About

My current research interests focus on investigating molecular markers related to mental illness, with a particular focus on depression and PTSD. I focus on genetic and biological markers to measure what is physiologically different when people are suffering from mental illness conditions to help us treat and support these people better.

Link

My LinkedIn profile

Awards and Honours

International Society for Extremophiles Award for outstanding contributions to the field of research on extremophiles
Queen's University (Canada, Kingston), 2004
Christopher Knapper Award for Excellence in Teaching - university-wide award for undergraduate teaching, selected by the students
Queen's University (Canada, Kingston), 2005-2006
Top Postdoctoral Researcher, Biomedical. Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation - awarded to the highest ranked postdoctoral fellowship candidate in a biomedical field each year
University of Saskatchewan (Canada, Saskatoon), 2008
Elena Lucrezia Cornaro Trainee Fellowship - international award for post-doctoral level reserach in the field of retroviral research
University of Padua (Italy, Padova) - UNIPD, 2019
Superstars of STEM
Science and Technology Australia (Australia), 2024

Organisational Affiliations

Centre for Bioinnovation

Senior Lecturer in Trauma and Translational Research, Thompson Institute

Education

Microbiology & Immunology
2004–2007, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Queen's University (Canada, Kingston)

Area of research: Basic science; Outcome of project: Identified the first genes in the domain archaea to be involved in the N-glycosylation of proteins

Microbiology & Immunology
2001–2003, Master of Science (MSc), University of Saskatchewan (Canada, Saskatoon)

Area of research: Industry-focused beer spoilage; Outcome of the project: Developed a protein-based test for brewery use to detect anaerobic bacteria in beer to prevent spoilage

Microbiology & Immunology
1997–2001, Bachelor of Science with High Honours (BSc Hon), University of Saskatchewan (Canada, Saskatoon)

Focus – Medical microbiology and immunology

Advanced HE Fellow
2019–2019, Associate Fellow, Higher Education Academy (United Kingdom, York)

Graduate-level teaching qualification, based on the UK Professional Standards Framework for teaching and learning support in higher education. PR175979