I am a microbiologist that has expertise in a number of techniques as molecular cell biology of bacteria, fluorescence microscopy including super-resolution microscopy techniques, protein purification and protein chemistry.

I obtained my B.Sc (Hons) in microbiology in 2007, before undertaking PhD studies under the supervision of Prof. Simon Foster at the University of Sheffield, UK. During my PhD I studied the bacterial cell division process in Staphylococcus aureus, the causative agent of ‘golden staph’ infections, where I was the first to identify the interaction network of cell division proteins in S. aureus (Molecular Microbiology 2011), and further characterised a function for the division protein DivIB, showing its involvement in cell wall binding (Molecular Microbiology, 2014).. After being awarded my PhD in 2011, I continued in Sheffield as a Post-Doctoral Researcher to develop methods for super resolution fluorescence microscopy to study bacterial cell division proteins.

In 2012, I joined the research group of Prof. Liz Harry at the i3 institute, University of Technology Sydney where I continued to work as a senior research-intensive Post-Doctoral Associate. I worked on a number of projects including studying the importance of temporary inhibition of the division process in E.coli as a survival mechanism, which is particularly important for uropathogenic E.coli (which causes urinary tract infections) during infection, and how the division process is regulated in response to nutrient availability in the model organism Bacillus subtilis. As a senior research-intensive Post-Doctoral Associate, my research has focused on understanding bacterial cell division and how it is regulated in response to a variety of environmental cues, including during infection and in response to nutrient availability.

In 2021, joined the Microbial Imaging Facility as an Imaging Specialist to draw on my microscopy expertise to support researchers in a range of light microscopy techniques, including 3D-structured illumination microscopy, to facilitate cutting-edge microscopy.

I am passionate about teaching research skills to the next generation of scientists, and have supervised a number of undergraduate internship lab placement students, honours, Masters and PhD students. I am also a subject coordinator for a Master's subject Advanced Microscopy and Imaging.

I also believe in the promotion of gender equity in STEM academia, and have organised and participated in number of National Science week events including Soapbox Science Sydney, Generation Women Science week special event and schools showcase events. I currently represent early and mid career researchers as part of the Faculty of Science Equity and Diversity Committee.