Kevin Jay Mercurio
PhD Microbiology Candidate
MSc, BSc Biochemistry
Creative Writer & Podcaster
Dublin, Ireland
About
PhD Candidate at Trinity College Dublin researching the impact of regulatory microRNAs on the gut barrier and microbiome. Developed a unique skill set for research in microbiology and genetics driven by curiosity and a passion for understanding the nature of biological life. Strives to work in creative, innovative environments to further expand on leadership, communication and project management skills. Outside of the lab, is a Co-Directors for Pint of Science Ireland and the Chairperson of the DU Microbiological Society. Additionally, is the 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.
Health Science Inquiry
Check out the HSI 13th Vol. themed “Climate Change & Health” and The Climate Solution, my short story about the language of discussing the climate.
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
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
Employment (recent)
September 2020 – January 2021
Laboratory Technician
Faculty of Medicine
University of Ottawa – Ottawa, ON
November 2016 – August 2017
Trade Commissioner
Life Sciences Division, 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
Technical Experience
Data Analysis (R, Prism, MS Suite)
Cell Culture
Mutant Screening (Small Scale, HTP)
Protein Analyses (Tagging, Immunoblotting)
Fixed & Live-Cell Confocal Microscopy
Next Generation Sequencing
Teaching & Mentorship
Science Communication
Publications
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, 11(11),
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.
Storms Z., Teel M., Mercurio K., Sauvageau D. Phage: Therapy, Applications, and Research. 2019; 1: 1X. Invited article for the inaugural issue.
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)
Creator/Host, Metaphorigins Podcast (present)
Co-Director, Pint of Science Ireland (present)
Chairperson, DU Microbiological Society (present)
Tutor, Scholars Ireland (present)
CV Reviewer, Trinity Career Services (present)
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)