Dr Deirdre Mikkelsen
Dr

Deirdre Mikkelsen

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 334 69642

Background

United Nations (UN) member states in 2015 agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. Dr Deirdre Mikkelsen is a microbiologist and Senior Lecturer in Food Science at the School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability, where her teaching and research contribute to several UN SDGs, including:

  • Goal 2 – Zero Hunger
  • Goal 3 – Good Health and Well-being
  • Goal 4 – Quality Education
  • Goal 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
  • Goal 13 – Climate Action
  • Goal 15 – Life on Land

Deirdre holds a B.Sc. (First Class Honours, 1999) and a PhD in Microbiology (2005), both from UQ. She has expertise in molecular microbial ecology, bioinformatics and fermentation microbiology. Her academic journey includes research roles at the Advanced Wastewater Management Centre (2005) and from 2006 at the Centre for Nutrition and Food Sciences (CNAFS), Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), where she held Postdoctoral and Research Fellow positions. She joined her current School in 2019.

Program Coordination and Teaching

Dr Deirdre Mikkelsen is the Program Coordinator for the following postgraduate programs:

  • Master of Food Science and Technology
  • Master of Food Science and Technology (Research Extensive)
  • Graduate Certificate in Food Science and Technology

She also coordinates and teaches:

  • FOOD2000 – Food Science
  • FOOD3017 – Food Safety & Quality Management
  • FOOD7021 – Professional Experience (Work Integrated Learning)

Professional Memberships and Engagement

  • Member, Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST) – Queensland Branch Committee
  • Member, International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST) Education Oversight Group – Australasia representative
  • Member, IUFoST – Food Safety Working Committee 2.2 (Education focus)
  • Academic Advisory Group Member, Ag Connections Agriskills Accelerator Program
  • Member, Australian Society for Microbiology (ASM)

Availability

Dr Deirdre Mikkelsen is:
Available for supervision

Fields of research

Food sciences Microbiology Resources engineering and extractive metallurgy

Qualifications

  • Bachelor (Honours) of Microbiology, The University of Queensland
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland

Research impacts

Research Interests

Deirdre’s research focuses on understanding how foods, diets, and nutrients influence the gut microbiota in humans and monogastric animal models. Her work integrates molecular microbial ecology and biopolymer science to explore:

  • The structure and function of plant cell walls in cereals and grasses
  • The fermentability of dietary fibres as potential prebiotics
  • Microbial interactions with dietary fibres using molecular techniques
  • The impact of dietary fibres on gut microbiota diversity and abundance

Research Impact

Deirdre’s research supports sustainable food systems and improved health outcomes by advancing knowledge of gut microbiota–diet interactions. Her work informs the development of functional foods and dietary strategies to promote gut health.

She has published 88 peer-reviewed articles, with an h-index of 30 and 3916 citations. Over 80% of her publications appear in Q1 journals. A highlight of her career is a 2020 publication in Nature Communications, co-authored with colleagues from CNAFS and KTH Sweden.

Search Professor Deirdre Mikkelsen’s works on UQ eSpace

129 works between 2002 and 2025
All (129) Journal Article (88) Other Outputs (1) Conference Publication (37) Book Chapter (3)

101 - 120 of 129 works

2012

Journal Article

Preparation and in vitro release of zein microparticles loaded with prednisolone for oral delivery

Lau, Esther T. L., Johnson, Stuart K., Mikkelsen, Deirdre, Halley, Peter J. and Steadman, Kathryn J. (2012). Preparation and in vitro release of zein microparticles loaded with prednisolone for oral delivery. Journal of Microencapsulation, 29 (7), 706-712. doi: 10.3109/02652048.2012.686527

Preparation and in vitro release of zein microparticles loaded with prednisolone for oral delivery

2012

Conference Publication

In vitro fermentability of purple carrot phytonutrients and effects on large intestinal microflora

Mikkelsen, D., Netzel, G. A., Williams, B. A. and Gidley, M. J. (2012). In vitro fermentability of purple carrot phytonutrients and effects on large intestinal microflora. 8th INRA-Rowett Symposium on Gut Microbiology, Clermont-Ferrand, France, 17 - 22 June 2012.

In vitro fermentability of purple carrot phytonutrients and effects on large intestinal microflora

2012

Conference Publication

Investigating the relationship between grain fibre fraction molecular structures and in vitro fermentability

Williams, B. A., Walsh, C., Liao, M. L., Pettolino, F., Mikkelsen, D., Gidley, M. J. and Bacic, A. (2012). Investigating the relationship between grain fibre fraction molecular structures and in vitro fermentability. 8th INRA-Rowett Symposium on Gut Microbiology, Clermont-Ferrand, France, 17-20 June 2012.

Investigating the relationship between grain fibre fraction molecular structures and in vitro fermentability

2011

Journal Article

In vitro fermentation of bacterial cellulose composites as model dietary fibers

Mikkelsen, Deirdre, Gidley, Michael J. and Williams, Barbara A. (2011). In vitro fermentation of bacterial cellulose composites as model dietary fibers. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 59 (8), 4025-4032. doi: 10.1021/jf104855e

In vitro fermentation of bacterial cellulose composites as model dietary fibers

2011

Conference Publication

Characteristics and microstructural changes of fruits and vegetables after human mastication

Hoerudin, Hoerudin, Mikkelsen, Deirdre, D'Arcy, Bruce and Gidley, Mike (2011). Characteristics and microstructural changes of fruits and vegetables after human mastication. 1st Australian Food Science Summer School 2011, St Lucia, Brisbane, Australia, 9-11 February 2011. Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST).

Characteristics and microstructural changes of fruits and vegetables after human mastication

2011

Journal Article

In vitro fermentation kinetics and end-products of cereal arabinoxylans and (1,3;1,4)-beta-glucans by porcine feces

Williams, Barbara A., Mikkelsen, Deirdre, Le Paih, Laure and Gidley, Michael J. (2011). In vitro fermentation kinetics and end-products of cereal arabinoxylans and (1,3;1,4)-beta-glucans by porcine feces. Journal of Cereal Science, 53 (1), 53-58. doi: 10.1016/j.jcs.2010.09.003

In vitro fermentation kinetics and end-products of cereal arabinoxylans and (1,3;1,4)-beta-glucans by porcine feces

2011

Book Chapter

Formation of Cellulose-Based Composites with Hemicelluloses and Pectins Using Gluconacetobacter Fermentation

Mikkelsen, Deirdre and Gidley, Michael J. (2011). Formation of Cellulose-Based Composites with Hemicelluloses and Pectins Using Gluconacetobacter Fermentation. The Plant Cell Wall: Methods and Protocols. (pp. not found-not found) edited by Zoë A. Popper. New Jersey, USA: Humana Press.

Formation of Cellulose-Based Composites with Hemicelluloses and Pectins Using Gluconacetobacter Fermentation

2011

Conference Publication

The plant cell wall: Friend or foe to anthocyanin bioaccessibility?

Padayachee, A., Netzel, G., Netzel, M., Day, L., Mikkelsen, D. and Gidley, M. (2011). The plant cell wall: Friend or foe to anthocyanin bioaccessibility?. Australian Food Science Summer School (1st, AIFST, 2011), St. Lucia, QLD, Australia, 9-11 February 2011.

The plant cell wall: Friend or foe to anthocyanin bioaccessibility?

2011

Book Chapter

Formation of cellulose-based composites with hemicelluloses and pectins using Gluconacetobacter fermentation

Mikkelsen, Deirdre and Gidley, Michael J. (2011). Formation of cellulose-based composites with hemicelluloses and pectins using Gluconacetobacter fermentation. The plant cell wall: methods and protocols. (pp. 197-208) edited by Zoë A. Popper. New York, United States: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-1-61779-008-9_14

Formation of cellulose-based composites with hemicelluloses and pectins using Gluconacetobacter fermentation

2010

Journal Article

Spontaneous mutation results in lower cellulose production by a Gluconacetobacter xylinus strain from Kombucha

Nguyen, Vu Tuan, Flanagan, Bernadine, Mikkelsen, Deirdre, Ramirez, Santiago, Rivas, Lucia, Gidley, Michael J. and Dykes, Gary A. (2010). Spontaneous mutation results in lower cellulose production by a Gluconacetobacter xylinus strain from Kombucha. Carbohydrate Polymers, 80 (2), 337-343. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2009.11.019

Spontaneous mutation results in lower cellulose production by a Gluconacetobacter xylinus strain from Kombucha

2010

Conference Publication

Interactions between the plant cell wall and black carrot bioactives may affect the bioavailability of these compounds

Padayachee, A., Netzel, G., Netzel, M., Mikkelsen, D., Day, L. and Gidley, M. (2010). Interactions between the plant cell wall and black carrot bioactives may affect the bioavailability of these compounds. 43rd Annual AIFST Convention 2010, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 25-28 July 2010. AIFST.

Interactions between the plant cell wall and black carrot bioactives may affect the bioavailability of these compounds

2010

Conference Publication

Interactions between models of the plant cell wall & black carrot bioactives may affect the bioavailability of these compounds

Padayachee, A., Netzel, G., Netzel, M., Mikkelsen, D., Day, L. and Gidley, M. (2010). Interactions between models of the plant cell wall & black carrot bioactives may affect the bioavailability of these compounds. 15th World Congress of food Science and Technology (IUFoST), Cape Town, South Africa, 22-26 August 2010. IUFoST.

Interactions between models of the plant cell wall & black carrot bioactives may affect the bioavailability of these compounds

2009

Journal Article

Mechanical and structural properties of native and alkali-treated bacterial cellulose produced by Gluconacetobacter xylinus strain ATCC53524

McKenna, Brigid A., Mikkelsen, Deirdre, Wehr, J. Bernhard, Gidley, Michael J. and Menzies, Neal W. (2009). Mechanical and structural properties of native and alkali-treated bacterial cellulose produced by Gluconacetobacter xylinus strain ATCC53524. Cellulose, 16 (6) 1047, 1047-1055. doi: 10.1007/s10570-009-9340-y

Mechanical and structural properties of native and alkali-treated bacterial cellulose produced by Gluconacetobacter xylinus strain ATCC53524

2009

Journal Article

Probing the archaeal diversity of a mixed thermophilic bioleaching culture by TGGE and FISH

Mikkelsen, Deirdre, Kappler, Ulrike, McEwan, Alastair G. and Sly, Lindsay I. (2009). Probing the archaeal diversity of a mixed thermophilic bioleaching culture by TGGE and FISH. Systematic and Applied Microbiology, 32 (7), 501-513. doi: 10.1016/j.syapm.2009.06.001

Probing the archaeal diversity of a mixed thermophilic bioleaching culture by TGGE and FISH

2009

Journal Article

Influence of different carbon sources on bacterial cellulose production by Gluconacetobacter xylinus strain ATCC 53524

Mikkelsen, D., Flanagan, B. M., Dykes, G. A. and Gidley, M. J. (2009). Influence of different carbon sources on bacterial cellulose production by Gluconacetobacter xylinus strain ATCC 53524. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 107 (2), 576-583. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2009.04226.x

Influence of different carbon sources on bacterial cellulose production by Gluconacetobacter xylinus strain ATCC 53524

2009

Conference Publication

Arabinoxylan improves indices of gut health and reduces DNA damage in pigs consuming a high risk “Western diet”: a pilot study

Gidley, M. J., Williams, B. A., Zhang, D., Gunness, P., Mikkelsen, D., Gorham, B., Keates, H., Bryden, W. L., Belobrajdic, D., Conlon, M. A., Kang, S., McSweeney, C., Bird, A. R. and Topping, D. L. (2009). Arabinoxylan improves indices of gut health and reduces DNA damage in pigs consuming a high risk “Western diet”: a pilot study. American Association of Cereal Chemists International 2009 Annual Meeting, Baltimore, MD, United States, 13-16 September 2009.

Arabinoxylan improves indices of gut health and reduces DNA damage in pigs consuming a high risk “Western diet”: a pilot study

2008

Journal Article

Phylogenetic analysis of Porphyromonas species isolated from the oral cavity of Australian marsupials

Mikkelsen, D., Milinovich, G. J., Burrell, P. C., Huynh, S. C., Pettett, L. M., Blackall, L. L., Trott, D. J. and Bird, P. S. (2008). Phylogenetic analysis of Porphyromonas species isolated from the oral cavity of Australian marsupials. Environmental microbiology, 10 (9), 2425-2432. doi: 10.1111/j.1462-2920.2008.01668.x

Phylogenetic analysis of Porphyromonas species isolated from the oral cavity of Australian marsupials

2008

Conference Publication

Biodeuteration as a tool to study cellulose and hemicellulose interactions in plant cell walls with contrast variation SANS

Garvey, C. J., Mikkelsen, D., Dykes, G. A. and Gidley, M. J. (2008). Biodeuteration as a tool to study cellulose and hemicellulose interactions in plant cell walls with contrast variation SANS. AANSS 2008: 7th AINSE/ANBUG Neutron Scattering Symposium, Lucas Heights, NSW, Australia, 8-10 December, 2008.

Biodeuteration as a tool to study cellulose and hemicellulose interactions in plant cell walls with contrast variation SANS

2008

Conference Publication

Novel Porphyromonas species isolated from oral cavity of marsupials

Mikkelsen, D., Milinovich, G. J., Burrell, P. C., Huynh, S. C., Pettett, L. M., Blackall, L. L., Trott, D. J. and Bird, P. S. (2008). Novel Porphyromonas species isolated from oral cavity of marsupials. 48th Australian and New Zealand International Association of Dental Research (ANZ IADR) Annual Meeting, Perth, Australia, 1 - 3 October 2008.

Novel Porphyromonas species isolated from oral cavity of marsupials

2008

Conference Publication

Bacterial cellulose composites: Models for primary plant cell walls of cereals and grasses

Mikkelsen, D., Flanagan, B., Dykes, G. and Gidley, M. (2008). Bacterial cellulose composites: Models for primary plant cell walls of cereals and grasses. ASM 2008: Annual Scientific Meeting & Exhibition of the Australian Society for Microbiology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 6-10 July 2008. Melbourne, VIC, Australia: Australian Society for Microbiology.

Bacterial cellulose composites: Models for primary plant cell walls of cereals and grasses

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2027
    Comprehensive use of whole body computed tomography, microbiome and metabolomics analysis to measure the effects of dietary and exercise interventions on body fat content in dogs
    Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2027
    Sustainable Precision Feeding in Broiler Chickens in Australia
    AgriFutures Chicken Meat Program Nutrition, Gut Health and Environment Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2026
    Point-of-care microbiome therapy in koalas during antimicrobial treatment for Chlamydia
    Morris Animal Foundation
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2023 - 2025
    Evaluation of bioprotective bacteria to reduce Campylobacter on raw chicken meat at the end of primary processing (Agrifutures funded project led by QLD DAF)
    Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2024
    Optimising and industrialising black soldier fly (BSF) production: redirecting food waste to livestock feed production using insects
    Fight Food Waste CRC
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2023
    Dopamine as a new diagnostic tool for horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction and its effect on the equine intestinal microbiota
    Australian Companion Animal Health Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2021
    Nasal microbiota in shelter dogs and carriage of Staphylococcus spp.
    Canine Research Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2014
    Automated in vitro fermentation gas measurement
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2017
    Use of plant derived compounds to condition piglet intake at weaning and reduce post-weaning use of therapeutics
    CRC for High Integrity Australian Pork
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2012
    ResTeach 2010 0.2 FTE School of Land,Crop and Food Sciences
    UQ ResTeach
    Open grant

Availability

Dr Deirdre Mikkelsen is:
Available for supervision

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Supervision history

Current supervision

Completed supervision

Enquiries

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