I am based at University of Queensland (St Lucia Campus), working in partnership with Hoschule Geisenheim University and Wine Australia.
I am interested in utilising biotechnology to make advancements in agricultural productivity and working to create more resource efficient crops in the face of changing environmental conditions. Since graduating UQ with a Bachelor’s degree in Plant Biotechnology and Innovation management, my career thus far has involved work as a research assistant in improvement of digestibility in sorghum, and generation of genetically edited bananas for resistance to Fusarium Wilt. Primarily I have worked in genomic target identification, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing mediated by both Agrobacterium and Biolistic particle bombardment, tissue culture and molecular characterisation of edited lines.
For my PhD, I will be investigating the genomic and epigenomic profiles of grapevine clones important to viticulture, with the specific intention of identifying variation among clonal populations and how this variation links to differences in bunch architecture. This trait is important for reducing the prevalence of mildew and rot by facilitating airflow through the bunches. My research aims to identify genetic and epigenetic markers that can be used as targets for genome editing or breeding programs and facilitate clonal selection for more disease resilient grapevines.
I have thoroughly enjoyed working in genetic editing to improve disease resistance and being able to view the downstream effect of healthy crops in an otherwise disease decimated field due to molecular enhancement. It is exciting to see the potential for creating more productive and sustainable crops that reduce the environmental footprint of agriculture while working towards food security in the face of climate change.
In my spare time I enjoy spending weekends on the bay and competing in sailing competitions- I race Hobie 16s (catamarans) with my sister and we currently hold world number 3 placing in the women’s division after the last world championships in Spain in 2022.
