Exploring the immense potential of the microbial world
I'm a Research Scientist in the Biotechnology group, specializing in Bioprocessing and Fermentation. Broadly, I am interested in using precision and biomass fermentation to harness microbes and microbial enzymes, compounds, and processes for the valorization of waste streams and the production of animal-free food ingredients, sustainable biofuels, biological control tools, and biopharmaceuticals.
Prior to joining Callaghan Innovation, I worked as a post-doctoral researcher and teaching fellow at Te Herenga Waka | Victoria University of Wellington (VUW). The majority of my research at VUW focused on developing biological tools to control the pathogen that causes Kauri Dieback disease in Aotearoa. This involved studying the carbohydrate composition of the pathogen's cell wall, biodiscovery of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) that might degrade this cell wall, and exploring the potential of these CAZymes (and of microorganisms that naturally produce them) as biological control tools for the management of Kauri Dieback disease.
I hope to continue to explore the vast biotechnological potential of the microbial world while helping to tackle some of our most imminent challenges relating to sustainability, food security, and human health.