I am a research scientist at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Ottawa Laboratory Fallowfield. I am a trained veterinarian with doctoral and postdoctoral training in Immunology at University of Saskatchewan.
My research interests include the application of genome sequencing technology to detect, identify and characterize foodborne microbial pathogens. I have generated, assembled and characterize Salmonella and Listeria genomes. Recently, I completed the development of a single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping test for Salmonella Enteritidis. I have played a lead role in the establishment of the Pulse Field Gel Electrophoresis at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Role in Syst-OMICS
I am involved in Activity 3.2 which aims to adapt WGS data to improve the specificity of existing commercially available RT-PCR assays for detection of foodborne Salmonella. I am also involved in Activity 3.3 which aims to develop a new sequence-based assay for faster confirmatory testing and assessing the pathogenic potential of Salmonella isolates.
I am contributing to Activity 4.1 where we want to assess four (4) core/phage-based WGS subtyping methods for their genetic discriminatory power. Specifically, I am involved in the development and evaluation of a novel prophage sequencing typing method.