Kerry Aitken

I am a PhD candidate at the University of the Sunshine Coast specialising in Environmental Microbiology with a strong interest in biotechnology. My research explores the biotechnological potential of environmentally derived bacteria, using genetic, biochemical, and chemical methods to investigate their applications. My honors research examined the ability of Nocardia species to degrade bunker-grade oil, while my PhD focuses on plastic degradation by termite gut–associated Streptomyces species. I have also published in tertiary education research, exploring how drafting processes influence the quality of undergrad student submissions.