Our Team

Dr. Skye Thomas-Hall
Team leader for the Algae Biotechnology Group and site manager for the Algae Energy Farm., s.thomashall@uq.edu.auI manage the diverse algae research projects performed by PhD and honours students working with Schenk Lab. My main interests centre around the production and processing of microalgae for nutraceuticals such as omega 3 fatty acids, carotenoids and pigments.
I have extensive experience in large scale low cost algae cultivation, the main focus being production of biomass as a high protein feed supplement for livestock and aquaculture. The long term vision for microalgae is the sustainable production of biofuels, this is what sparked my initial interest in microalgae.


Valeria Moreno Heredia
Honors Student, valeria.morenoheredia@uqconnect.edu.auPGPRGs are plant growth promoting rhizobacteria that live in the soil and can promote plant growth or elicit antibacterial effects against pathogenic bacteria. I am exploring the biocontrol potential of some of these rhizobacterial strains to treat plant diseases such as Cacao black pod rot, and Rice blast. These diseases are caused by the pathogens Phytophthora palmivora and Pyricularia Oryzae, respectively. They have worldwide importance and are of especial interest to me as they affect two of the key crops in my country (Ecuador). I am also focusing on Bacterial speck, a disease caused by Pseudomonas syringae in tomato. Previous research carried out in this lab identified promising bacteria able to reduce disease symptoms, so my focus is on optimizing the application of biocontrol control.

Fong Yi Chung
Honors Student, chungfongyi@hotmail.comI am studying plant-microbe interactions, specifically on how soil bacteria promote plant growth and control Oomycete pathogens. Being equipped with knowledge in Molecular Biotechnology, I am dedicated to resolving issues regarding plant diseases through scientific approaches for the benefits of the society. As an environmental and agricultural enthusiast, I am devoted to the ultimate goal in ensuring food security.

Jeremy Lee
Honours Student, jeremy.lee2@uq.net.auAn International student from Indonesia, finishing my bachelor’s degree (Hon) at University of Queensland. Currently focusing on protein extraction of micro-algae using Aqueous Two-Phase Separation method.

Nistha Kashyap
Masters Student, nistha.kashyap@uq.net.auI am currently pursuing my Masters Research Project where my role involves optimization of algal biomass under seven light emitting diodes that can potentially be applied in food, feed or fuel. I have also been working on the production of algal caviar using different algae strains on a pilot scale that can later be used as food products. Apart from working under Prof. Schenk in School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, I have been previously involved in cancer research back in Assam, India and here, mainly focusing in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (while pursuing my Bachelor of Technology in Bioengineering) and Breast cancer and Melanoma (while interning at QIMR, Herston).

Shruti Thapa
Masters Student, shruti.thapa@uq.net.auI am an International student from Nepal doing my Masters in Agricultural Science. I am currently studying plant-microbe interactions focusing on soil-borne pathogen Phytophthora and its biocontrol using PGPRs. Apart from working on plant-microbe interactions, I have also worked on identification of putative biomarkers of Type II Diabetes during my undergraduate study in Biotechnology, along with developing invitro plants, plant disease diagnosis and rice quality analysis.

Zoia Arshad Awan
Visiting Research Scholar, z.awan@uq.edu.auI am a visiting research scholar undertaking my Ph.D. from The University of Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. At the moment, I am working with Prof. Peer Schenk and Dr. Anthony Young in “Schenk lab” at School of Agriculture and Food Sciences (SAFS), The University of Queensland, Australia.
I am working on the management of tomato early blight disease by means of sustainable approaches i.e. biocontrol agent and plant nutrients. I came here specifically to identify the potent protein from Bacillus subtilis responsible for the inhibition of early blight pathogen Alternaria solani.

Alexander Arkhipov
PhD Student, a.arkhipov@uq.edu.auSoil bacteria provide significant benefits to plants by increasing nutrient uptake and defense against diseases. My current research focuses on the use of natural bioactive compounds isolated from specific soil bacteria as biopesticides for improving crop plants resistance against destructive fungi and oomycetes.
My future work will involve microbiome engineering and selecting microbiome-optimized plants. New approach of "microbiome breeding" will be used for a number of crop plants in natural soils by continuously selecting those plant-associated microbiomes that stimulate plant growth the most. Outputs from this project include customized, more stable plant-microbe interactions, breeding of crop-optimized microbiomes and selection of microbe-optimized cultivars. The expected outcomes will further advance our knowledge in beneficial plant-microbiome interactions leading to significant increases in the crop productivity and improvements in plants tolerance against abiotic and biotic stresses, thus making a beneficial contribution in global food security.

Dr. Cristiana Dal’Molin
Bioengineer Consultant Expert | Project leader | Algae systems biology, c.gomesdeoliveira@uq.edu.auI assist the team on the development of genome-scale metabolic reconstruction and modelling: a platform technology that is used for detailed analysis of the microalgae metabolic capabilities to produce products of industrial interest.
Find more information about Dr. Dal’Molin’s expertise and projects of interest here: http://researchers.uq.edu.au/researcher/1631

Dr Lilia C. Carvalhais
Collaborator, Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation Institute, l.carvalhais@uq.edu.auDr Lilia C. Carvalhais is a biologist driven by a curiosity to understand the factors that affect beneficial and detrimental interactions between plants and microbes, as well as the diversity of soil and plant-associated microbial communities. Her purpose is to make use of nature’s arsenal to tackle problems that threaten environmental conservation and food security. She has worked with a range of beneficial and pathogenic microbes across model, grain, tree, and horticultural plant species, grown in managed and natural habitats in many different countries, including Brazil, Germany, Australia, USA, and Papua New Guinea. Lilia has expertise in molecular biology, plant nutrition, microbial ecology, biological indicators of soil health, bio-prospection of natural products produced by microbes, plant biotechnology, molecular diagnostics and plant pathology.

Dr. Ali Malekizadeh
Postdoctoral Researcher - Environmental and Chemical Engineer, a.malekizadeh@uq.edu.auDuring my PhD research I discovered a new technology for water treatment, oil separation and food processing. The patent has been secured worldwide and I am currently working with our industry partners on a collaborative research & development project to commercialize the new filtration technology.

Dr. Swaminathan Detchanamurthy
Visiting Academic, s.detchanamurthy@uq.edu.auhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-d-swaminathan-5982b115/
I am a Visiting Academic from India working jointly with Prof. Schenk Lab at University of Queensland and an algal based company Qponics based in Brisbane, Australia in the scale-up of Omega-3 algae production. Secondly, I am also working jointly with Prof. Schenk Lab at University of Queensland and Coal Seam Gas Consortium (CCSG), Australia to grow value added algal biomass using brine water.
I have diverse international experience in science and engineering to work with different kinds of bacteria, yeast and algae to produce value added products from lab scale to commercialization scale for the past 10 years.

Dr. Eladl Eltanahy
Postdoctoral Researcher, eladl@mans.edu.eghttp://eladl.net
I am a PostDoc Researcher currently investigating the agricultural applications of microalgae as a source of EPA, DHA protein for livestock and aquaculture feed supplement.
I have 13 years experience in Halophilic Dunaliella open pond production, livestock effluent biological treatment and nutritive value of microalgae in aquaculture ecosystem.

Dr. Azam Sheikh
Visiting Academic, azamsheikh24@gmail.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/azam-sheikh-86ba58105/
I am a Visiting Academic at Schenk lab. Trained algal biotechnologist skilled with experience
of microalgae cultivation in large scale open raceway ponds, circular ponds and closed
photo-bioreactors at locations across the world (India, South Korea, South Africa, and now
Australia). My research interest extends from fundamental biochemistry of microalgal
systems to industry oriented investigations. I am currently working on scale-up studies of
methods developed for enhancement of commercially important microalgal metabolites.
Other aspects of my research involves-cultivation of commercially important microalgae
using automated open raceway pond, role of ROS in microalgal response to stress, and
enhancement, extraction and purification of high value chemicals from microalgae.

Dr. Lara-Simone Pretorius
Postdoctoral Fellow, larasimone.pretorious@uqconnect.edu.auI became part of the Schenklab team in 2010 undertaking a mini research project for my undergraduate degree, and they just couldn't get rid of me. I love Schenk lab and consider all lab members (past, present and future) my crazy, fun-loving, super multicultural, science family.
I am also a member of the Nexgen Plants Team which is dedicated to helping plants defend themselves against viruses and aims to prevent million of dollars of crop losses in the future. I am extremely passionate about this work and the meaningful contribution it is making to the pursuit of science and our never ending quest for knowledge.

Dr. Hooman Mirzaee
Postdoctoral Fellow, h.mirzaee@uq.edu.auMy research has mainly focused on finding new antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) especially bacteriocins. To achieve this goal I apply two different approaches culturable and unculturable methods. In addition, I have plans to introduce some AMP genes to plants and investigate the level of resistance in challenge with pathogens.

Sharifah Farhana
PhD student, uqssyed4@uq.edu.auI am working on biodiscovery of biocontrol agents and antagonistic compounds against plant-damaging Oomycete,Phytophthora. My research focuses on finding the biocontrol agents with plant growth promotion and biocontrol properties against four Phytophthora species. In addition to that, I am also working on identification and characterisation of the potential anti-oomycete and growth-promoting compounds and their application in plants to control Phytophthora diseases.

Elvis T. Chua
PhD Student, elvis_chua@yahoo.comwww.facebook.com/elvis.chua.14
My research focus is to optimize the lipid extraction of Nannochloropsis sp. and to determine the valuable compounds left in the biomass.

Hamed Alsufyani
PhD Student, hamed-191@hotmail.comMy research focuses on developing and optimizing methods for harvesting microalgae and oil extraction using hydrate gel filtration systems. I also assist the hydrate gel filtration team in developing prototypes and new possible applications for Schenklab's patented filtration technology.

Helena Villanueva Riesco
Honours Student, helenavr@usal.esThe principal aim of my research is the optimisation of lipid induction of marine microalgae Tetraselmis M8 for biofuel production. Also, I am analysing a survey with 500+ responses to estimate the potential market of biofuels produced from microalgae.

Admire Chaendera (Adi)
Research Collaborator , admirec@domboresources.com.auAdi is a consulting process engineer. He is working on a study to establish effective ways of utilising industrial flue gas during algae cultivation. With a passion for responsible stewardship of the environment, his interests are in turning current efforts towards carbon footprint reduction into commercially viable projects in order to ensure sustainability and acceleration of technology take-up.

Faisal Alsenani
PhD Student, Faisal.alsenani@uqconnect.edu.auMy research focuses on screening and isolation of natural health products and new antibiotics from microalgae.
In 2016 I participated in the 1st Australia New Zealand Marine Biotechnology Society Symposium.
please refer to: Alsenani, F., et al. (2016). External stimuli to induce nutraceutical biosynthesis in marine microalgae.

Lina Gonzalez
Postdoctoral Fellow, lina.gonzalezgonzalez@uq.net.auMy research project is focused on the optimization of a closed loop for biofuels production from microalgae through anaerobic digestion and nutrient recycling.

Timothy Brett Walker
Volunteer, t.walker@uq.net.auI completed Professional Masters of Biotechnology mid-2018 at the Schenk Lab, with my research focusing on use of the hydrate filtration system to separate oil from algal lysate and from ethanol solvent extraction. I am currently volunteering two days a week at the Schenk Lab, in between work, where I am continuing to test the hydrate's oil separation capabilities under different conditions.

Cui Yi (Ian)
PhD Student, shjzhcuiyi@hotmail.comMy research project is oil production from Phaeodactylum tricornutum. I am interested in the induction of EPA and DHA in this magical creature.
I am also the curator of Queensland microalgae culture collections.

Noelia Neira Peralta
Masters Student, n.neiraperalta@uq.edu.auMy project currently focuses in the evaluation of transgenic tomato plants expressing different known antimicrobial peptides and their resistance to Gram negative phytophagenic bacteria. Additionally, I assist in the discovery of new peptides with antimicrobial activity.

Yuet Kiu (Vicky) Choy
Honours Student, yuet.choy@uq.net.auMy honours project is focused on the screening of efficient bacteria control agents against two strawberry rotting pathogens.

Ying Wang
Masters Student, ying.wang11@uq.net.auMy research is focused on developing efficient lipid extraction techniques from the oleaginous microalga Nannochloropsis sp. BR2 in order to secure more sustainable sources of omega-3 fatty acids. I am currently investigating a pre-treatment method to break the algal cell walls; improving oil extraction.

Heejae Jung
Honours Student, kisuksa302@hotmail.commy research focuses on efficient harvesting techniques and mechanism from various microalgae. I am also interested in aqua-feed using microalgae.

Eugenie Singh
Honors Student, eugenie.singh@uq.net.auI am interested in studying the phyllosphere microbiome of plants for biological interactions that inhibit the progression of foliar (leaf surface) diseases. This research is of utmost importance as it provides potentially new biocontrol application agents that can contribute to crop protection.