colony morphology to determine pathogens.
• Antibiotic Susceptibility Test via the Kirby-Bauer method
• Conclusions on the inferred pathogen were determined based on patient history, current medication, and other pre-existing conditions.
• Prepared patient reports after concluding sample findings and liaised with patients to clarify report details

Laboratory Technologist (internship) - Al Qassimi Hospital - Sharjah, UAE

(2019-11 - 2020-01)

• Performed coagulase testing, Germ Tube Test, and Streptococcal Grouping Kit using Latex Agglutination on 200 samples
• Processed 50-60 urine samples daily with Atellica® 1500, manual procedures, and microscopy
• Identified significant colony morphologies and relevant CFU from selective media for further testing
• Gram stained and examined 20-25 slides a day for preliminary analysis
• Inoculated blood, CSF, and MRSA swabs on selective media
• Assisted in operating a fully automated ELIZA system for tuberculosis identification
• Administrative responsibilities: documentation and inventory

Research Assistant (internship) - Monash University - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

(2018-12 - 2019-04)

• Assisted postgrad research students in lab work for the Malaysian Microbiome Project.
• Performed 10-fold serial dilution on 64 environmental samples from Segamat, Johor (Malaysia)
• Sample preparation and spread plating of animal faecal samples for analysis of Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE)
• Inoculated water samples onto media for pathogen analysis
• Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of isolated Enterococcus spp.
• DNA extraction and PCR with Qiagen kit
• Minimum inhibitory concentration testing
• Supervised by Dr. Lee Sui Mae

Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Biotechnology - Monash University (2021-07 - 2022-07)

Bachelor of Science (Applied Microbiology) - Applied Microbiology - Monash University (2017-07 - 2020-07)

Monash Foundation Year (MUFY) - General Science - Monash University (2016-01 - 2017-07)

O Levels - General - St. Mary's Catholic High School (2010-09 - 2014-07)