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.
