SKEPTICAL BUT CURIOUS
Kevin Jay Mercurio
PhD Student in Microbiology
MSc, BSc in Biochemistry
Creative Writer & Podcaster
Dublin, Ireland
About
Welcome to my site!
Driven by curiosity and a passion for understanding the nature of biological life, I have developed a unique skill set for research in microbiology and genomics. With excellent leadership, communication and management skills, I strive to work in creative, innovative environments. Currently, I'm a PhD student at Trinity College Dublin researching the impact of microRNAs on the gut microbiome. I’m also an avid blogger, creator of Scalene Writing for my literary works and host of the Metaphorigins Podcast.
Interested in collaborating? 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.
FameLab ireland
Finalist in the nationwide science communication
competition. Video submission is about the science of fear.
Healthy POpulations Journal
Short story is now published in the Dalhousie-based journal's 2nd Volume and Fall Edition. Check out The Revival, a story about gender bias.
metaphorigins
Episode 40 and the SEASON FOUR FINALE of the podcast is out now! Learn about mentorship along with an interview with the exceptional educator Namrata Iyer (PhD).
Education
WHAT I’VE LEARNED
March 2021 – present
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
September 2005 - June 2011
Ontario High School Diploma
Saint Paul Catholic High School – Ottawa, ON
Employment
WHERE I’VE WORKED
September 2020 – January 2021
Laboratory Technician
Faculty of Medicine
University of Ottawa – Ottawa, ON
November 2016 – August 2017
Trade Commissioner
Life Sciences Division of the Trade Commissioner Service
Global Affairs Canada – Ottawa, ON
May 2016 – August 2016
Laboratory Researcher
Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology
University of Ottawa – Ottawa, ON
September 2014 – December 2014
Laboratory Researcher (Co-op)
Biorefinery and Energy Program
FPInnovations – Pointe-Claire, QC
May 2014 – August 2014
Laboratory Researcher (Co-op)
Department of Chemical Engineering
University of Alberta – Edmonton, AB
Technical Experience
WHAT I BRING TO THE TABLE
Data Analysis (R, Prism, MS Excel)
Cell Culture
Genetics & Genomics Screening
Protein Extraction & Western Blotting
Fixed & Live Cell Microscopy
Next Generation Sequencing
Teaching & Mentorship
Science Communication
Publications and Conferences
WHAT I'VE PRESENTED
Mercurio K., Stiegeler S., Iancu M. A., Corr S. C. Cells. 2021, 10(12), 3358.
Mercurio K., Singh D., Walden E., Baetz K. G3: Genes | Genomes | Genetics. 2021; doi: 10.1093/g3journal/jkab294.
O'Callaghan A. A., Dempsey E., Iyer N., Stiegeler S., Mercurio K., Corr S. C. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. 2021; 11: 622491.
Fletcher E., Mercurio K., Walden A. E., Baetz K. iScience. 2021; 24(4): 102327.
Mercurio K. Masters thesis; 2020; University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON.
Mercurio K. Oral presentation for the International Yeast Genetics and Molecular Biology Conference; 2019, Aug 18-22; Gothenburg, Sweden.
Mercurio K., Singh D., Baetz K. Poster presentation for the Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology Conference; 2019, May 6-7; Cornwall, ON.
Storms Z., Teel M., Mercurio K., Sauvageau D. Phage: Therapy, Applications, and Research. 2019; 1: 1X. Invited article for the preview/inaugural issues.
Fletcher E., Gao K., Mercurio K., Ali M., Baetz K. Metabolic Engineering. 2019; 52: 98-109.
Mercurio K., Hall C., Mah T.F. Poster presentation for the Canadian Society of Microbiology Annual Conference; 2016: June 12-15; Toronto, ON.
Mercurio K. Honours thesis; 2016; University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON.
Awards and Positions
WHERE I SHINE
Winner, FameLab Ireland National Video Heat (2021)
Recipient, Graduate Leadership Award (uOttawa)
Winner, MSc Biochemistry Seminar Day (uOttawa)
Creator & Host of the Metaphorigins Podcast (present)
Tutor, Scholars Ireland (present)
Co-Director, Pint of Science Ireland (present)
Chairperson, DU Microbiological Society (present)
CV Reviewer, Trinity Career Services (present)
Graduate Mentor, URNCST Journal (2022)
Policy Coordinator, Science Slam Canada (2022)
Published Author, Healthy Populations Journal (2021)
Contributing Writer, The University Times (2021)
Reviewer, uOttawa Journal of Medicine (2021)
Representative, Annual LERU Conference (2021)
Published Author, Health Science Inquiry (2020)
Mentorship Coordinator, S2BN (2019-2020)
Judge, Ottawa Regional Science Fair (2018-2020)
VP Academic Affairs, BMIGSA (2018-2019)
Student Rep., FoM Student Recruitment (2017-2019)
Committee Leader, TechnoMiSE Program (2017-2019)
Council Member, BMIGSA (2017-2018)
High School Tutor, Independent (2016-2017)
Elementary School Mentor, BBBSO (2015-2016)
VP Social, UOHS Healthcare Symposium (2015-2016)
Student Educator, uOttawa Health Services (2015-2016)
Patroller, uOttawa Foot Patrol (2015-2016)
Community Volunteer, SPCA (2012-2014)
Co-President, St. Paul High School (2010-2011)