Education

• Ph.D Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University
  • Nominated by Dalhousie University for the Vanier Canadian Graduate Scholarship - $50,000 Award
  • Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarship (NSGS) Recipient - $10,000 Award
  • 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
• 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.
• 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:
  • 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:
  • 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
  • Linking Phenotype and Pathogen Genomics: Tn-Seq and Next Generation DNA Sequencing, PREP Graduate Student Research Day, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS. - May 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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:
  • Borrowing Name-Tags: Cholera’s Method of Evading our Defences, Plosibilities
  • Vaccinia Virus’s VIP Access to Host Protein Making Machinery, Plosibilities
  • Changing All on Your Own: “Lonely Bugs Mutate Faster, Plosibilities

Invited Talks

• 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

• 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
  • 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 Present
  • 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.

Science Communication

• 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:

• Nominated for Vanier Canadian Graduate Scholarship by Dalhousie University - $50,000 Award
• 2018 Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation Scotia Scholars Award - $10,000 Award
• 2018 Alexander Graham Bell Canadian Graduate Scholarship - Masters Recipient - $17,500 Award
• 2018 Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarship - $10,000
• 2017 Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Honours Research - $100
• 2017 Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarship - $10,000
• 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
• 2015/2016 Academic Year – Faculty of Science Dean’s List
• 2015 Dalhousie University In-Course Scholarship - $250
• 2014/2015 Academic Year – Faculty of Science Dean’s List
• 2013 Fall – Faculty of Science Dean’s List
• 2013 Dalhousie University Entrance Scholarship - $750
• 2013 Alexander Rutherford Scholarship - $2,500

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

• CBC Nova Scotia's Information Morning Radio Show - Inclusion and Diversity in STEM with Portia Clarke, live in studio.
• Discussed #LGBTSTEMday and LGBTQ+ Representation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
• Halifax's The Coast - 10 urban gardens you need to know by Victoria Walton
• Featured for work at the Dalhousie Urban Garden
• The Dalhousie Gazette - Urban Garden is one of Dalhousie’s hidden gems by Lauren Hazlewood
  • Featured for work at the Dalhousie Urban Garden