Dr Kerensa McElroy
Pronouns: she,her,hers
Research Scientist, Breeding Innovations
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Biography
Dr. Kerensa McElroy is a research scientist with CSIRO’s Agriculture and Food department, with a deep focus on data science, artificial intelligence (AI) / machine learning (ML), and bioinformatics.
Dr McElroy excels in translating research to new domains and problem areas. E.g. as project leader for CSIRO's Unlocking Complex Crop Genomes initiative, she is leveraging cutting-edge statistical techniques identified from human genomics literature to explore polyploid genomes and their regulation, uncovering untapped genetic potential for crop traits.
Dr. Kerensa McElroy has effectively integrated artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques into her research, using existing models for new applications, and designing bespoke models for specific domains. For example, she is currently using large language models to mine existing literature for gene-trait effects, and has previously adapted LSTMs models for zero-inflated data, allowing their applications to many genomic problems e.g. predicting methylation.
Previously, Dr McElroy was project leader for the change-management piece "Agriculture and Food Data School", an intensive and immersive internship aimed at up-skilling staff in digital literacy. During her involvement, this program grew from an educational experiment in the imaginations of individuals, to a transformative experience for a select few, through to its ultimate CSIRO-wide roll-out as the Digital+Domain's "Digital Academy". Dr McElroy’s strong personal commitment to excellence and inclusivity in digital literacy education is also evidenced through her involvement in the Data Carpentry global community as an instructor trainer. Dr McElroy actively mentors junior researchers including both postdoctoral fellows and students, and is committed to creating an inclusive research environment where digital literacy and innovative thinking thrive.
Other Interests
I am a science educator and communicator, and enjoy writing about my work and encouraging young scientists. I have published numerous articles in COSMOS magazine and have also been featured talking about my research on ABC's "The Science Show".
I am a certified instructor for the volunteer organisation 'Software Carpentry', and have helped design workshops for Bioplatforms Australia. Most recently, I have organised and secured funding for the 'Advanced Scientific Programming in Python' course to come to Canberra in January 2019.
Presentations
McElroy, K. (2022). Zero inflated data, LSTMs, and methylation prediction. MARS. Sydney, Australia.
McElroy K. (2018). Data distinctions, disasters, and the CSIRO Ag & Food Data School. ANU Ecology and Evolution Seminar Series. Canberra, Australia.
McElroy K. (2018). Beyond trait-based selection: adaptive diversity for sustainable agriculture. Genetics Society of AustralAsia Annual Conference. Canberra, Australia.
McElroy K. (2017). ‘Illuminating’ the black box of NGS library preparation from degraded specimens. Centre for Biodiversity Analysis 'Genomics and Collections' Symposium. Canberra, Australia.
McElroy K.(2014). Positive selection drives short-term diversification of developing Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. University of Melbourne Genetics Department Seminar Series. Melbourne, Australia.
McElroy K, Catullo R. (2013). Comparative genomics of climate adaptation in
Drosophila. OCE Genomics Symposium. Canberra, Australia.
McElroy K, Woo J, Majzoub M, Hui J, Kjelleberg S, Rice S, Egan S, Thomas T. (2012). Deep sequencing of evolving bacterial populations. 14th International Symposium on Microbial Ecology. Copenhagen, Denmark.
McElroy K, Luciani F, Hui J, Rice S, Thomas T. (2011). Bacteriophage evolution drives Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA01 biofilm diversification. 19th Annual International Conference on Intelligent Systems for Molecular Biology / 10th European Conference on Computational Biology. Vienna, Austria.
McElroy K, Luciani F, Thomas T. (2011). GemSIM: General, Error-Model Based Simulator of next- generation sequencing. Bioinformatics Open Source Conference. Vienna, Austria.
Academic Qualifications
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2013
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Applications of Next-gen Sequencing to Microbial Evolution
The University of New South Wales -
2007
Masters in Epidemiology and Infections Biology
Swiss Tropical Institute -
2005
Bachelor of Biomedical Science
The University of Melbourne -
2005
Diploma of Music (Harpsichord)
The University of Melbourne
Professional Experiences
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2013-2017
Postdoctoral Researcher, Evolutionary Rescue and Climate Genomics
CSIRO -
2009-2012
Freelance Science Journalist
Various, including Cosmos and Green Lifestyle -
2010-2012
Research Assistant, Bioinformatics
UNSW -
2007-2008
Research Assistant, Daphnia Genetics
Zoological Institute, University of Basel, Switzerland
Achievements and Awards
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2012-2012
1st Prize, Science Faculty Three Minute Thesis Competition
University of New South Wales -
2011-2011
Adrian Lee Travel Fellowship
University of New South Wales -
2010-2010
Smith White Award
Genetics Society of AustralAsia -
2010-2010
Royal Society of NSW Scholarship
Royal Society of New South Wales -
2009-2009
Australian Postgraduate Award
Department of Education
Grants
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July 2014-July 2015
Ignition Grant - Landscape genomics of Red-browed finches
Publications
We have publications by Dr Kerensa McElroy