About
I am a molecular plant pathologist and fungal genomicist based in Perth, Western Australia. My research focuses on the Ascochyta pathogens of cool-season grain legumes, particularly lentil and chickpea, where I investigate the molecular mechanisms of fungal pathogenicity through effector biology and comparative genomics.
My PhD at Curtin University's Centre for Crop and Disease Management (2021–2025) centred on effector discovery in Ascochyta lentis and Ascochyta rabiei. This work led to new tools for the research community, including a boscalid selectable marker system and new telomere-to-telomere (T2T) genome assemblies for two pathotypes of Ascochyta lentis.
Beyond the bench, I am passionate about science communication, demonstrated by winning FameLab Australia 2024, and about mentoring the next generation of researchers.
Education
Publications
Full list on ORCiD 0000-0002-3604-051X
Protocols
I also share lab protocols openly on protocols.io, including methods for high-molecular-weight DNA extraction, quick fungal DNA extraction, GateWay cloning prep, and Agrobacterium electroporation.
Presentations & Conferences
Awards & Recognition
Experience
Professional
Molecular cloning, Oxford Nanopore sequencing, fungal transformation, bioinformatic analysis of fungal genomes, effector candidate selection.
Molecular cloning, Oxford Nanopore sequencing, fungal transformation, bioinformatic analysis of fungal genomes, effector candidate selection.
Microarray expression data analysis; immunostaining of rat tympanic membrane slides.
DNA extraction and PCR assay development for bovine embryo sexing; porcine mitochondrial DNA analysis.
Immunological assays including quantitative ELISAs for bovine IgG, BVDV antigen and tetracycline concentration.
GMP/ISO 9001 quality assurance, endotoxin testing, SDS-PAGE/western blot, tissue culture media production.
Molecular biological analysis of patient samples (PCR, Sanger sequencing).
RNA/DNA extraction from FFPE tissue, cDNA preparation, PCR and qRT-PCR.
Volunteer & Community
Responsible for organising and managing the conference.
Responsible for the trade exhibition area of the annual conference.
Advocate for the National Tertiary Education Union within the local Curtin community.
Developing opportunities for all Curtin staff to enhance knowledge, skills and experience.
Teaching Year 5–11 students the physics of gravity and drag using wind tunnel demonstrations.
Trainer and supervisor running the university gymnastics group.
Professional Memberships
- AusBiotech
- Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB)
- Australian Society for Microbiology (ASM)
Contact
I am always happy to discuss research, collaboration opportunities, or science communication.