Kelly Styles

Research Assistant

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Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand

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Timeline
About me
Research Fellow at Te Kāuru - Ferrier Research Institute, scientist co-founder of Bontia Bio, and founding member of SynBioNZ.
Education
- Western Springs College
  2005 - 2009
- Victoria University of Wellington
  2020 - 2024
  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD Biotechnology
  Development of high-throughput culturing and sequence library generation for filamentous fungi, coupled to bespoke pipelines for analysis of sequence data with a focus on biosynthetic gene cluster identification.I investigated several hundred endolichenic fungi I isolated from New Zealand lichens and identified trends in taxonomy and biosynthetic potential of these fungi. Further investigation of an indole diterpene pathway in a fungus not previously known to produce these compounds… Show more Development of high-throughput culturing and sequence library generation for filamentous fungi, coupled to bespoke pipelines for analysis of sequence data with a focus on biosynthetic gene cluster identification.I investigated several hundred endolichenic fungi I isolated from New Zealand lichens and identified trends in taxonomy and biosynthetic potential of these fungi. Further investigation of an indole diterpene pathway in a fungus not previously known to produce these compounds revealed novel biosynthetic mechanisms. Show less
- The University of Auckland
  2013 - 2013
  Postgraduate Diploma of Science Biology/Biological Sciences, General With Distinction
  I completed my PgDipSci in 2013, achieved with Distinction, expanding on previous interests from my undergraduate degree.
- The University of Auckland
  2014 - 2015
  Master’s Degree Biology/Biological Sciences, General First Class Honours
  I explored the horizontal transfer of a bacterial insecticide gene cluster into filamentous fungi, as well as examining several alkaloid gene clusters in the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium robertsii.
- The University of Auckland
  2010 - 2012
  Bachelor's Degree Biological Sciences
  I completed my BSc in 2012 with a major in Biological Sciences, focusing on molecular and physiological topics, as wells as statistics.
Experience
- AgResearch
  Nov 2012 - Feb 2013
  Research Assistant
- The University of Auckland
  Jan 2013 - Feb 2015
  Postgraduate Student
  Studied Biological Sciences
- Biotelliga Ltd.
  Mar 2015 - Nov 2019
  In this role I was involved in a project that attempted to produce high-value microbial compounds using synthetic biology techniques. Key skills included PCR, qPCR, cloning, genetic modification of filamentous fungi and yeasts, general microbiological techniques, as well as limited bioinformatics.I developed and wrote SOPs and helped establish QA and containment facility standards.I held an Approved Handler Test Certificate for the use, storage, and disposal of chemicals from classes 6, 8, and 9 (Expired 06/11/2022). Show less
  - Lab Manager
    Sept 2019 - Nov 2019
  - Research Technician
    Mar 2015 - Nov 2019
- Self-employed
  Nov 2019 - Jan 2020
  Contractor
  Implemented hazards classification database for industry laboratory to meet HSNO/HSAW requirements.
- Victoria University of Wellington
  Feb 2020 - Jan 2024
  PhD student
  I investigated the under-studied endolichenic fungi sourced from a New Zealand lichen collection. I developed methods for fungal high-throughput culturing, DNA extraction, and sequencing - resulting in several hundred endolichenic fungal genomes. I established a code base to perform assembly and bioinformatics analyses of these genomes, revealing a rich diversity of largely novel biosynthetic potential. Heterologous experiments of a meroterpenoid pathway from one of these fungi unveiled previously unknown activities for orthologous biosynthetic enzymes.https://www.github.com/kellystyles/fungiflow Show less
- Te Kāuru — The Ferrier Research Institute
  Sept 2023 - now
  Research Fellow
  Investigating the biosynthesis of high-value fungal compounds.
- Wellington UniVentures
  Jul 2024 - now
  Entrepreneur in Residence (Secondment)
  This is a 2 month position to perform technical and business development for a pre-seed Biotech startup. It involves planning business and science strategies, engaging with potential stakeholders, performing market validation, website development, and social media account management.
Licenses & Certifications
- Python for Everybody Specialization
  Coursera
  Apr 2020
  View certificate
- 6.00.1x: Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python
  MITx on edX
  Aug 2020
  View certificate
Honors & Awards
- Awarded to Kelly Styles
  Ferrier Research Institute PhD Scholarship Ferrier Research Institute Feb 2020
- Awarded to Kelly Styles
  MSc scholarship and stipend AgResearch Mar 2014 A project involving the functional analysis of toxins in the fungal entomopathogen Metarhizium robertsii.
- Awarded to Kelly Styles
  MSc scholarship University of Auckland 2014 A project involving the functional analysis of toxins in the fungal entomopathogen Metarhizium robertsii.
- Awarded to Kelly Styles
  Summer Studentship AgResearch Nov 2013 A project investigating plant/fungal endophyte interactions.
- Awarded to Kelly Styles
  Summer Studentship AgResearch Nov 2012 A project investigating plant/fungal endophyte interactions.
Volunteer Experience
- Student Leader
  Issued by iGEM on Nov 2020
  Associated with Kelly Styles
- Pest removal
  Issued by Department of Conservation (DOC) on Jan 2006
  Associated with Kelly Styles