My background in microbial ecology began during my graduate studies at the University of Waikato, Hamilton, New
Zealand. My Msc involved the development of molecular techniques to detect and enumerate thermophilic bacteria
in milk powder processing factories. I enjoyed my Msc and a consequence stayed in the ‘thermophile’ field,
undertaking a PhD investigating the microbial communities inhabiting high temperature (<80°C) terrestrial springs
of New Zealand using DNA-based approaches complemented with culturing attempts. Due to my experience with
both molecular-based techniques and hydrothermal systems, I was invited by Prof. Craig Cary (Uni. of Waikato
and Delaware) to participate in the Extreme 2004
expedition investigating the microbiota inhabiting hydrothermal vents on the East Pacific Rise. I have also
been involved in two expeditions (summer 2005 and 2006) to the Antarctic Dry Valleys with Prof. Cary and Prof.
Cowan (Uni. of Western Cape). These trips were focused on studying the microbial communities of Dry Valley
soils and understanding the environmental factors driving community composition. As a consequence of my
Antarctic experience, I have undertaken an Arctic-related Postdoctoral fellow with Prof. Lyle Whyte at McGill
University. My position involves the investigation and characterization of the microbial communities
inhabiting extreme cryo-environments in the Canadian High Arctic.
