Curriculum Vitae

Louisa Parkinson

BBiotech(Hons), PhD | Carina Heights, Brisbane | DOB 19/09/1990
e: louisaparkinson@outlook.com | m: +61 432 336 700 | ABN: 49 139 839 935
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisa-parkinson/ 
w: https://www.louisaparkinson.com   

ABOUT ME

I’m a qualified scientist with an entertainer personality, looking for a career with opportunities to showcase my diverse skills. Apart from having technical and scientific expertise, I have a passion for stage performance, business operations, community involvement and organising events, with over a decade of experience as an emcee and public speaker, 5 years of experience in organising small and large-scale events, 3.5 years of managing research teams in supervisory and administrative roles, 2 years of experience in digital marketing and running a small business, 2 years of experience in championing diversity & inclusion in the workplace, and some media training and experience in the film & television industry through acting roles in advertisements and in TV & radio interviews. I am friendly and professional, and enthusiastic to learn new skills and make a contribution in my workplace and community. My personal interests include creating social media content, watching reality TV, growing indoor plants, volunteering in the Filipino community in Brisbane, spending time with my cat, Beans, and dancing with Mum in her stage performances.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Doctor of Philosophy 2017, Plant Pathology, Phylogeny and Comparative Analysis, Agricultural Biotechnology Diagnostics. The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia.

  • My PhD thesis was awarded the UQ Dean’s Award for Outstanding Theses, which is awarded to the top 10% of PhD graduates, for significant contributions to the field of research.

• Bachelor of Biotechnology (Hons) 2013, Plant Biotechnology major, First Class Honours, GPA 6.13. The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia.  

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

• January 2018 – November 2020: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI) institute at the University of Queensland (UQ), under the employment of A/Prof Andrew Geering working on Hort Innovation project AV16010, ‘Avocado Industry Biosecurity Capacity Building’

• June 2017 – December 2017: Research Officer, QAAFI, UQ, under the employment of A/Prof Elizabeth Dann working on the Hort Innovation project AV14012 project, ‘Investigating avocado tree mortality during early field establishment’

• April 2017 – June 2017: Research Assistant, QAAFI, UQ, under the employment of A/Prof Elizabeth Dann and Prof Andre Drenth

• October 2013 – April 2017: PhD Candidate, QAAFI, UQ, stipend funded through the Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) Scholarship.  

• March 2017 – June 2017: Laboratory Practical Tutor for BIOL3201 Fungi and Plant Diseases, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences (SAFS), UQ (Semester 1, 2016).

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Office and Project Management

Computational Proficiency – I am confident in using software for office use and take pride in my ability to learn new software and databases rapidly.

• Advanced use of the Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote)

• Proficiency in cloud or web-based office software including Google Drive (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms), OneDrive, Zoom and Microsoft Teams, Doodle Poll, Survey Monkey.

• Basic use of the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite (Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator and Premiere Pro)

• I am working towards learning Adobe InDesign and developing more advanced skills across the Creative Cloud suite. In lieu of InDesign, I use Canva for basic graphics design tasks.

Accounts reconciliation – I am proficient in use of accounts software such as Xero, EMS Promaster and UniFi.

Operational use of websites – updating product listings or website content through Squarespace, Etsy and Shopify website platforms.

Organising team members – planning and scheduling meetings and site visits, coordinating team members’ schedules and calendars, booking meeting rooms, international and domestic flights, transport and accommodation, scheduling itineraries and communicating with all parties involved.

Written communication – quick turn-around for writing grant applications, project milestone reports and meeting minutes with precision and attention to detail. I am highly trained in technical writing for scientific journal publication and translation of technical literature into publications for general audiences.

Excellent email, phone and front of house etiquette – I am personable, friendly and polite, always greeting people with a smile and I take extra care in remembering people’s names and career backgrounds, ready for formal introductions at short notice.

Confident and independent in general office tasks – use of MFDs, binding and laminating documents, organising mail and deliveries, taking phone calls, email communications, interacting with guests and tour groups, sourcing supplies and equipment, note-taking, general assistance.   

Event coordination – I have worked as a key member in organising committees for industry events including seminar events and workshops through to large-scale local festivals. My roles have included sourcing talent and speakers, creating the program and securing event facilities, catering and equipment.   

• I was an event coordinator for the Australasian Plant Pathology Queensland Seminar Series, which was established in 2019 by a small team of early-career researchers. Our seminar events have become a key thrice-yearly seminar event for our industry, hosting over 70 attendees from across the state. The seminar events have hosted international speakers from Cornell University, North Dakota State University and University of Nebraska, and well-known local researchers from the Queensland Government Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, The University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology and University of Southern Queensland.

• I have 5 years of experience in organising local multicultural festivals. I am the cultural show and event coordinator for the Filipino Barrio Fiesta Brisbane, an annual festival which attracts over 8000 attendees (please see Career Portfolio for further information). 

Workplace facility management for employees – Setting up a COVID-safe workspace with Zoom meeting access, organising timetables and payroll, purchasing equipment, acquiring & maintaining professional relationships with suppliers and collaborators, being the point of contact for technical equipment issues or troubleshooting. This experience stemmed from my career in science as well as from scaling-up my small business The Mask Boutique (please see Career Portfolio for more information).

Employee support – Providing support, information and a safe space for staff and students in diversity groups at UQ, particularly with support related to workplace discrimination and harassment, LGBTIAQ+ support, and support for culturally & linguistically diverse individuals. Below are my voluntary roles within the university:

• I am a trained Discrimination & Harassment Contact Officer (DHCO), providing confidential grievance support and information for staff and students and brief updates encouraging safe workplace attitudes and behaviours at QAAFI staff & student meetings. An outcome of being a voluntary DHCO within QAAFI has resulted in increased staff and student awareness on acceptable workplace behaviours, and strategies put in place by QAAFI management on preventing bullying within the institute.  

• UQ Ally – a trained staff member who shows visible support for the LGBTIAQ+ community within UQ and the broader community.

• Member of the UQ Cultural Inclusion Council and my research institute’s (QAAFI) Diversity & Inclusion Committee where membership is granted by invitation and consideration by a selection committee. Members of these organisations make contributions towards improving diversity & inclusion strategies at UQ and the QAAFI institute, through obtaining feedback from staff and students, reporting diversity issues, and committee discussions.

• I have written blog posts for UQ on being culturally & linguistically diverse: https://stories.uq.edu.au/small-change/from-face-of-uq-to-champion-of-diversity/index.html

• I regularly produce seminar presentations on Diversity & Inclusion topics at QAAFI institute-wide meetings, providing advice for ensuring the workplace is safe and inclusive.

• Volunteering at UQ has helped me to champion diversity in the workplace, and contribute towards creating strategies for improving diversity inclusion within the QAAFI institute and the university. In 2020 I was awarded the QAAFI Award for Diversity & Inclusion.  

Supervision and training of staff and students – I have 3.5 years of experience in supervising and training staff and students in the laboratory through multiple short and long-term projects. My major achievement is in being an academic supervisor for Honours and Masters-level students in their research projects, some of whom have progressed to PhD study.  

Experienced in staff recruitment procedures for large organisations – In my science career I have been on multiple selection panels for the hiring of new staff (from graduate-level through to professorial positions) at QAAFI.

Public relations, linkages, collaboration and engagement – I am an established public speaker and science presenter with extensive experience in presenting conference and workshop seminars to a broad scientific and general audience as well as having over 10-years of experience in emceeing concerts and festivals within the local Brisbane entertainment industry. I am often requested to represent the QAAFI institute or my supervisor’s research team in meetings with international delegates, industry stakeholders, ministerial visits, and student engagement events to recruit prospective students.  My highest profile engagement activities include:

• Invited speaker, representing QAAFI in a meeting at the UQ Senate for fostering research linkages between UQ, CSIRO and research organisations in the Philippines. The meeting contained delegates from the University of Philippines, Visayas State University, PCAARRD, UQ, CSIRO Canberra and ACIAR (26 June 2019). This activity resulted in direct research networks with agricultural research organisations in the Philippines.

• Invitations to Ministerial meetings with Hon. Kate Jones, the Queensland Minister for Innovation & Tourism Industry Development and the Minister for the Commonwealth Games (14 March 2019) and the Queensland Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Mark Furner (2 July 2018) for providing an overview of the agricultural research conducted at QAAFI.

• An international site visit in South Africa in 2018 to establish international research connections with major global avocado organisations. This activity resulted in connections with researchers and stakeholders from one of the largest avocado producing companies in the world, Westfalia Fruit, and the Agricultural Research Council of South Africa.

• My avocado research projects gave me experience in collaborating with Queensland government researchers, Brisbane City Council, the Australian avocado industry (growers, stakeholders and agronomists) and international research groups and as a result I have developed a broad network of research linkages.

Entrepreneurship – 1-year experience from The Mask Boutique in establishing a business, scaling a start-up, setting up a COVID-safe workspace, hiring and training casual staff, developing production chains for mass production, organising timetables and payroll, purchasing plant equipment, acquiring & maintaining professional relationships with suppliers (please see Career Portfolio for more information).

Scientific Research and Laboratory Skills

Plant pathology – isolation of microorganisms from plant tissue; culturing & sub-culturing; isolating single germinating fungal spores to purify cultures; microscopy; designing and implementing field-based and glasshouse-based pathogenicity experiments.

Fungal taxonomy – writing formal morphological descriptions for publication; differentiating between species based on fungal morphology and molecular phylogenetic trees; scientific drawings of fungal morphological structures; record keeping of fungal collections and depositing fungal isolates to the Queensland DAF Biosecurity Herbarium (BRIP). 

Molecular biology – DNA extraction; DNA quantification; carrying out PCR, RT-PCR and multiplex PCRs; PCR, qPCR and LAMP primer and probe design; molecular diagnostic protocol design, optimization and troubleshooting; use and design of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) diagnostic protocols; gel electrophoresis & use of DNA intercalating agents; Double Antibody Sandwich ELISA; defence enzyme assays (chitinase and β-1, 3-glucanase); Bradford assay; preparation of laboratory reagents and buffers.  

Entomology – Isolation of pinhole borer beetles from tree branch galleries and in vitro rearing of beetle colonies on sawdust media for experimental use. Designing and implementing experiments involving insects.  

Bioinformatics – Gene sequence editing, de novo assembly and multiple alignments (Geneious); multi-gene Bayesian Inference (MrBayes software) and Maximum Likelihood (RAXML software) phylogenetic analyses; gene sequence submission in Genbank and Mycobank; sequence identity searching (BLAST).

Computational – Adobe Creative Cloud Suite (Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator and Premiere Pro), Microsoft Office Suite (advanced use of Microsoft Excel), proficiency in cloud-based office software such as Google Drive and OneDrive, statistical analyses with Genstat software, advanced use of EndNote, referencing software. I aim to gain experience in programming and writing code, through practice in Python and R statistical software. 

App-based tool development – Advanced level in building survey forms in AgKonectTM, CheckPointTM and Google Forms. I am working towards gaining competency in building species identification keys with Lucid software.  

Technical written communication – I am highly trained in technical writing for scientific journal publication and translation of technical literature into publications for general audiences.

• I have published as first author in scientific journals including Plant Disease, Phytopathology, Australasian Plant Pathology and Mycoscience.

• I am a regular writer for Taking Avocados magazine on avocado disease research topics.

Grant writing – I have an early-career researcher level of experience in grant writing. I have co-submitted project proposals and grant applications as a project leader and as a partner investigator to funding bodies including:

• Hort Innovation

• Plant Biosecurity Science Foundation Investment Proposal

• Sunshine Coast University Faculty of Arts, Business and Law (FABL) Research Collaboration Scheme

• National Taxonomy Research Grant Programme (Australian Biological Resources Study, ABRS).

Peer Reviewer experience – I have been a peer reviewer for multiple scientific journals including Australasian Plant Pathology, The European Journal of Plant Pathology, Plant Disease, Tropical Plant Pathology, Pest Management Science and Crop Protection.

Conference and seminar presentations – I am an established public speaker and science presenter with extensive experience in presenting seminars at international conferences and workshops to a broad scientific and general audience, including members of the public, avocado growers and industry members (please see Career Portfolio for further information).

PC2 and QC3 laboratory trained – I have certifications and training in working in PC2 and QC3 laboratories and in dealing with biosecurity specimens.

• Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR): Approved Arrangements for Accredited Persons (Classes 1 to 8) (Attainment number: 40307).

• DAWR: Biosecurity Awareness training (Attainment number: A28104).

• Queensland Government Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF): Gene Technology Regulations training completed.

• DAF: Gene Technology Certified Facility Behavioural Awareness training.

CAREER PORTFOLIO – SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

Academic Research at the University of Queensland (2012 – 2020)

I have 8 years of experience in working in a laboratory and 3.5 years of experience as a research academic in the scientific fields of molecular biology, microbiology, and plant pathology. I have 3.5 years of experience in supervising university students and research team members, including roles as an academic supervisor for Honours and Masters-level students, some of whom have progressed to PhD study. A 2-minute video snapshot of my research career is available here.

Research Project History

January 2018 – November 2020 Postdoctoral Research Fellow: ‘Avocado Industry Biosecurity Capacity Building’ (Hort Innovation Project AV16010)

The avocado industry biosecurity capacity building project was established to protect the Australian avocado industry from exotic pest and disease threats through development of rapid diagnostic tests in case of an incursion; building capacity for monitoring and responding to incursions; engagement with pathologists, growers, agronomists and stakeholders for the avocado industry around the world to keep up to date with emerging threats; and researching the species diversity of biosecurity threats within Australia. This project resulted in a nationwide network of avocado industry members participating in pest & disease surveillance; collaborations with international researchers and government organisations in Australia; discovery and classification of new species; development of new diagnostic tests for exotic pathogens; industry awareness of biosecurity issues through regular publication in the industry magazine, Talking Avocados; and training of future scientific researchers and leaders.

The major research themes and aims of project AV16010 were to:

• Maintain existing diagnostic protocols for quarantinable pests and pathogens of the Australian avocado industry and to develop new protocols for high-risk threats.

• Monitor emerging biosecurity threats and provide diagnostic capacity to allow rapid responses to incursions.

• Provide molecular diagnostic support for other avocado plant health projects such as Hort Innovation project AV16007.

• Provide data on the diversity and pathogenicity of Fusarium fungal species associated with pinhole borer beetle-vectored Branch Dieback of avocado trees in Queensland.

The project activities and findings are summarised below:

Investigating Fusarium spp. associated with Euwallacea-vectored branch dieback of avocados

This project resulted in the discovery of new species of fungi, training of a graduate student, and strong collaborations with the forestry researchers from Sunshine Coast University and the Queensland Government Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF). Their research investigated the species diversity of pinhole borers associated with dieback of coastal native trees in Queensland, while the avocado project focused on the species diversity of Fusarium fungi associated with the beetles and dieback. My research activities and achievements are summarised below:

• Collecting fungal isolates and pinhole borer beetles (ambrosia beetles in the Euwallacea genus) from avocado trees and other hosts including tuckeroo, acacia, macadamia and mango, exhibiting pinhole borer beetle-vectored branch dieback symptoms. The branch dieback surveys have generated a collection of Fusarium spp. isolates for multigene phylogenetic analyses and glasshouse pathogenicity testing.

• 115 Fusarium isolates were collected from 7 plant species in Queensland.

  • Avocado, tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis anacardioides), mango, blueberry, Beach bird’s eye (Alectryon coriaceus), Acacia sp., macadamia, Euwallacea spp. found in branch galleries.

• Fungal isolates identified with multi-gene sequencing (ITS, RPB1, RPB2, TEF1-α) and phylogenetic analyses.

• Queensland regions surveyed: Far North Queensland, Central Queensland (Bundaberg), Sunshine Coast, South East Queensland.

• Of the 115 Fusarium isolates, 42 isolates were species in the Ambrosia Fusarium Complex (AFC).

• Three new Fusarium species in the AFC confirmed with phylogenetic analyses. Formal taxonomic descriptions and publication of new species to follow:

  • Fusarium sp. nov. 1 isolated from avocado in Bundaberg, Central Quensland.

  • Fusarium sp. nov. 2 isolated from avocado in the tablelands, Far North Queensland.

  • Fusarium sp. nov. 3 isolated from avocado in the tablelands, Far North Queensland.

• Most AFC isolates were identified as Fusarium obliquiseptatum (AFC), all of which were isolated from tuckeroo & Euwallacea perbrevis in the Sunshine Coast region, except for one isolate which came from avocado in Mareeba, Far North Queensland. This suggests potentially wide distribution and multi-host range of a native beetle.

• An Honours project was developed to continue the research on AFC Fusaria (Feb 2020 – Nov 2020).

  • Pathogenicity testing of new AFC species on avocado and tuckeroo tree branches.

  • Pathogenicity testing of F. obliquiseptatum species isolated from multiple hosts (avocado, tuckeroo and E. perbrevis) on disease severity in avocado.

  • In vitro beetle feeding preference studies: testing the ability of E. perbrevis larvae to survive and develop into mature beetles, while growing on culture plates containing each new fungal species as a food source. This experimental component was a collaborative approach with sharing of technical methods from contacts at the University of Florida, United States, and researchers from DAF Biosecurity.  

• A manuscript for publication in a scientific journal on the taxonomy and pathogenicity of new AFC Fusarium species is in preparation for submission.

Molecular tests for biosecurity threats

I developed a real-time qPCR diagnostic assay for detection of exotic biosecurity threat, Elsinoë perseae (Avocado Scab fungus), which can be used as an industry standard diagnostic protocol for Australia.

• It is a duplex probe-based qPCR assay which simultaneously detects E. perseae ITS and RPB2 genes (ITS detected in the yellow channel, RPB2 detected in the green channel).

• Specificity of the test was validated with imported quarantine Elsinoë fungal isolates which are closely related species to E. perseae.

• Sensitivity of the test is to 14.9 pg of fungal DNA in avocado crude extracts. A manuscript for publication in a scientific journal is underway.

Biosecurity reference specimens

Reference specimens of high priority biosecurity pests & pathogens were obtained at the World Avocado Congress, a research trip in Costa Rica & from colleagues. Through the sharing of reference specimens from international collaborators, potential future research linkages were established.  

• Avocado seed weevil (Heilipus lauri) male & female specimens from Dr Alicia Romero (Colombia).

• DNA extracts of Xylella fastidiosa isolated from avocado obtained from Drs Carlos Chacon Diaz and William Villalobos (Costa Rica); an aliquot of an antiserum against Xylella fastidiosa was also obtained, which can be used for diagnostics.

• Euwallacea sp. from Guatemala obtained from A/Prof Femi Akinsanmi (QAAFI, UQ).

Tools for surveillance

Development of an avocado biosecurity network of 39 growers, agronomists and plant pathologists in all avocado growing regions in Australia for recording avocado plant health data, through use of the Checkpoint online tool.

Other experimental activities

Capacity for Avocado Sunblotch Viroid (ASBVd) diagnostic testing was revisited and established.

• I updated the original protocol, a two-step real time Reverse Transcription (RT) PCR, and optimized it to a one-step method, reducing the number of operational steps and time involved.

• A new project surveying avocado growing regions in Australia for ASBVd (Hort Innovation project AV18007) is now underway and the diagnostic has been innovated further by another project team member.

Other activities during the project

• Monitoring biosecurity threats to industry and contribution to national biosecurity planning for the Australian avocado industry.

• Providing diagnostic support to other avocado research projects and to industry.

• Milestone report writing and project steering committee reporting.

• Grant-writing and project proposal submission. During this 3-year project I co-submitted project proposals and grant applications as a project leader and as a partner investigator to funding bodies including Hort Innovation, the Plant Biosecurity Science Foundation Investment Proposal, and the Sunshine Coast University Faculty of Arts, Business and Law (FABL) Research Collaboration Scheme.

• 6-monthly extension article publishing in industry journal, Talking Avocados, on biosecurity threats to the Australian avocado industry. This resulted in the increased awareness and interest of industry members for monitoring biosecurity threats to industry.

• I have developed international research networks and have become an established presenter through presenting at international conferences.

  • International Congress for Plant Pathology (Boston, United States, 2018)

  • The IX World Avocado Congress (Colombia, 2019)

  • The Australasian Plant Pathology Society Conference (Melbourne, 2019)

  • Tropical Agriculture Conference (Brisbane, 2019).

• Organising committee and presenter for the Australasian Plant Pathology Society (APPS) Queensland Plant Pathology Seminar Series. 

  • The plant pathology seminar series was established in 2019 by a small team of early-career researchers to create research linkages between organisations and to showcase the plant pathology research conducted in Queensland.

  • Our seminar events have become a key thrice-yearly seminar event hosting over 70 attendees from across the state.

  • The seminar events have hosted international speakers from Cornell University, North Dakota State University and University of Nebraska, and well-known local researchers from the Queensland Government Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, The University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology and University of Southern Queensland.

• Academic supervisor for UQ Honours, Masters and Summer & Winter Research students, some of whom have gone on to do PhDs.

September 2019 – November 2020 Postdoctoral Research Fellow: ‘Avocado sunblotch viroid survey’ (Hort Innovation Project AV18007)

The aim of this project was to survey for Avocado sunblotch viroid (ASBVd) in Australia to provide evidence to support a declaration of pest-freedom, through improved molecular testing methods. Declarations of pest-freedom at farm or regional scale are important to facilitate trade of fresh fruit and planting material to countries such as New Zealand, which are concerned about the introduction of this pathogen to their avocado industry. Understanding the current distribution of the viroid will also allow a better assessment of the risk of importing avocados to Australia from countries where the pathogen is common, such as South Africa or Mexico.

Project activities included:

• Field Surveys in Hampton, Queensland.

• Development of app-based survey forms for data collection with the AgKonectTM GPS location-based surveillance app.

• Extension activities – industry engagement with growers and agronomists for testing of plant material.

• Meetings and project planning with collaborators from Cambridge University (UK), the citrus industry (CSIRO) in South Australia and the avocado industry in South Africa.

The project is on-going however, inter-state and international project activities were heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

June 2017 – December 2017 Research Officer: ‘Investigating tree mortality during early field establishment’ (Hort Innovation Project AV14012) and Brisbane City Council

This research optimized and validated a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) molecular test for the detection of fungal pathogens, Calonectria ilicicola, Dactylonectria macrodidyma and Dactylonectria spp. in avocado roots, and investigated fungicide application and biofumigation with composted Brassica plants, for the suppression of these fungal pathogens. The LAMP test was published in scientific journal, Plant Disease in 2019 (https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/10.1094/PDIS-11-18-2005-RE).

A collaborative research project with the Brisbane City Council was conducted for the management of Phellinus fungal root rot and rapid death of Brisbane park fig trees. Treatment options, which are safe for human exposure in public parks, such as beneficial Trichoderma fungi and biofumigants, were tested in glasshouse experiments on Phellinus-infested fig roots.

October 2013 – April 2017 PhD Research: ‘Investigating soilborne nectriaceous fungi impacting avocado tree establishment in Australia’

Black root rot caused by soilborne fungal pathogens in the Nectriaceae family is a severe disease of avocado trees, causing tree stunting, wilt, black, rotten and necrotic roots, and rapid tree decline and death within a year after planting. Prior to the PhD research, Calonectria ilicicola was the only known pathogen in Australia, however other nectriaceous fungi have been reported to cause black root rot of avocado in other countries, including Dactylonectria macrodidyma in Italy. The PhD research investigated the fungal genera in Nectriaceae associated with black root rot of avocado in Australia. My PhD thesis was awarded the UQ Dean’s Award for Outstanding Theses, which is awarded to the top 10% of PhD graduates, for significant contributions to the field of research.

My PhD research is world-recognised through publications in high impact journals and seminar presentations at international conferences including VIII World Avocado Congress 2015 (Lima, Peru), International Tropical Agriculture Conference 2015 (Brisbane, Australia), Science Protecting Plant Health Conference 2017 (Brisbane, Australia), Australasian Plant Pathology Conference 2015 (Fremantle, Australia), 8th Australasian Soilborne Diseases Symposium 2014 (Hobart, Tasmania). At the IX World Avocado Congress 2019 (Medellín, Colombia), the plenary speaker for avocado pests and diseases, Prof Randy Ploetz (University of Florida, United States), provided an overview of the key diseases of avocados and gave a special mention to the Australian research (my PhD) on black root rot for the contributions to the global avocado industry. I have since been invited to peer review several scientific papers on topics related to the nectriaceous fungi on which I am in expert in.

Key research activities included: 

• Isolating and identifying nectriaceous fungi (with microscopy, PCR, gene sequencing and phylogenetic analyses of three gene regions) from symptomatic roots of nursery, orchard transplant and established avocado trees from all growing regions in Australia. 

• Formally classifying and describing novel fungal species in a phylogeny and taxonomy study.

• Pathogenicity tests of nectriaceous fungi on avocado seedlings and fruit.

• Investigating fungal exudates produced by nectriaceous pathogens for effects on plant growth and ability to facilitate disease development.

• Designing and developing a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) molecular diagnostic for the rapid detection of nectriaceous pathogens.

From the phylogenetic analysis on gene sequence data of 153 nectriaceous isolates, the PhD research identified six genera in Nectriaceae associated with black root rot disease of avocado trees; Calonectria, Dactylonectria, Ilyonectria, Gliocladiopsis, Cylindrocladiella and Mariannaea. Within these genera 3 new Gliocladiopsis species have been identified, formally described and published in Mycoscience (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.myc.2016.10.004). However unpublished findings have revealed there are potentially more than 20 new species and a number of unresolved phylogenetic clades and species complexes.

Glasshouse pathogenicity tests demonstrated Calonectria ilicicola isolated from various hosts to be extremely pathogenic to avocado seedlings, and new records of Dactylonectria macrodidyma, D. novozelandica, D. pauciseptata and D. anthuriicola as black root rot pathogens of avocado were established. The tested Ilyonectria, Cylindrocladiella and Gliocladiopsis isolates were not found to be pathogenic. The identified pathogens provided new industry knowledge for the nectriaceous genera that cause black root rot disease in Australia and is published in Phytopathology (https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTO-03-17-0084-R).

Fungal exudates of Calonectria ilicicola and Dactylonectria macrodidyma, as culture filtrates (CF), were found to induce phytotoxic symptom development in tomato seedling model plants. Plants treated with C. ilicicola CF and D. macrodidyma CF developed significant leaf wilt, chlorosis and necrosis compared to plants treated with water. However plants treated with C. ilicicola CF were significantly more symptomatic than plants treated with D. macrodidyma CF. This study demonstrated that these fungal pathogens produce phytotoxic exudates which may have a role in plant disease development.

A loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) molecular diagnostic was designed and developed for the rapid detection of important pathogens, Calonectria ilicicola and Dactylonectria macrodidyma, using the gene sequence data of these pathogens. The diagnostic was demonstrated to be sensitive and specific, detecting the species within 10–20 minutes for C. ilicicola and approximately 15–25 minutes for D. macrodidyma, with pure DNA and fungal mycelia as templates. The LAMP test was published in scientific journal, Plant Disease in 2019 (https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/10.1094/PDIS-11-18-2005-RE). The LAMP diagnostic has direct application to the avocado industry and could enable rapid pathogen detection on site within minutes, directly from symptomatic plant tissue.

July 2012 – July 2013 Undergraduate Honours Research: ‘Investigating the efficacy of Bion® (acibenzolar-S-methyl) for treatment of passionfruit woodiness disease in Passiflora edulis f. sp. flavicarpa and resistance to Passionfruit woodiness virus (PWV) in Australian native and naturalized Passiflora species’

The study investigated the efficacy of the plant defence activator, Bion® (Acibenzolar-S-methyl), on Australian commercial passionfruit (Passiflora edulis f. sp. flavicarpa) for improving resistance to passionfruit woodiness disease, caused by Passionfruit woodiness virus (PWV). Bion® was found to significantly increase resistance to PWV, improving disease symptoms, reducing PWV particles and increasing systemic defence enzyme production. This was the first conclusive report of Bion®-mediated defence activation of resistance to PWV in passionfruit. The research highlights a potential improvement to current disease management programs through the application of defence activators. Native and naturalized Passiflora spp. were screened for resistance or susceptibility to PWV and found to be susceptible. The Honours research was published in the Australasian Plant Pathology (https://doi.org/10.1007/s13313-015-0349-4) journal in 2015.

Key research activities included:

• Disease symptom assessment of commercial passionfruit vines treated with Bion® and inoculated with PWV.

• Double Antibody Sandwich ELISA to quantify the relative amount of PWV particles in Bion®-treated commercial passionfruit inoculated with PWV.

• Defence enzyme (chitinase and β-1, 3-glucanase) assays for measuring induced systemic defence enzyme activity in Bion®-treated plants inoculated with PWV.

• Collecting native and naturalized Passiflora spp. and identifying the plant species with gene sequencing.

• Inoculating Passiflora spp. with PWV and screening for resistance or susceptibility using Reverse Transcription PCR (RT-PCR).

• Statistical analyses using Genstat software (VSN International Ltd).

Awards and nominations

1. 2020 QAAFI Award for championing workplace diversity and inclusion.

2. Selected representative for the Women in STEM category in the Philippine Embassy’s 2021 Campaign ‘75 Exceptional Filipino-Australian Women.’  The campaign is part of the celebration for 75 years of diplomatic relations and will showcase the Filipino-Australian Women who have made significant strides in advocacy or in their respective field. 

3. 2019 ‘Fresh Science’ early career researcher competition: Top 12 state finalist. https://freshscience.org.au/state/qld/smashing-avocados-diseases-with-rapid-tests  

4. Nominee for the 2019 Queensland Women in STEM Prize. https://www.thinkable.org/submission_entries/G8KZLR3x

5. 2017 UQ Dean’s Award for Outstanding Higher Degree by Research Theses (PhD Thesis, The University of Queensland). https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/higher-degree-research/my-thesis/deans-award-outstanding-hdr-theses

6. 2013–2017 Australian Post Graduate Award (APA) Scholarship, $26,288 p.a.

7. 2015–2017 QAAFI Top-Up Scholarship, $7000 p.a.

8. 2015 UQ Graduate School International Travel Award (GSITA) Scholarship, $5000. The GSITA enabled me to present my PhD research at the 8th World Avocado Congress in held in Lima, Peru in September 2015.

9. 2015 Winner of the QAAFI Three Minute Thesis (3MT) and subsequently represented QAAFI in the UQ 3MT All Institutes Final. The 3MT is a science communication challenge for PhD candidates to present technical scientific research to a general audience in under 3 minutes. 

10. 2015 Runner-Up in the UQ 3MT All Institutes Final.

11. 2013 First Class Honours achieved in the Bachelor of Biotechnology (Honours) degree at the University of Queensland.

12. 2012 UQ Summer Research Scholarship, $2000.

13. 2011–2012 Dean’s Commendation for High Achievement Award, from the Executive Dean of Science at UQ, for achieving a Grade Point Average score of 6 or higher in Semester 2, 2011 and Semester 1, 2012.

14. 2010 Certificate of Achievement from the UQ School of Business, for submitting an assignment that scored in the top 1% of the student cohort of over 1000, in the subject Introduction to Business Management (MGTS1301).

Publications and presentations

Scientific journal publications

1. Parkinson, L.E., Le, D.P., Dann, E.K., 2019. Development of three loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays for the rapid detection of Calonectria ilicicola, Dactylonectria macrodidyma and the Dactylonectria genus in avocado roots. Plant Disease 103(8), 1865–1875. https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/10.1094/PDIS-11-18-2005-RE  

2. Burgess T.I., Tan, Y.P., Garnas, J., Edwards, J., Scarlett, K.A., Shuttleworth ,L.A., Daniel, R., Dann, E.K., Parkinson, L.E., Dinh, Q., Shivas, R.G., Jami, R., 2019. Current status of the Botryosphaeriaceae in Australia. Australasian Plant Pathology 48, 35–44. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13313-018-0577-5  

3. Parkinson, L.E., Shivas, R.G., Dann, E.K., 2018. Pathogen of the Month – April 2018: Dactylonectria Lombard & Crous. Australasian Plant Pathology. https://www.appsnet.org/Publications/potm/pdf/apr18.pdf

4. Parkinson, L.E., Shivas, R.G., Dann, E.K., 2017. Pathogenicity of nectriaceous fungi on avocado in Australia. Phytopathology 107, 1479–1485. https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTO-03-17-0084-R  

5. Parkinson, L.E., Shivas, R.G., Dann, E.K., 2017. Novel Species of Gliocladiopsis (Nectriaceae, Hypocreales, Ascomycota) from avocado roots (Persea americana) in Australia. Mycoscience 58(2), 95–102. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.myc.2016.10.00 

6. Parkinson, L.E., 2017. Investigating soilborne nectriaceous fungi impacting avocado tree establishment in Australia. PhD Thesis, Qld Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland. https://doi.org/10.14264/uql.2017.922

7. Parkinson, L.E., Crew, K.S., Thomas, J.E., Dann, E.K., 2015. Efficacy of acibenzolar-S-methyl (Bion®) treatment of Australian commercial passionfruit, Passiflora edulis f. sp. flavicarpa, on resistance to Passionfruit woodiness virus (PWV) and activities of chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase. Australasian Plant Pathology 44(3), 311–318. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13313-015-0349-4   

Industry articles

1. Parkinson, L.E., Geering, A.D.W., 2020. Biosecurity threats – avocado seed moth larvae. Talking Avocados 31(3), 52–55.

2. Parkinson, L.E., Pretorius, L-S., Geering, A,D.W., 2020. Demonstrating pest-freedom from avocado sunblotch viroid with a smartphone app and improved detection methods. Talking Avocados 31(1), 63–66.

3. Parkinson, L.E., Geering, A.D.W., 2019. Building biosecurity capacity. Talking Avocados 30(2), 54–55.

4. Geering, A.D.W., Parkinson, L.E., 2019. Xylella fastidiosa, a high priority biosecurity threat for the Australian avocado industry. Talking Avocados 30(1), 49–50.

5. Parkinson, L.E., Geering, A.D.W., 2018. Biosecurity update on ambrosia beetles. Talking Avocados 29(3), 54–56.

6. Parkinson, L.E., Dann, E.K., Shivas, R.G., 2017. Black root rot of avocado – what do we know and how can we manage it? Talking Avocados 28(3), 35–39.

7. Dann, E.K., Parkinson, L.E., 2017. Three “other” diseases impacting avocado productivity in Australia. South African Avocado Growers' Association Yearbook 40, 24–27. http://www.avocadosource.com/Journals/SAAGA/SAAGA_2017/SAAGA_2017_40_PG_024.pdf  

International conference presentations

1. Parkinson, L.E., Le, D.P., Shivas, R.G., Dann, E.K., 2019. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) detection of Calonectria ilicicola, Dactylonectria macrodidyma and the Dactylonectria genus in avocado roots. In: Australasian Plant Pathology Society Conference 2019 (APPS 2019). 25–28 November 2019, Melbourne, Australia, pp. 90–90.

2. Parkinson, L.E., Bransgrove, K., Dann, E.K., Geering, A.D.W., 2019. Phylogeny of Fusarium associated with Euwallacea-vectored branch dieback of avocado and other woody tree hosts in Australia. In: Australasian Plant Pathology Society Conference 2019 (APPS 2019). 25–28 November 2019, Melbourne, Australia, pp. 211–211. 

3. Parkinson, L.E., Bransgrove, K., Dann, E.K., Geering, A.D.W., 2019. Biosecurity capacity for the Australian avocado industry. In: International Tropical Agriculture Conference (TropAg 2019). 11–13 November 2019, Brisbane, Australia, pp. 80–80.

4. Parkinson, L.E., Le, D.P., Shivas, R.G., Dann, E.K., 2019. Pathogenicity and molecular detection of nectriaceous fungi associated with black root rot of avocado. In: IX World Avocado Congress (WAC 2019). 23–27 September 2019, Medellín, Colombia.

5. Parkinson, L.E., Bransgrove, K., Dann, E.K., Geering, A.D.W., 2019. Biosecurity capacity building for the Australian avocado industry. In: IX World Avocado Congress (WAC 2019). 23–27 September 2019, Medellín, Colombia.

6. Parkinson, L.E., Shivas, R.G., Dann, E.K., 2018. Phylogeny and molecular diagnosis of nectriaceous fungi associated with black root rot in avocado. In: International Congress of Plant Pathology (ICPP 2018). 29 July–3 August 2018, Boston, United States, pp. 58–58.

7. Dann, E.K., Souza, P.S., Le, D.P., Parkinson, L.E., Duff, J.D., 2017. Investigating biofumigation and composted chicken manure to manage soilborne pathogens of avocado. In: Science Protecting Plant Health (SPPH 2017). 26–28 September 2017, Brisbane, Australia, pp. 70–70.

8. Parkinson, L.E., Shivas, R.G., Dann, E.K., 2017. Investigating soilborne nectriaceous fungi impacting avocado tree establishment in Australia. In: Science Protecting Plant Health (SPPH 2017). 26–28 September 2017, Brisbane, Australia, pp. 162–162.

9. Parkinson, L.E., McTaggart, A.R., Shivas, R.G., Dann, E.K., 2015. Investigating soilborne nectriaceous fungi associated with black root rot in avocado. In: International Tropical Agriculture Conference (TropAg 2015). 16–18 November 2015, Brisbane, Australia, pp. 188–189.

10. Parkinson, L.E., McTaggart, A.R., Shivas, R.G., Dann, E.K., 2015. Investigating soilborne nectriaceous fungi associated with black root rot in avocado. In: Pests and Diseases, VIII World Avocado Congress (WAC 2015). 13–18 September 2015, Lima, Peru, pp. 41–41.

11. Parkinson, L.E., McTaggart, A.R., Shivas, R.G., Dann, E.K., 2015. Investigating soilborne nectriaceous fungi associated with black root rot in avocado. In: Australasian Plant Pathology Conference 2015 (APPS 2015). 14–16 September 2015, Fremantle, Australia, pp. 51–51.

12. Parkinson, L.E., McTaggart, A.R., Shivas, R.G., Dann, E.K., 2014. Investigating soilborne nectriaceous fungi associated with black root rot in avocado. In: 8th Australasian Soilborne Diseases Symposium (ASDS 2014). 10–13 November 2014, Hobart, Australia, pp. 9–9.

A list with metrics of my scientific publications and international conference presentations are also available at:

• Google Scholar

• ORCID

• Research Gate

Professional Memberships

2020 – present  UQ Cultural Inclusion Council (UQ CIC)

2019 – present       UQ Ally Network

2018 – present       QAAFI Diversity & Inclusion Committee

2018 – present       UQ Discrimination and Harassment Contact Officer (DHCO)

2018 – 2020       Australasian Plant Pathology Society (APPS) Qld Plant Pathology Seminar Series Organising Committee

2019 – 2020       American Phytopathological Society (APS)

2013 – 2020       International Society for Plant Pathology (ISPP)

2013 – 2020       Australasian Plant Pathology Society (APPS)

2016 – 2017       The Mycological Society of Japan

Voluntary service to the profession and discipline

2020 – present: UQ Cultural Inclusion Council member

• The UQ Cultural Inclusion Council (CIC) is an umbrella body of university staff across multiple career levels and work disciplines, whom aim to improve UQ’s inclusion of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) individuals.

• Our roles include holding regular council meetings for providing advice on UQ policies & procedures, assessing focus group data on the experience of CALD staff and students at UQ and providing recommendations for improvement.

• It is a position by invitation or formal application, assessed by a selection committee, for members who have made significant strides in advocacy for CALD people.

• An outcome of being on the CIC is in contributing towards devising UQ’s first CALD Inclusion Strategy. UQ currently has strategies in place for improving equity and inclusion of other diversity groups such as women, members with disability, and Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people, however prior to the council, a CALD strategy was yet to be established.  

2018 – present: QAAFI Diversity & Inclusion Committee (QDIC) member

• The QAAFI Diversity & Inclusion Committee consist of staff and students within the institute who work together to improve the inclusion and equity of diversity groups within QAAFI. QDIC is the largest committee at UQ dedicated to diversity and inclusion.

• Our role in the institute is to be a knowledgeable source of diversity information on support for QAAFI members; provide advice to QAAFI management; contribute to QAAFI’s diversity & inclusion strategies such as the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) Athena SWAN program for improving women’s equity, identifying areas which need improvement, ensuring workspaces at all QAAFI work sites are inclusive (eg. disability access, prayer & career room availability, unisex bathrooms), organising social events such as Harmony Day and R U Okay Day morning tea, and increasing staff & student awareness of support available through regular communications in the institute newsletter, QAAFI Break.   

• An outcome of the QDIC is QAAFI achieving Bronze Status in the SAGE Athena SWAN program, where only a handful of universities and institutes have achieved this. QDIC is working towards the next phase, achieving Silver status.    

• I have played an active role in QDIC

  • Coordinating team member contributions to group tasks such as creating surveys and data collection. Development of a staff and student diversity survey for improving QAAFI’s diversity support strategy, which will be disseminated in February 2021.

  • Writing blog posts https://stories.uq.edu.au/small-change/from-face-of-uq-to-champion-of-diversity/index.html

  • Representing QDIC in providing updates on the committee’s activities at QAAFI-wide staff & student meetings.

  • Minute-taking and email communications.

  • Contributing to writing the committee Terms of Reference for membership.

2019 – present: UQ Ally Network member

• The UQ Ally Network is an award-winning program that provides a visible network of well-informed staff who create a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for sex, gender and sexuality diverse people at UQ and in the broader community.

• I joined the UQ Ally Network to show overt support for LGBTIAQ+ members in the workplace and contribute towards preventing workplace discrimination of diversity groups.

2018 – present: UQ Discrimination and Harassment Contact Officer (DHCO).

• DHCOs are trained UQ staff members, whom students and staff can contact with enquiries related to discrimination, harassment and bullying. DHCOs provide information and support about UQ policies, grievance resolution procedures and access to support services that are internal and external to UQ.

• Part of my role as a DHCO involved providing confidential support to QAAFI members, and brief updates encouraging safe workplace attitudes and behaviours at QAAFI staff & student meetings.

• An outcome of being a voluntary DHCO within QAAFI has resulted in increased staff and student awareness on acceptable workplace behaviours, and strategies put in place by QAAFI management on preventing bullying within the institute.

2019 – 2020: Australasian Plant Pathology Queensland Seminar Series coordinating committee and chairperson of plant pathology seminar events at the Ecosciences Precinct (Dutton Park), University of Queensland (St Lucia) and the University of Southern Queensland (Toowoomba).

• The seminar series attracts over 70 attendees within the discipline and has hosted 27 speakers from international and domestic research organisations including University of Nebraska (USA), North Dakota State University (USA), Cornell University (USA), UQ, DAF Biosecurity, USQ, QUT and Sugar Research Australia; and plant pathology service organisation, AgEtal.

• This activity resulted in an established seminar event for the plant pathology industry in Queensland and a broad network of potential future research connections and professional relationships with delegates from the US. 

2020: Invited panel speaker at the UQ School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences (SCMB) Honours networking event. This was a presentation on the 2021 Honours projects available through QAAFI and I was the representative for the QAAFI Centre for Horticultural Science.

• The other panel speakers included A/Prof Mary Fletcher for the QAAFI institute overview, Prof Ian Godwin for the QAAFI Centre for Crop Science, Dr Sandra Olarte Mantilla for the Centre for Nutrition & Food Sciences and Dr Ali Raza for the Centre for Animal Science. Zoom video recording available at: https://uq-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/emacaroz_uq_edu_au/EbS2C9PPRZhBkKnZvccDvX8B30ssCpx_1JBQFEgy28lqQw?e=MPeCAt.

• This activity gained substantial interest from future students for Honours projects with QAAFI.   

2020: Invited panel speaker at the QAAFI Centre for Crop Science (CCS) RHD student development workshop series, “Many papers or one to rule them all.” This was an expert panel discussion on strategies for publishing PhD thesis chapters.

• The other panel speakers included ARC Laureate Fellow, Prof Christine Beveridge from the UQ School of Biological Sciences and Dr Owen Powell from QAAFI CCS. 

2020: Invited interview panel member for a 3-year postdoctoral research fellow position at the QAAFI Centre for Crop Science.

• Over 80 applicants were reviewed and the successful candidate was selected by the panel which consisted of the project leader, Dr Kai Voss-Fels (QAAFI CCS), Prof Ben Hayes (QAAFI CAS) and myself (QAAFI CHS).

• The successful candidate was later announced as a UQ Dean’s Award for Outstanding Theses winner for 2018.

2020: Invited panel speaker at the QAAFI Student Association (QSA) “Tips for thesis writing” zoom seminar.

• This was an expert panel discussion by QAAFI researchers on tips for thesis writing for QAAFI PhD students.

• The panel included A/Prof Lee Hickey, Dr Millicent Smith, Dr Samir Alahmad, Dr Eric Dinglasan and Dr Louisa Parkinson.

• Audio recording available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/127484vQhIdVA-MU6N0awtmhRSDkzl7fC/view  

2019: UQ Early & Mid-Career Researcher (EMCR) selected panel member for the 5-yearly QAAFI Review.

• My role was to provide feedback on the support and succession planning of the institute for EMCRs. A career hurdle many EMCRs face is in progression to senior positions in academia and job insecurity from lack of funding opportunities.

• This activity was positively received by the Review Panel and QAAFI management has since considered strategies to improve this.

2019: Invitation to present the avocado research at QAAFI in a meeting at the UQ Senate for fostering research linkages between UQ, CSIRO and research organisations in the Philippines (26 June 2019).

• The meeting contained delegates from the University of Philippines, Visayas State University, PCAARRD, UQ, CSIRO Canberra and ACIAR.

• This activity resulted in direct research networks with agricultural research organisations in the Philippines and an invitation to guest lecture at the University of the Philippines.

2019: Invitation to a Ministerial meeting with Hon. Kate Jones, the Queensland Minister for Innovation & Tourism Industry Development and the Minister for the Commonwealth Games for an update on Advance Queensland-funded research on breeding techniques for avocados (14 March 2019).

• The meeting attendees included Prof Peter Høj, the UQ Vice Chancellor; Professor Bronwyn Harch, Deputy Vice Chancellor; Ms Lynne Turner, the Qld Gov. Department of Agriculture and Fisheries General Manager; and the QAAFI Directors, Prof Robert Henry and Prof Neena Mitter.

2019: Examiner for the Literature Review assignment for UQ Biotechnology Masters course, BIOT6015, for the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences.

2019: Invited speaker at the UQ Student Association of Plant Science (UQ SAPS) networking evening.

• This was a presentation on the QAAFI avocado research in plant pathology and careers in plant pathology, to undergraduate and postgraduate UQ students in the UQ Student Association of Plant Science.

• This activity resulted in acquiring an Honours student for 2020.

2018: Invitation to a Ministerial meeting with the Queensland Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Mark Furner (2 July 2018).

• This was a meeting by invitation for prominent women researchers in agriculture as part of the International Women’s Day celebration of women in STEM.

2018: Invited interview panel member for a 6-month postdoctoral research fellow position at the QAAFI Centre for Crop Science (CCS).

• The successful candidate was selected by the panel which consisted of the project leader, Dr Craig Hardner (QAAFI CCS), Dr Kai Voss-Fels (QAAFI CCS) and myself (QAAFI CHS).

• The successful candidate now has a continued position at QAAFI CCS.

CAREER PORTFOLIO – EVENTS, MARKETING, MEDIA, ENTREPREneURSHIP AND BUSINESS MANAGEMENT  

Event Management Experience:

Filipino Barrio Fiesta Brisbane, multicultural festival (2015–present)

I am an executive member of Barrio Fiesta Brisbane Inc, the organisation which coordinates the Filipino Barrio Fiesta Brisbane festival, one of the largest multicultural festivals in Brisbane, held annually in June, which attracts over 8000 attendees. My roles have included:

• Program Coordinator, sourcing talent and costumes for cultural and modern performance numbers, writing the program and performance timetable.

• Social Media Manager on Facebook and Instagram, creating social media content (posts & stories), responding to DMs and comments.

• Point of Contact for communicating with event stakeholders and government funding bodies.

• Event Planner with responsibilities including event setup (equipment, stage props and decor, banners, promotional materials, marquees and guest entertainment facilities), organising and communicating with event volunteers and performers.

• Emcee at the festival stage, which involved keeping the crowd entertained in between performance numbers. 

Marketing Experience:

Social Media Management, Content Creation, Online Presence & Brand Development, and Website Development (2018 – present)

Excellence in writing copy for social media and website content, following the style and ‘voice’ of the brand while maintaining effective use of key words for SEO. I understand the value of social media engagement and effective use of hashtags and keywords for searchability. Some brands, businesses or social media pages which I have created content for include: 

• Writing copy, making posts and filming stories on Instagram:

  • @barriofiestabrisbane – large scale Brisbane multicultural festival.

  • @maskboutiqueau – small business retailer for handmade face masks.

  • @philippine.costumes.by.merly – small business retailer for Filipino attire and costume hire.

  • @brisbaneinterior – home décor and interior design page.

  • @dr.louisa.parkinson – my personal Instagram page, which has over 6000 followers and sponsored content from various brands.

• Content creation (photography and product placement) on Instagram:

  • @vionicshoesaus – fashion podiatry shoe company.

  • @revereshoesau – fashion podiatry shoe company.

  • @brissamarswim_ - swimwear brand.

  • @wellymerck – luxury watch brand.

  • @filthygorgeousaccessories – jewellery brand.

• Event promotion on Facebook:

  • Filipino Barrio Fiesta Brisbane https://www.facebook.com/barriofiestabrisbane

• Writing Blog Posts for websites and organisations:

  • I have written blog posts for UQ on being culturally & linguistically diverse: https://stories.uq.edu.au/small-change/from-face-of-uq-to-champion-of-diversity/index.html

  • Sponsored blog posts for brands (Welly Merck watches): http://www.louisaparkinson.com/blog/2019/4/29/mothers-day-with-welly-merck

• Filming & editing video content for YouTube:

  • I have intermediate skill in script-writing, filming and editing video content with Adobe Premiere Pro. I have made high quality video content showcasing my science research as seen on Thinkable and YouTube.

My social media work and research career have given me experience in the basic use of Canva and various Adobe Creative Cloud software including Lightroom, Photoshop, Illustrator and Premiere Pro. I plan to strengthen these skills and learn how to use InDesign to be able to carry out graphics design tasks.  

I have experience in website development and maintenance from Squarespace for my personal website louisaparkinson.com and from Shopify for building and running online stores.  

I currently own and casually maintain a well-performing online Etsy store, The Mask Boutique (maskboutiqueau.etsy.com).

• Using my sales, copy-writing, branding and social media marketing experience from working with brands on Instagram, sales have been successful through organic traffic on social media. Since the store opened in 2020, The Mask Boutique has generated over 4700 sales.

• One of my immediate goals for developing more digital marketing skills will be to learn how to implement targeted advertising campaigns which results in successful conversion. I have a general understanding of targeted advertising but I am working towards developing more in-depth knowledge and skills in this space.

Media Experience:

Television, Multimedia Advertisements, Entertainment (2010 – present)

• Confident public speaker and professional dancer with over 10 years of experience in emceeing shows, events and concerts with large audiences, including the Filipino Barrio Fiesta Brisbane, as well as dancing professionally in Filipino celebrity concerts during their Australian concert tours.

  • My performance repertoire is available on my YouTube channel or personal website.  

• In 2015–2016 I played the featured role in the 2015 University of Queensland TV Commercial as part of the establishment of the Create Change brand for UQ.

• 2016: Voice-over actor and screen actor for the UQ Student Strategy (online campaign, 2016).

• 2015–2020 Appearances in advertising multimedia:

  • Face of QAAFI’s brand advertisements 2018–2020 (banners and online)

  • Laboratory actor in the QAAFI Centre for Horticultural Science promotional video (2017)

  • UQ Science Undergraduate Programs Prospectus 2017 (back cover)

  • World Science Festival 2016 (billboard advertisement at the Southbank Busway)

  • UQ QTAC 2016 advertisements (billboard, television)

  • UQ ‘Create Change’ advertisement 2015 (billboard, television, online, Brisbane busway and buses)

  • Australian Undergraduate UQ Guide 2016 (front cover)

  • UQ Biotechnology Postgraduate Coursework Program Guide 2016 (front cover)

  • QAAFI RHD Student Handbook 2016 (front cover)

• I have some media training from professional development courses for communicating science in the media. Additionally, I have interview experience in television (7 News), radio (SBS Radio) and news articles (Brisbane Times, Daily Mail, Style Magazine, and Courier Mail) (please see News Articles & Press section for more information).

Entrepreneurship, Business Start-Up and Business Management Experience: 

The Mask Boutique (2020 – present)

• In March 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic and lack of supply of medical-grade face masks prompted me to identify a gap in the market for reusable face masks. At the time, the efficacy of face masks was heavily debated, however I did some research on the efficacy of face coverings and assessed consumer trends in other countries and predicted that washable face masks would eventually become a global personal hygiene tool for preventing spread of disease. I developed a face mask design which is universal in size for all genders, has capabilities for multi-layers, nose wire and adjustable ear elastic for a secure fit.

• I was one of the first handmade face mask-makers in Australia and turned this into a successful online store on Etsy (maskboutiqueau.etsy.com), resulting in over 4700 sales, news & magazine articles, and radio & television interviews (please see News Articles & Press section for more information).

• In July 2020 the high demand for handmade facemasks required my online business to scale-up and with my brother, Anthony Parkinson, who is a graphics designer and digital marketer with logistics experience, we founded a company and scaled-up the business for mass production.

• The Mask Boutique has provided jobs in Brisbane for 12 casual staff who were affected by COVID-19 and has provided thousands of reusable face masks for people around the world.

• I now have experience in establishing a business, scaling a start-up, setting up a COVID-safe workspace, hiring and training casual staff, developing production chains for mass production, organising timetables and payroll, purchasing plant equipment, acquiring & maintaining professional relationships with suppliers, and I have a very strong skillset in providing positive online customer service (responding to customer queries and answering difficult requests, questions or feedback).  

NEWS ARTICLES AND PRESS

1. Feature in press: ‘A Brisbane scientist was advised to wear a mask, so she made her own’ (The Brisbane Times, 5 April 2020) https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/a-brisbane-scientist-was-advised-to-wear-a-mask-so-she-made-her-own-20200403-p54gqt.html

2. Radio Interview: ‘Filipina-Australian scientist unmasks creative entrepreneurial talent’ (SBS Filipino News, 13 May 2020) https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/audio/filipina-australian-scientist-unmasks-creative-entrepreneurial-talent

3. Feature in press: ‘Face Time – Meet Dr Louisa Parkinson’ (Style Magazine, May Edition 2020, pages 18–19) https://issuu.com/stylemagazines/docs/0520_sm_issuu

4. TV News Feature: ‘Face masks in Australia’ (7 News, aired on 24 July 2020)

5. Press mention: ‘Best Australian-made face masks’ (Escape Magazine, July 2020) https://www.escape.com.au/destinations/australia/best-australianmade-face-masks/image-gallery/f3125e061d4dfdf5386cef8a241985ee?galleryimage=12

6. 2019 ‘Fresh Science’ early career researcher competition: Top 12 state finalist (6 November 2019). https://freshscience.org.au/state/qld/smashing-avocados-diseases-with-rapid-tests 

7. Feature in press: ‘From ‘Face of UQ’ to champion of diversity’ (UQ Stories, August 2019) https://stories.uq.edu.au/small-change/from-face-of-uq-to-champion-of-diversity/index.html 

8. Feature in press: ‘Louisa’s stellar journey continues’ (page 12 QAAFI Annual Report 2018) https://qaafi.uq.edu.au/files/24204/2018%20QAAFI%20AR%20final%20web%20spreads.pdf

9. Feature in press: ‘Career success: Model student graduates into a research star’ (pages 58–61 QAAFI Annual Report 2018). https://qaafi.uq.edu.au/files/24204/2018%20QAAFI%20AR%20final%20web%20spreads.pdf

10. Press mention: ‘Advancing innovation – Minister Kate Jones visits QAAFI’ https://qaafi.uq.edu.au/article/2019/03/minister-kate-jones-visits-qaafi

11. Nominee for the 2019 Queensland Women in STEM Prize (February 2019). Entry titled, ‘Smashing disease threats to Australia's avocado industry’ https://www.thinkable.org/submission_entries/G8KZLR3x

12. Feature in press: ‘Career success – Model student graduates into a research star’ (QAAFI Annual Report 2018, page 60–61) https://qaafi.uq.edu.au/files/24204/2018%20QAAFI%20AR%20final%20web%20spreads.pdf

13. Press mention: ‘Louisa’s stellar journey continues’ (QAAFI Annual Report 2018, pages 8, 12, 55) https://qaafi.uq.edu.au/files/24204/2018%20QAAFI%20AR%20final%20web%20spreads.pdf

14. Press mention: ‘Minister (Mark Furner) visits QAAFI’ https://qaafi.uq.edu.au/article/2018/07/minister-visits-qaafi

15. Press mention: ‘Richard Glover: A smashing of myths for Millennials’ (The Sydney Morning Herald, 26 October 2018) https://www.smh.com.au/opinion/richard-glover-how-to-elicit-sympathy-from-a-millennial-20181023-h16z5v.html

16. Feature in press: ‘UQ's face of Create Change creates change’ (UQ Stories, 12 June 2018). https://giving.uq.edu.au/stories/uqs-face-create-change-creates-change

17. Feature in press: UQ News, ‘Billboard star set to ‘avo’ great graduation’ (UQ News, 8 December 2017). https://www.uq.edu.au/news/article/2017/12/billboard-star-set-avo%E2%80%99-great-graduation

18. Feature in press: ‘Ultimate millennial job? Meet the AVOCADO researcher who studies the popular fruit for a living - and find out how she's determined to prevent a shortage’ (Daily Mail Australia, 12 December 2017). http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-5169259/Avocado-researcher-Louisa-Parkinson-studies-living.html

19. Feature in press: ‘The face of change - How an avocado researcher became the face of UQ’s advertising campaign’ (QAAFI News, 17 November 2015; QAAFI Annual Report 2015, pages 48 – 49) https://qaafi.uq.edu.au/article/2016/10/face-change ; https://qaafi.uq.edu.au/files/1678/2015-QAAFI-Annual-Report.pdf

20. Feature in press: ‘Avocado scientist creates change – and becomes a multimedia star’ (UQ News, 5 August 2015) https://www.uq.edu.au/news/article/2015/08/avocado-scientist-creates-change-%E2%80%93-and-becomes-multimedia-star

21. Feature in press: ‘UQ student and avocado expert Louisa Parkinson gets big break’ (Courier Mail, 24 August 2015) https://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/southeast/uq-student-and-avocado-expert-louisa-parkinson-gets-big-break/news-story/11759a281da741121da1bd8f7db48104

22. Radio Interview: ‘Filo scientist seeks cure for avocado disease’ (SBS Filipino News, 3 Sep 2015) https://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/social-tags/louisa-parkinson

REFEREES

Referee 1: A/Prof Andrew Geering, Principal Research Fellow, QAAFI Centre for Horticultural Science

Referee Type: Employer & Supervisor

Organization: Centre for Horticultural Science (CHS), Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), University of Queensland (UQ)

Email: a.geering@uq.edu.au | Phone contact information can be provided upon request

Referee 2: Prof Neena Mitter, Centre Director, QAAFI Centre for Horticultural Science

Referee Type: Career Mentor

Organization: Centre for Horticultural Science (CHS), Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), University of Queensland (UQ); Prof Mitter is also Chair of the UQ Cultural Inclusion Council and a member of the QAAFI Diversity and Inclusion Committee

Email: n.mitter@uq.edu.au | Phone contact information can be provided upon request

Referee 3: Honey Binny, President, Barrio Fiesta Brisbane Inc

Referee Type: Supervisor

Organization: Barrio Fiesta Brisbane Inc, the organisation which produces the Filipino Barrio Fiesta Brisbane

Email: honeybinny@aol.com | Phone contact information can be provided upon request