I'm a passionate educator in all things biology.  Originally trained as a clinical microbiologist in a graduate veterinary school, I transitioned to food microbiology after graduating BSc from James Cook University in 1998.  Fascinating by biological processes at the smallest level, I completed research in bacterial physiology through a BAppSc(Hons) degree from the University of Ballarat (now known as Federation University) in 2000 and research MSc from La Trobe University in 2003.  For my PhD, I diversified to include enzymology and protein chemistry, in addition to bacterial physiology - I graduated in 2008 from The University of Melbourne.  Postdoctoral work at RMIT University saw me delve into applied aspects of physical chemistry and materials science, before I broadened my understanding with further research in the information systems and e-commerce area of food composition databases and e-retailing.

For much of my career, I have had a true passion for teaching, guiding, mentoring and inspiring the next generation of scientists to find the excitement I feel over biology.  The first class I taught was at Victoria University in 2000, where I demonstrated food microbiology.  Since then, I have lectured, tutored and demonstrated a plethora of subjects across all areas of biology, chemistry,  food science and even hazardous waste management! ...at The University of Melbourne, Monash University, Swinburne University, Box Hill Institute and more.

Now, I work in student services at Monash University's Central Clinical School at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, while pursuing my teaching passion through my business, Food Microbiology Academy.