I am a science researcher with a focus on plants and fungi. I studied a Bachelor of Biotechnology at the University of Newcastle (Australia), where my research on aquaporins in cotton fibre expansion achieved Honours Class I and a University Medal. I then pursued a PhD at the Australian National University (ANU), researching long non-coding RNAs in seed development and gene regulation. This was in collaboration with the CSIRO, to further elucidate the roles of epigenetics in regulating seed size. I spent three years as a visiting fellow at the University of Adelaide, refining my bioinformatic and coding skills while analysing RNA sequencing data. I returned to the ANU, undertaking post-doctoral research on Australian native plants and fungal pathogens. During COVID-19, I had a critical leadership role in SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance with ACT Health, empowering evidence-based decisions of the ACT government. I have been awarded an ARC DECRA Fellowship and am now leading exciting new research frontiers in Australian native plant genomics.

My research focuses on understanding the adaptive mechanisms of Australian native plants to their environment, including their responses to climate change and resistance to fungal pathogens. I utilise cutting-edge long-read sequencing technologies to gain deep evolutionary insights, by identifying genome structural variations, genes underlying adaptation, and novel gene isoforms. Leveraging advanced bioinformatic tools for analysis, I facilitate a multi-level understanding of plant-environment and host-pathogen interactions. My expertise extends to translating research into practical conservation outcomes through collaborations with botanic gardens, government agencies, and industry partners, ensuring my findings directly contribute to the protection of Australia's natural heritage.

I have a successful record of funding totalling $1.69M. As primary investigator ($1.12M), I have received a DECRA Fellowship (ARC $526K, ANU $167K), Eucalypt Australia grant ($50K), Science Innovation Award (DAFF $22K), a Centre for Biodiversity Analysis ignition grant ($36K), and a Science and Industry Endowment Fund John Stocker Award ($60K). My expertise and skill sets have attracted direct industry funding, including Bioplatforms Australia, and Forest & Wood Products Australia ($159K). To facilitate my education, I competed for tertiary awards/scholarships totalling $92K. As a co-investigator ($566K), I am part of a three-person team to receive an Australia's Economic Accelerator Ignite Grant ($497K), bioprospecting Australia’s unexplored yeasts, and a Hermon Slade Foundation grant ($69K), exploring synthetic allopolyploid plants as novel crops.

Awards (x22)

• Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA), 2026 (Australian Research Council, ARC) 
• ACT Young Tall Poppy of the Year Science Award, 2025 (Australian Institute of Policy and Science, AIPS).
• Alan Wilton Early Career Researcher Award, 2025, for outstanding genetics research (Genetics Society of Australasia, GSA)
• Education and Outreach Award, 2024 (Australian Society of Plant Scientists, ASPS)
• Science and Innovation Award, 2023 (Australian Government, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, DAFF)
• College of Science Award for Service, 2022 (Australian National University)
• Harry Medlin Science Award (University of Adelaide)
• Cowan Bursary, for community engagement (University of Adelaide)
• HJ Rodda Scholarship, for academic excellence (University of Adelaide)
• Best Poster Prize (International Conference on Arabidopsis Research)
• Travel Award (Australian Society of Plant Scientists, ASPS)
• Science and Industry Endowment Fund John Stocker Award (CSIRO)
• Barry Boettcher Award, for most outstanding research (University of Newcastle)
• Don Agnus Memorial Prize, for excellence in molecular biology (University of Newcastle)
• Australian Postgraduate Award (Australian Government)
• University Medal (Dux Litterarum) (University of Newcastle)
• Faculty of Science and IT Medal (University of Newcastle)
• Honours Award, for academic excellence (University of Newcastle)
• Summer Research Scholarship (x4) (x1 ANU, x3 UoN)