Education

Ph.D Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University
- 2019 Vanier Scholar and 2019 Killam Laureate
- Alexander Graham Bell Canadian Graduate Scholarship - Masters Recipient 2018 - $17,500 Award
- Currently Enrolled
- Studying Host-Pathogen Interactions and Environmental Survival in Vibrio parahaemolyticus
- Expected Graduation: Summer 2022
Advanced Bacterial Genetics Course, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
- Course Taught by: Drs. Andrew Camilli, Angelika Gründling, and Lionello Bossi.
- June 4th, 2019 to June 24th, 2019
- Topics covered include Transposon Sequencing, CRISPR/Cas, and Lambda-red recombineering in Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella enterica, and Staphylococcus aureus, among other techniques.
B.Sc. First Class Honours in Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University
- Graduated June 2017
- Microbiology and Immunology Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Honours Research
- Cumulative GPA: 3.93
- Awarded Dean's List: Fall 2013, Fall/Winter 2014/2015, Fall/Winter 2015/2016, Fall/Winter 2016/2017
Certificate in Genetics, Dalhousie University
- Received June 2017
High School Diploma, Medicine Hat High School
- Received June 2013
- First Class Honours
- Awarded Alexander Rutherford Scholarship - $2,500 Award

Publications

Papers:

^*Authors contributed equally to the work, ^#Corresponding Author.

Getz, L. J., Runté, C., Rainey, J., Thomas, N.A.^# (2019). "Tyrosine phosphorylation as a widespread regulatory mechanism in prokaryotes." Journal of Bacteriology. DOI:10.1128/JB.00205-19
Thornbury, M.^*, Sicheri, J.^*, Slaine, P.D., Getz, L. J., Finlayson-Trick, E.C.L., Cook, J., Guinard, C., Boudreau, N., Jakeman, D., Rohde, J.R., McCormick, C.^# (2018). "Characterization of novel lignocellulose-degrading enzymes from the porcupine microbiome using synthetic metagenomics" PLoS One. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0209221.
Getz, L.J.^#, Dellaire, G.^# (2018). "Angels and Devils: Dual-Use in Biotechnology." Trends in Biotechnology. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tibtech.2018.07.016.
Runté, C., Jain, U., Getz, L.J., Secord, S., Kuwae, A., Abe, A., Leblanc, J., Stadnyk, A.W., Kaper, J.B., Hansen, A.M., Thomas, N.A.^# (2018). "Tandem tyrosine phosphosites in the enteropathogenic Escherichia coli chaperone CesT are required for differential type III effector translocation and virulence." Molecular Microbiology. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/mmi.13948.
Getz, L.J., Thomas, N.A.^# (2018) "The Transcriptional Regulator HlyU is a Positive Regulator for Expression of exsA Leading to Type III Secretion System-1 Activation in Vibrio parahaemolyticus" Journal of Bacteriology. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1128/JB.00653-17.
Getz, L.J.^*, Finlayson-Trick, E.C.L.^*, Slaine, P.D.^*, Thornbury, M., Lamourerux, E., Cook, J., Langille, M.G.I., Murray, L.E., McCormick, C., Rohde, J.R., Cheng, Z.^# (2017). "Taxonomic differences of gut microbiomes drive cellulolytic enzymatic potential within hind-gut fermenting mammals." PLoS One. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0189404.

Commentaries:
- Kofler, N., Getz, L.J., Baylis, F., Dellaire, G. (2019). Genetically modifying mosquitoes to control the spread of disease carries unknown risks, TheConversation.ca, republished in Salon, HalifaxToday.ca, SaltWire Newspapers, and Gannett Newspapers.
- Getz, L.J., Dellaire, G. (2019). Moratorium on Human Genome Editing: Time to Get It Right, The Hastings Center Forum Blog.
- Getz, L.J., Dellaire, G. (2019). CRISPR gene editing: Why we need Slow Science, The Conversation: Canada Edition.
- Getz, L.J. (2019).The "Value" of Consumer DNA Sequencing., Impact Ethics, Novel Tech Ethics, Halifax, NS.
- Getz, L.J., Dellaire, G., Baylis, F. (2018). "Jiankui He: A Sorry Tale of High-Stakes Science", The Hastings Center Forum Blog.
- Baylis, F., Dellaire, G., Getz, L.J. (2018). "Why we are not ready for genetically designed babies", The Conversation: Canada Edition. Reprinted in: The National Post and the Halifax Chronicle Herald.
- Getz, L.J. (2018). "Thicker Than Water: Slow Movement on Blood Policy", Impact Ethics, Novel Tech Ethics, Halifax, NS.
- Getz, L.J. (2018). "The Privacy Implications of Human DNA Sequencing", Impact Ethics, Novel Tech Ethics, Halifax, NS.
- Getz, L.J. (2017). "A Reflection on Blood Donation Policy in Canada", Impact Ethics, Novel Tech Ethics, Halifax, NS.
Pre-Prints:
- *Thornbury, M., *Sicheri, J., Guinard, C,. Mahoney, D., Routledge, F,. Curry, M., Elaghil, M., Boudreau, N., Tsai, A., Slaine P., Finlayson-Trick, E.C.L., Getz, L.J., Cook, J., Rohde, J.R., McCormick, C. “Discovery and Characterization of Novel Lignocellulose-Degrading Enzymes from the Porcupine Microbiome.” BioRxiv.
- Runté, C., Jain, U., Getz, L.J., Secord, S., Kuwae, A., Abe, A., Leblanc, J., Stadnyk, A.W., Kaper, J.B., Hansen, A.M., Thomas, N.A. (2018) "Tandem tyrosine residues in the EPEC multicargo chaperone CesT support differential type III effector translocation and early host colonization." BioRxiv.
Abstracts:
- Getz, L.J., Brown, J., Thomas, N.A. (2019). Type III Secretion System Gene Expression and Virulence is Regulated by a DNA Cruciform Structure at the exsA promoter in Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Genomes to Biology: the 8^th International Conference on the Biology of Vibrios, McGill University, Montreal, QC. - November 2019
- Getz, L.J., Brown, J., Thomas, N.A. (2019). A DNA junction superstructure regulates Type III Secretion System gene expression and virulence in Vibrio parahaemolyticus, The 69th Annual Conference of the Canadian Society of Microbiologists, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC. - June 2019
- Getz, L.J., Thomas, N.A. (2018). Flipping the Switch on Bacterial Pathogenesis: How the Leading Cause of Seafood-borne Gastroenteritis - Vibrio parahaemolyticus - Regulates Virulence, LGBTSTEMinar 2019, Institute of Physics, London, UK. - January 2019
- Getz, L.J., Comeau, A., Langille, M.G.I., Thomas, N.A. (2018). Linking Phenotype and Pathogen Genomics: Tn-Seq and Next Generation DNA Sequencing, PREP Graduate Student Research Day, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS. - May 2018
- Getz, L.J., Comeau, A., Langille, M.G.I., Thomas, N.A. (2018). Linking Phenotype and Pathogen Genomics: Tn-Seq and Next Generation DNA Sequencing, 23rd Annual Infectious Disesase Research Day, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS. - Apr 2018
- Getz, L.J., Thomas, N.A. (2017). 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
- Getz, L.J., Thomas, N.A. (2017). Discovery of a Genetic Switch in Vibrio parahaemolyticus That Contributes to Host Cell Death During Infection, 22nd Annual Infectious Disease Research Day, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS. - March 2017
- Getz, L.J., Finlayson-Trick, E.C.L.^*, Mostafa Hagar^*, Slaine, P.D., Thornbury, M., Lamourerux, E., Cook, J., Langille, M.G.I., Murray, L.E., McCormick, C., Rohde, J.R., Cheng, Z.A ‘spike’ in biofuel production: mining the porcupine microbiome to engineer a softwood feedstock platform, Giant Jamboree Abstract Guide, iGEM Giant Jamboree, Boston, MA. - October 2016
Blog Posts:

Invited Talks

Genomics in Medicine - Emerging Technologies and Bioinformatic Challenges, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS. - December 2019

Title: Transposon Sequencing: Functional Genomics for Probing Bacterial Pathogenesis
Description: Transposon Sequencing is an emerging technique for discovering the functional outputs of different genomic regions within an organism's genome. In this talk, I outlined breifly what Transposon Sequencing is, how we use it in bacteria, and what we can learn from this technique, with a special focus on antibiotic resistance phenotypes and their associated liabilities in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Methicillin-resistance Staphylococcus aureus.

Graduate Student Research Day Excellence in Research Keynote, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS. - May 2019
- Title: Vibrio parahaemolyticus and infection: A complex relationship between environment and host
- Description: Vibrio is able to live in the environment and proliferate as free-living or symbiotic organisms with a variety of hosts, but can also cause human infections. The links between this environmental survival and human infection in Vibrio parahaemolyticus still remain unclear. This talk described my work in the Thomas Lab with TnSeq and how we are looking at the question of how this organism can live as both an environmental organism and a human pathogen.
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

For Posters: ^*Presenting Author

Genomes to Biology: The 8^th International Conference on the Biology of Vibrios, McGill University, Montreal, QC - November 2019

Type: Oral Presentation
Title: Type III Secretion System Gene Expression and Virulence is Regulated by a DNA Cruciform Structure at the exsA promoter in Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Awarded a People's Choice Award by the Canadian Society of Microbiologists.

Centre for Comparative Genomics and Evolutionary Bioinformatics Research Retreat, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS - November 2019

Authors: Landon J. Getz^*, Justin Brown, Nikhil Thomas
Type: Poster Presentation
Title:Type III Secretion System Gene Expression and Virulence is Regulated by a DNA Cruciform Structure at the exsA promoter in Vibrio parahaemolyticus

69th Annual Conference of the Canadian Society of Microbiologists, Université de Sherbrooke, Montreal, QC - June 2019

Authors: Landon J. Getz, Justin Brown, Nikhil Thomas^*
Type: Poster Presentation
Title: A DNA junction superstructure regulates Type III Secretion System gene expression and virulence in Vibrio parahaemolyticus

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
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
- Authors: Landon J. Getz^*, André Comeau, Morgan G. I. Langille, Nikhil Thomas
- 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
- Authors: Landon J. Getz^*, Nikhil Thomas
- 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
- Authors: Landon J. Getz^*, Nikhil Thomas
- 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
- Authors: Getz, L.J.^*, Finlayson-Trick, E.C.L.^*, Mostafa Hagar^*, Slaine, P.D., Thornbury, M., Lamourerux, E., Cook, J., Langille, M.G.I., Murray, L.E., McCormick, C., Rohde, J.R., Cheng, Z.
- 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
- Type: Oral Presentation
- Title: State of the Union: iGEM Introduction

Teaching and Mentoring

A Complete Teaching Dossier can be found here.

Part Time Academic, Dalhousie University
- September 2018 to May 2019
- 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.

Knowledge Translation

The National Post - Breakthrough or a threat? Research on genetics of same-sex behaviour ignites ethical debate
CBC Nova Scotia's Information Morning Radio Show - On the Moratorium on Germline Genome Editing with Portia Clarke, live in studio.

Discussed the 2019 call for moratorium on germline genome editing and the need for Slow CRISPR Science

Science Slam Halifax Participant
- Discussed a subset of my work, marine nutrient cycles, to a lay audience at a Grade 8 education level
- Platform was a 5 minute talk, no powerpoint slides.
"Ask a Scientist" Campaign, Dalhousie Faculty of Science
- Discussed LGBTQ+ Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths Day at Halifax Pride along with other LGBTQ+ Scientists at Dalhousie
- Discussed Environmental Microbiology and Bacteriology to the community crowd.
LGBTQ+ Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths Day Discussion on Information Morning with Portia Clark
- Information Morning is the public broadcasters (CBC) local morning radio show in Nova Scotia
- Discussed the importance of inclusion and diversity in STEM, along with LGBTQ+ STEM Day.

Awards:

People's Choice Award for the Canadian Society of Microbiologists Student Oral Presentation Competition at the 8^th Internation Conference on the Biology of Vibrios - $200 CAN Award
2019 President's Graduate Student Teaching Assistant Award - $500 CAN Award
2019 Professional Research and Education Program (PREP) Graduate Student Research Day Platform Presentation Award - $200 CAN Award
2019 Faculty of Medicine Excellence in Research Award - $1000 CAN Award
2018/2019 Vanier Canadian Graduate Scholarship by Dalhousie University - $150,000 CAN Award, 3 Year Tenure
2019 Killam Graduate Scholarship - $90,000 CAN Award, 3 Year Tenure
2019 Dalhouise University Faculty of Medicine Excellence in Research Award - $1,000 CAN Prize
2019 Alexander Graham Bell Canadian Graduate Scholarship - Honourary Doctoral Recipient - $35,000 CAN Award
HHMI Tuition Scholarship, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories Advanced Bacterial Genetics - $1500 USD Award
2018 Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation Scotia Scholars Award - $10,000 CAN Award
2018 Alexander Graham Bell Canadian Graduate Scholarship - Masters Recipient - $17,500 CAN Award
2018 Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarship - $10,000 CAN Award
2017 Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Honours Research - $100 CAN Award
2017 Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarship - $10,000 CAN Award
2017 Faculty of Science Undergraduate Research Prize
2017 Honours Student Prize
2016/2017 Academic Year – Faculty of Science Dean’s List
2016 Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada University Summer Research Award - $4,500 CAN Award
2015/2016 Academic Year – Faculty of Science Dean’s List
2015 Dalhousie University In-Course Scholarship - $250 CAN Award
2014/2015 Academic Year – Faculty of Science Dean’s List
2013 Fall – Faculty of Science Dean’s List
2013 Dalhousie University Entrance Scholarship - $750 CAN Award
2013 Alexander Rutherford Scholarship - $2,500 CAN Award

Community Service

Graduate Student Representative, Undergraduate Studies Committee.
- Sept 2017 to Present
- Act as a liason between graduate/undergraduate students and the committee
- Provide feedback to the committee based on my experience as an undergraduate student at Dalhousie Univeristy
External Coordinator, Dalhousie Urban Garden Society
- May 2016 to Present
- 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.

Media

The National Post. Breakthrough or a threat? Research on genetics of same-sex behaviour ignites ethical debate. December 6th, 2019.
HalifaxToday.ca. Halifax-based group building queer community in STEM fields. November 24th, 2019.
The Sheldon McLeod Show. QAtCanSTEM and Being a Queer Scientist. November 22nd, 2019.
Dal News. PRIDE IN STEM. July 25th, 2019.
Dal News. TEACHERS WHO INSPIRE: MEET THIS YEAR'S RECIPIENTS OF DAL'S UNIVERSITY‑WIDE TEACHING AWARDS. June 20th, 2019.
Current Exchange: A blog by CSHL Meetings and Courses. Visitor of the Week: Landon Getz. June 14th, 2019
Dal News. GOVERNMENT OF CANADA SELECTS DAL PHDS AND POSTDOCS FOR ITS MOST ESTEEMED AWARDS. May 16th, 2019.
CBC Nova Scotia's Information Morning Radio Show. On the Call for a Moratorium on Germline Genome Editing with Portia Clarke, live in studio. Feburary 2019.
The Dalhousie Gazette. Urban Garden is one of Dalhousie’s hidden gems by Lauren Hazlewood. September 27th, 2019.
CBC Nova Scotia's Information Morning Radio Show. LGBTSTEMDAY: Inclusion and Diversity in STEM with Portia Clarke, live in studio. July 2018.
Halifax's The Coast. 10 urban gardens you need to know by Victoria Walton. August 3rd, 2017

About Me

Vanier Scholar & Killam Laureate

Curriculum Vitae

Download a PDF Copy

Skills

Technology and Computers:

Research:

Molecular Biology:

Microbiology:

Communication:

Other:

Education

Publications

Invited Talks

Conference and Seminar Presentations

Teaching and Mentoring

Knowledge Translation

Awards:

Community Service

Career Experience

Media