I am currently working in the Fraser lab (Department of Marine Science) on a range of projects relating to kelp microbiomes in subantarctic/Antarctic regions, kelp recolonisation genetics, metabarcoding of sediment samples, and ectoparasite diagnostics.

Postdoctoral fellow researching the role of the skin microbiome in tail regeneration success in Xenopus laevis tadpoles, including the source of the microbiome and molecular pathways connecting microbe and tadpole. My role involves a combination of assay design, bench work (DNA extraction, PCR, animal handling, regeneration assays, CRISPR-Cas9) and bioinformatic analysis of various data types including prokaryote 16S amplicon, whole genome, and mitochondrial.

Senior ecologist for a private boutique environmental consulting firm. During this time, I provided advice to private industry and government clients as the primary scientist on a range of major residential, mining, and infrastructure projects. I undertook flora and fauna surveys and prepared impact assessments and management plans for threatened species and ecosystems within a range of terrestrial and marine environments throughout Queensland and New South Wales. In the process, I was involved in training and mentoring junior staff, managing budgets and writing/reviewing numerous impact assessments, management plans and responses to government information requests.

Instructor giving individual and group lessons in horse riding and horse care/management. Clients ranged from preschool age children through to retiree, with skills levels from beginner to open competitor/advanced. Other duties included lesson scheduling, handling and workshop planning/supervision.

PhD candidate researching the diversity, pathology and diagnosis of parasites in endangered marine turtles. I collected parasites from deceased stranded sea turtles obtained through partnerships with rehabilitation organisations such as Australia Zoo and SeaLife (Underwater World) and catalogued/described them using molecular and traditional morphological techniques. This led to investigations into the link between certain genotypes and severe host pathology, as well as options for antemortem infection diagnosis. I successfully developed various assays including single and multiplex conventional PCR, multiplex Taqman realtime PCR, and terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism - PCR. I had the opportunity to collaborate with state govermnment agencies, rehabilitation facilities, wildlife health bodies and international researchers in the USA and around Australia, including on an epizootic resulting in mass mortalities from coccidial infection.

Tutor in veterinary parasitology - 2nd and 3rd year laboratory sessions in identification and diagnosis. Assist students with microscopy, dichotomous key use, diagnostic techniques.

Tutor in One Health - first year BSc elective. Guide students through tutorial exercises, assist with assignment planning and group exercises, and facilitate discussions.

Senior ecologist for a private boutique environmental consulting firm. During this time, I provided advice to private industry and government clients as the primary scientist on a range of major residential, mining, and infrastructure projects. I undertook flora and fauna surveys and prepared impact assessments and management plans for threatened species and ecosystems within a range of terrestrial and marine environments throughout Queensland and New South Wales. In the process, I was involved in training and mentoring junior staff, managing budgets and writing/reviewing numerous impact assessments, management plans and responses to government information requests.

Tutor for first year students in zoology practical laboratory classes

Tutor for second year Marine Ecology field projects

Laboratory tutor for third year fish ecology elective