Kevin Jay Mercurio

PhD Student in Microbiology

MSc, BSc in Biochemistry

Creative Writer & Podcaster

Dublin, Ireland

kjbmercurio@gmail.com

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 37 of the podcast is out now! Learn about the origin to "Shoot For The Moon", CAN Vs. US research institutes and an interview with the scientifically methodical

Amanda Bentley-DeSousa (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.

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Mercurio K., Singh D., Walden E., Baetz K. G3: Genes | Genomes | Genetics. 2021; doi: 10.1093/g3journal/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.

Mercurio K. Masters thesis; 2020; University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON.

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Mercurio K. Oral presentation for the International Yeast Genetics and Molecular Biology Conference; 2019, Aug 18-22; Gothenburg, Sweden.

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Mercurio K., Singh D., Baetz K. Poster presentation for the Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology Conference; 2019, May 6-7; Cornwall, ON.

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

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

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Mercurio K., Hall C., Mah T.F. Poster presentation for the Canadian Society of Microbiology Annual Conference; 2016: June 12-15; Toronto, ON.

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Mercurio K. Honours thesis; 2016; University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON.

Awards and Positions

WHERE I SHINE