Aline Parolin

PhD candidate in Veterinary Science (Massey University) specialising in the genomic epidemiology of foodborne bacterial pathogens. Over fifteen years of hands-on wetlab experience, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR, cell culture, sterile technique, diagnosis of enteric diseases, reagent preparation, and biosafety compliance in BSL-2 environments. Equally experienced as an ESL educator, with a strong ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly and systematically.

PhD Candidate – Veterinary Science at Massey University – mEpiLab (2021-01 – Present)

Designing and executing wetlab workflows for whole-genome sequencing of Salmonella and Campylobacter isolates with experience in Oxford Nanopore sequencing and bioinformatics analysis.

• Designed and executed wetlab workflows for whole-genome sequencing of Salmonella and Campylobacter isolates, including DNA extraction, quality assessment, and library preparation for Oxford Nanopore.
• Experience with Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing data, including basecalling QC, hybrid and longread assembly workflows, and integration with short-read data for comparative genomic analyses.
• Bioinformatics experience in bacterial genomics, including whole-genome SNP calling pipelines (Clair3, minimap2, BCFtools), phylogenetic inference (IQ-TREE, BEAST2), AMR gene detection, plasmid characterisation (RFPlasmid, MOB-suite), genome assembly (Flye/Unicycler) and annotation (Prokka/Bakta), and molecular clock analyses for temporal signal assessment.
• Maintained BSL-2 laboratory compliance, ensuring safe handling of Category B foodborne pathogens under the Ministry for Primary Industries guidelines.
• Documented experimental protocols in detail to ensure reproducibility, training junior lab members in sterile technique and nucleic acid extraction.
• Troubleshot failed extractions, low-yield sequencing libraries, and PCR artefacts.

MSc Researcher – Microbial Genetics at UNICAMP (University of Campinas) (2018-01 – 2020-12)

Characterised antimicrobial susceptibility profiles and conducted genomic analyses on Salmonella isolates.

• Characterised antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of Salmonella isolates using disc diffusion and complementary phenotypic methods.
• Performed DNA extraction and conducted in-silico genomic analyses on whole-genome sequencing data, including AMR gene detection, plasmid characterisation, MLST typing, and virulence gene identification.
• Assessed virulence phenotypes of selected isolates using the Galleria mellonella invertebrate infection model and a murine macrophage cell culture model, bridging genomic predictions with experimental validation.

Undergraduate Researcher at UNICAMP / University of Minnesota (2012-01 – 2017-12)

Assessed antimicrobial resistance phenotypes and conducted genetic analysis with introductory experience in phage biology.

• Assessed antimicrobial resistance phenotypes of Salmonella isolates using disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays.
• Extracted DNA and used PCR to detect AMR genes, linking phenotypic resistance profiles to their genetic determinants.
• Gained introductory experience in phage biology, testing bacteriophage samples for lytic activity against Salmonella isolates as a potential biocontrol approach.
• Study abroad year (University of Minnesota, 2015–16) broadened exposure to US laboratory standards and experimental design approaches.

Laboratory Technician at AVIPA – Poultry Health Services Diagnostic Laboratory (2010-01 – 2012-12)

Performed microbiological analyses for diagnosis of poultry diseases in a high-throughput diagnostic laboratory.

• Performed microbiological analyses for the diagnosis of diseases affecting commercial poultry, including bacterial culture, colony identification, and pathogen detection.
• Conducted water quality analyses for poultry farms, assessing microbiological safety parameters.
• Prepared culture media, reagents, and laboratory consumables; maintained sterile working environments across routine diagnostic workflows.
• Gained early hands-on experience in a high-throughput diagnostic laboratory, developing foundational skills in aseptic technique, biosafety, and quality control.

ESL Teacher & Tutor at Self-employed / Language Institutions (2016-01 – Present)

Designed and delivered lessons for learners of all ages with specialized tutoring in biology.

• Designed and delivered lessons for learners of all ages.
• Biology tutor for elementary and high school students.
• Provided detailed written and verbal feedback with explicit reasoning.

PhD in Veterinary Science (Genomic Epidemiology & AMR) – Massey University (2021-01)

MSc in Molecular Biology and Genetics – UNICAMP (2018-01 – 2020-12)

BSc in Biological Sciences – UNICAMP (incl. exchange at Univ. of Minnesota) (2012-01 – 2017-12)

Diploma in Biochemistry Technician – ETECAP School (2010-01 – 2011-12)