I am a Ph.D. candidate in the Thomas lab at Dalhousie University studying Vibrio parahaemolyticus environmental survival and host-pathogen interactions.
Linking Phenotype and Pathogen Genomics: Tn-Seq and Next Generation DNA Sequencing, PREP Graduate Student Research Day, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS. - May 2018
HlyU and H-NS Act as a Genetic Switch for Transcriptional Control of the Type III Secretion System-I Master Regulator exsA, ASM Vibrio2017: The Biology of Vibrios, Chicago, IL. - November 2017
Natural History Museum Life Science Seminar Series - London, UK - January 2019
Title: The Multimodal Lifestyle of Marine Vibrios
Description: Vibrio is a genus of marine bacteria which is able to survive and proliferate in a variety of niches, including as a human pathogen. My research aims to better understand these interactions by studying Vibrio environmental survival, as well as their host-pathogen interactions.
Conference and Seminar Presentations
Professional Research and Education Program Graduate Student Research Day, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS. - May 2019
Type: Oral Presentation
Title: A Regulator of Sugar Metabolism Implicated in the Secretion and Virulence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Graduate Student Research Day Excellence in Research Keynote, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS. - May 2019
Type: Keynote
Title: Vibrio parahaemolyticus and infection: A complex relationship between environment and host
Dalhousie Conference on University Teaching and Learning, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS. - May 2019
Type: Oral Presentation
Title: Creating LGBTQ+ Inclusive Spaces for Equitable Active Learning
Microbiology and Immunology Seminar Series, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS. - January 2019
Type: Oral Presentation
Title: The Multimodal Lifestyle of Marine Vibrios
LGBTSTEMinar 2019, Institue of Physics, London, UK - January 2019
Type: Oral Presentation
Title: Flipping the Switch on Bacterial Pathogenesis: How the Leading Cause of Seafood-borne Gastroenteritis - Vibrio parahaemolyticus - Regulates Virulence
PREP Graduate Student Research Day, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS - May 2018
Type: Oral Presentation
Title: Linking Phenotype and Pathogen Genomics: TnSeq and Next Generation DNA Sequencing
23rd Annual Infectious Disease Research Day, Centre for Vaccinology, Halifax, NS - April 2018
Type: Poster Presentation
Title: Linking Phenotype and Pathogen Genomics: TnSeq and Next Generation DNA Sequencing.
Microbiology and Immunology Graduate Student Seminar, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS - February 2018
Type: Oral Presentation
Title: Vibrio parahaemolyticus: A Versatile Pathogen Living a Dual-Lifestyle
ASM Vibrio2017, American Society of Microbiology, Chicago, IL - November 2017
Type: Poster Presentation
Title: HlyU and H-NS act as a Genetic Switch for Transcriptional Control of the Type-III Secretion System I Master Regulator exsA
22rd Annual Infectious Disease Research Day, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS - April, 2017
Type: Poster Presentation
Title: Discovery of a Genetic Switch in Vibrio parahaemolyticus that Contributes to Host Cell Death during Infection.
2016 iGEM Giant Jamboree, iGEM, Boston, MA - October 2016
Type: Poster Presentation
Title: Biofuel Production set to Spike: Identification of Biofuel Producing Enzymes in the Porcupine Microbiome
2016 iGEM Giant Jamboree, iGEM, Boston, MA - October, 2016
Type: Oral Presentation
Title: Biofuel Production set to Spike: Identification of Biofuel Producing Enzymes in the Porcupine Microbiome
Microbiology and Immunology Seminar Series, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS - September 2016
Instructor for CHEM 1011/1021 and CHEM 1012/1022 at Dalhousie University and First Year Chemistry Resource Centre Coordinator
Duties include: Organize TAs, lecture once a week, respond to student e-mails, prepare course material, mark quizzes and exams.
Graduate Student Mentor, Dalhousie University
January 2018 to Present
Wetlab mentor for Dalhousie iGEM 2018. I ensure the safety of the students, teach them the appropraite molecular biology skills, and lead them through the Summer project.
Prepared a three-day molecular biology bootcamp, where each student cloned a piece of DNA into the pSB1C3 iGEM Biobrick Shipping Vector.
Senior Chemistry Resource Center Assistant, Dalhousie University
January 2017 to September 2018.
Create TA's assignment and meeting schedule, be available throughout the week to answer questions about First Year Chemistry assignments and lecture material.
Microbiology and Immunology Introductory Class (MICI 2100) Teaching Assistant, Dalhousie University
September 2017 to January 2018.
Respond to student emails and Brightspace messages, be available for face-to-face conversations, and mark exams.
Bioinformatics and Web Design Mentor, Dalhousie IGEM 2017
January 2017 to January 2018.
Be a graduate student resource for the Bioinformatics and Web Design teams.
Current Dalhousie iGEM 2017 Website can be found here.
Chemistry Resource Center Assistant, Dalhousie University
September 2015 to December 2016.
Be available throughout the week to answer questions about First Year Chemistry assignments and lecture material.
Attend weekly meetings with prepared assignment completed to answer other TA's questions and prepare for the coming week.
Community Assistant, Dalhousie Student Life
September 2014 to May 2015
Help off-campus students by providing an on-campus liaison, location and support system similar to programs in place for on-campus students.
Plan events to integrate the Halifax community with the Dalhousie Community, and be a point of contact for communication between the Halifax Community and the University community.
Act as a liaison between Dalhousie Urban Garden Society with community food initiatives and groups, prepare newsletters and social media posts and take charge of regular garden maintenance
Front of House, Halifax Music Co-Op
September 2013 to March 2015
Take and sell tickets at the door, greet concert-goers, and sell merchandise/concessions.
House Co-President, Howe Hall Residence Council
September 2013 to April 2014
Alongside the co-president, put together a house council and hold weekly house council meetings, attend monthly residence council meetings, plan house events, and support the rest of council in community initiatives.
Career Experience
NSERC USRA Research Assistant, Dalhousie University
May-September 2016, Thomas Lab
Ensured lab stocks and supplies were adequate, performed experiments at the discretion of the Primary Investigator
Skills learned: knockout strain construction, polymerase chain reaction, DNA extraction and purification, secreted protein purification, DNA gel electrophoresis, protein gel electrophoresis, buffer and reagent preparation.
Groundskeeper, Mount Saint Vincent University
May-September 2016
Self-directed task-oriented work, ensure grounds of the University are maintained
Tasks: Mowing lawns, planting and maintaining flower beds, cleaning up garbage around campus, pruning trees and shrubs.
Camp Counsellor, Dalhousie University - Dalplex
May-September 2015
Organize and Supervise activities for Camp children at Dalhousie University's Dalplex Active Kids Summer Camp.
Be CPR C and First Aid Certified as well as hold current Water Safety Instructor and National Lifeguarding Service - Pool Option Certifications.
Swim Instructor and Lifeguard, Dalhousie University - Dalplex
May 2014 - May 2015
Organize swim lessons for children aged 2 to 14 years of age, as well as hold Water Safety Instructor Certification.
Overlook operations of the pool and ensure patron safety during use of the facilities, as well as hold National Lifeguard Service - Pool Option certification.
Lifeguard and Swim Instructor, City of Medicine Hat
May 2012 - May 2013
Organize swim lessons for children aged 2 to 14 years of age, as well as hold Water Safety Instructor Certification.
Overlook operations of the pool and ensure patron safety during use of the facilities, as well as hold National Lifeguard Service - Pool Option certification.
Technology Associate, Staples Business Depot
December 2011 - May 2013
Relevant Skills: Communication, team-building and cooperation skills, technology and computer knowledge, teaching others, initiative.
As a member of the sales team, roles included assisting customers, selling computers, tablets and associated tech, and ensuring cleanliness and organization of the store
Assisted in Computer Setups, One-on-one technology learning lessons, screen protector installation and router setups.