Biography
Kirralee is an algal physiologist with over a decade of hands-on experience in phytoplankton culturing and carrying out manipulative laboratory experiments. Her PhD examined the direct implications of warming on marine phytoplankton traits, focusing on those that affect the biological carbon pump. After earning her PhD, she relocated to the United Kingdom to undertake her first postdoctoral position with Prof. Richard Geider at the University of Essex. Here Kirralee expanded her proficiency in the measurement of phytoplankton physiology, including the use of ‘omics’, to identify the traits (and underlying mechanisms) that facilitate phytoplankton growth at high temperature. Following this research appointment, Kirralee took up a Postdoctoral Research Associate role at the Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania with Prof. Philip Boyd. Here she explored the unique traits of Southern Ocean phytoplankton species and investigate how these traits drive seasonal and temporal changes in the biological carbon pump.
In 2024, Kirralee joined the Australian National Algae Culture Collection (ANACC). As a Research Technician, she supports the maintenance of ANACC's expansive culture collection and manages ANACC's supply service.
Academic Qualifications
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2017
PhD Science
University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia -
2012
Bachelor of Science (1st Class Hons) in Environmental Science
University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia -
2011
Bachelor of Environmental Forensics
University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
Professional Experiences
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January 2024-current
Research Technician
Australian National Algae Culture Collection, CSIRO -
November 2023-current
Adjunct Postdoctoral Researcher
Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Australia -
July 2021-January 2024
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Australia -
January 2017-June 2021
Postdoctoral Research Associate
University of Essex, United Kingdom.
ORCID 0000-0003-3008-2513