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Kevin Jay Mercurio

PhD Microbiology Candidate

MSc, BSc Biochemistry

Creative Writer & Podcaster

Ottawa, Canada

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About

About

Finishing PhD Candidate at Trinity College Dublin researching the impact of regulatory microRNAs on the gut barrier and inflammation. Developed a unique skill set for research in microbiology and genetics driven by curiosity and a passion for understanding the nature of life. Strives to work in creative, innovative environments to further expand on leadership, communication and project management skills. Outside of the lab, was previously Co-Director for Pint of Science Ireland, Chairperson for the DU Microbiological Society and a PhD Tutor for Scholars Ireland. Currently, is the creator/host of the communications podcast Metaphorigins and the creative writer for the Scalene Writing project.

 

Do you have an interest in science communication? Let's connect!

Academic Paper

Paper published in MDPI Cells reviewing the impact of microRNAs on gut permeability, with a focus on the mucus layer and intercellular junctions. 

Irish Green Labs

Article about how TCD postgraduates and postdoctoral fellows are advocating for green research practices in the Trinity community.

Year in 
Review

Check out my Year in Review writing piece titled "Initiative", along with the blooper reel of 2024.

metaphorigins

Episode 44 of the podcast is out now! Learn about the origins of "Once Upon A Time" and using storytelling tools to communicate science more effectively, along with an interview with the creative communicator Helena Hartmann.

Education & Experience

Education

March 2021 – February 2026

Doctor of Philosophy, Microbiology

School of Genetics and Microbiology

Trinity College Dublin – Dublin, Ireland

September 2017 – April 2020

(Click to see custom summary of MSc thesis)

Master of Science, Biochemistry

Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology

University of Ottawa – Ottawa, ON

September 2011 – April 2016

(Click to see custom summary of BSc thesis)

Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry (Cum laude)

Department of Chemistry

University of Ottawa – Ottawa, ON

Employment (recent)

April 2025 – May 2025

Workshop Facilitator

Pint of Science Ireland

Virtual – Dublin, Ireland

September 2021 – August 2024

PhD Tutor

Scholars Ireland Program

Trinity College Dublin – Dublin, Ireland

May 2021 – August 2024

CV Reviewer

Trinity Career Services

Trinity College Dublin – Dublin, Ireland

Technical Experience

Data Analysis (R, Prism, MS Suite)

Cell Culture

Mutant Screening (Small Scale, HTP)

Protein Analyses (Tagging, Immunoblotting)

Fixed & Live-Cell Confocal Microscopy

NGS (Transcriptomics)

Teaching & Mentorship

Science Communication

Skills & Languages
Publications & Achievements

Publications

Stiegeler S., Mercurio K.Iancu M. A., Corr S. C. Cells. 2021, 10(12), 3358.

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Mercurio K., Singh D., Walden E., Baetz K. G3: Genes | Genomes | Genetics. 2021, 11(11),

jkab294.

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O'Callaghan A. A., Dempsey E., Iyer N., Stiegeler S., Mercurio K., Corr S. C. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. 2021; 11: 622491.

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Fletcher E., Mercurio K., Walden A. E., Baetz K. iScience. 2021; 24(4): 102327.

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Storms Z., Teel M., Mercurio K., Sauvageau D. Phage: Therapy, Applications, and Research. 2019; 1: 1X. Invited article for the inaugural issue.

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Fletcher E., Gao K., Mercurio K., Ali M., Baetz K. Metabolic Engineering. 2019; 52: 98-109.

Achievements

Winner, FameLab Ireland National Video Heat (2021)

Recipient, Graduate Leadership Award (uOttawa)

Winner, MSc Biochemistry Seminar Day (uOttawa)

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Creator/Host, Metaphorigins Podcast (present)

Co-Director, Pint of Science Ireland (2022-2024)

Tutor, Scholars Ireland (2021-2024)

CV Reviewer, Trinity Career Services (2021-2024)​

Chairperson, DU Microbiological Society (2023)

Published Author, Health Science Inquiry (2023)

Graduate Mentor, URNCST Journal (2022)

Policy Coordinator, Science Slam Canada (2022)

Contributing Writer, The University Times (2021)

Reviewer, uOttawa Journal of Medicine (2021)

PG Representative, Annual LERU Conference (2021)

Published Author, Healthy Populations Journal (2021)

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