I received my BSc.H in Microbiology from the University of Guelph. Following this I continued my education and received both a BEd and MBinf from the University of Western Ontario and the University of Guelph respectively and am currently working towards the completion of a PhD in bioinformatics. I am interested in applying and developing machine learning and statistical methods which can be used to discovery and characterize biomarker taxa and genes. The goal of this research is to understand what these biomarkers can tell us about the current state of the environment and how various stressors can impact organisms before lasting damage to eco-systems is done. In addition to my research I am also passionate about education and teaching and I help younger students in developing their STEM skills.