Overview
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's postition as a Teacihng and Research Acacemic contributes towards the following UN SDGs:
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 is a Microbiologist with experience in molecular microbial ecology techniques, bioinformatics and fermentation microbiology.
Deirdre has a B.Sc with First Class Honours in Microbiology (1999) and PhD in Microbiology (2005) from The University of Queensland (UQ, Australia). She worked at the Advanced Wastewater Management Centre (UQ; 2005), until moving to the Centre for Nutrition and Food Sciences (CNAFS) in 2006. She worked as Postdoctoral Research Fellowship and Research Fellow in CNAFS, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, UQ. Deirdre joined the School of Agriculture and Food Susstainability in 2019 as a Teaching and Research Academic, and is presently a Senior Lecturer in Food Science. She course coordinates and lectures FOOD2000 Food Science, FOOD3017 Food Safety & Quality Management and the work integrated learning course FOOD7021 Professional Experience. Deirdre's research is molecular microbial ecology and biopolymer science-based, aiming to provide a mechanistic understanding of how foods, diets and nutrients influence the host gut microbiota. Deirdre has 75 peer-review publications with an h-index of 26 and 2746 citations.
Deirdre is a Member of the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST) and sits on the Queensland Branch Committee. She is also a Member of the Australian Society for Microbiology (ASM). Deirdre is part of the International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFOST) Food Safety Working Committee, in an education-focused role.
Availability
- Dr Deirdre Mikkelsen is:
- Available for supervision
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours) of Microbiology, The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
Research impacts
Deirdre is a passionate microbiologist, with a strong research background in molecular microbial ecology and biopolymer science (construction and fermentation of “model” dietary fibres). Her research predominantly focuses on how food components are broken down by the host’s gut microbiota, be it in human and/or monogastric animal models, and understanding their role in promoting/maintaining host health.
Specifically, hes has worked on:
i) modelling plant cell walls of cereals and grasses;
ii) investigating the fermentability of cell wall components as potential prebiotics;
iii) developing molecular microbiology techniques to investigate gut microbe-dietary fibre interactions; and
iv) investigating how do plant cell walls/dietary fibres alter the gut microbiota in terms of diversity and relative verses absolute abundances.
Over 80% of Deirdre's publicatons are in the top 25% of journals (Q1 journals) in that subject category.To date, she has 75 peer-review publications, and an h-index of 26, with 2746 citations. Her most exciting achievement was a Nature Communications publication in 2020 with CNAFS and KTH Sweden colleagues.
Works
Search Professor Deirdre Mikkelsen’s works on UQ eSpace
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
2007
Journal Article
Visualisation of pyrite leaching by selected thermophilic archaea: nature of microorganism-ore interactions during bioleaching
Mikkelsen, D., Kappler, U., Webb, R. I., Rasch, R., McEwan, A. G. and Sly, L. I. (2007). Visualisation of pyrite leaching by selected thermophilic archaea: nature of microorganism-ore interactions during bioleaching. Hydrometallurgy, 88 (1-4), 143-153. doi: 10.1016/j.hydromet.2007.02.013
2007
Conference Publication
Phylogenetic analysis of Porphyromonas gingivalis-like species isolated from the oral cavity of Australian marsupials
Bird, P. S., Mikkelsen, D., Huynh, S. C., Milinovich, G. J., Burrell, P. C., Pettett, L. M., Trott, D. J. and et al (2007). Phylogenetic analysis of Porphyromonas gingivalis-like species isolated from the oral cavity of Australian marsupials. Australian Society for Microbiology, Annual Conference, Adelaide, Australia, 9-13 July, 2007.
2006
Journal Article
Archaeal diversity in two thermophilic chalcopyrite bioleaching reactors
Mikkelsen, Deirdre, Kappler, Ulrike, McEwan, Alastair G. and Sly, Lindsay I. (2006). Archaeal diversity in two thermophilic chalcopyrite bioleaching reactors. Environmental Microbiology, 8 (11), 2050-2055. doi: 10.1111/j.1462-2920.2005.01115.x
2006
Conference Publication
Biodeuteration and small angle neutron scattering as tools to understand the roles of cellulose and hemicelluloses as load bearing polymers in plant cell walls
Garvey, J., Mikkelsen, D., Dykes, G. A. and Gidley, M. (2006). Biodeuteration and small angle neutron scattering as tools to understand the roles of cellulose and hemicelluloses as load bearing polymers in plant cell walls. ANSE/ANBUG Neutron Scattering Symposium, Lucas Heights, 11-13 December 2006. Lucas Heights, Australia: AINSE.
2006
Conference Publication
Biodeuteration as a tool to study cellulose and hemicellulose interactions in plant cell walls with contrast variation SANS
Mikkelsen, D., Garvey, C. J., Dykes, G. A. and Gidley, M. J. (2006). Biodeuteration as a tool to study cellulose and hemicellulose interactions in plant cell walls with contrast variation SANS. AANSS 2006: 5th AINSE/ANBUG Neutron Scattering Symposium, Lucas Heights, NSW, Australia, 11-13 December 2006. Lucas Heights, NSW, Australia: Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering (AINSE); (Australian Neutron Beam Users Group (ANBUG).
2004
Conference Publication
Development of molecular methods for monitoring thermophilic chalcopyrite bioleaching cultures
Mikkelsen, D., Kappler, U., McEwan, A. and Sly, L. (2004). Development of molecular methods for monitoring thermophilic chalcopyrite bioleaching cultures. Australian Society for Microbiology (ASM) Annual Scientific Meeting & Exhibition, Sydney, Australia, 26th Sep – 1st Oct 2004.
2004
Other Outputs
The development and use of molecular phylogenetic and microscopy methods to study thermophilic bioleaching cultures
Mikkelsen, D. (2004). The development and use of molecular phylogenetic and microscopy methods to study thermophilic bioleaching cultures. PhD Thesis, School of Molecular and Microbial Sciences, The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/107280
2004
Conference Publication
Investigation of pyrite bioleaching by thermophilic microorganisms
Mikkelsen, D., Webb, R. I. and Rasch, R. (2004). Investigation of pyrite bioleaching by thermophilic microorganisms. Australian Microbeam Analysis Society 8th Biennial Conference (AMAS 8), University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia, February 2005.
2002
Journal Article
Oral disease in animals: The Australian perspective. Isolation and characterisation of black-pigmented bacteria from the oral cavity of marsupials
Bird, Philip S., Huynh, Sharnan C., Davis, Deirdre, Love, Daria N., Blackall, Linda L. and Seymour, Gregory J. (2002). Oral disease in animals: The Australian perspective. Isolation and characterisation of black-pigmented bacteria from the oral cavity of marsupials. Anaerobe, 8 (2), 79-87. doi: 10.1006/anae.2002.0412
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Deirdre Mikkelsen is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Supervision history
Current supervision
-
Doctor Philosophy
Microbiota interactions and functionality in response to nut consumption and in vitro fermentation
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Bernadine Flanagan, Professor Mike Gidley
-
Doctor Philosophy
The role of dopamine in the regulation of gastrointestinal health in horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Justine Gibson, Dr Allison Stewart, Associate Professor François-René Bertin, Dr Viviana Gonzalez Astudillo
-
Doctor Philosophy
Soil biology impacts on sustainability and productivity of high value vegetable cropping systems
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Alwyn Williams, Professor Victor Galea
-
Doctor Philosophy
Optimising and industrialising black soldier fly (BSF) production -redirecting food waste to livestock feed production using insects
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Daniel Cozzolino, Professor Louw Hoffman
-
Doctor Philosophy
Epidemiology and control of canine skin and ear conditions in Australia
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Ricardo Soares Magalhaes, Dr Erika Meler, Dr Justine Gibson
-
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the relationship between the shape, size and local density of food gels and their functionality in vitro
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Bernadine Flanagan, Dr Heather Shewan, Professor Mike Gidley
-
Doctor Philosophy
Evaluation of Integrated Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance in South and South East Asian Countries
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Peter Sly, Dr Nicholas Clark, Professor Ricardo Soares Magalhaes
Completed supervision
-
2017
Doctor Philosophy
Changes to gut bacteria composition and diversity by the addition of soluble dietary fibres to porcine diets: human health implications.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Mike Gidley
-
2023
Doctor Philosophy
Dietary fibre concentration and particle size drive in vitro gut microbial fermentation behaviours
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Bernadine Flanagan, Professor Mike Gidley
-
2022
Master Philosophy
Characterisation of a synbiotic product and its impact on human gastrointestinal microbiota
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Mark Turner, Associate Professor Nidhi Bansal
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Mechanisms of Resistant Starch Breakdown by Gut Microbiota Using High Amylose Wheat
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Mark Morrison, Professor Mike Gidley
-
2021
Doctor Philosophy
In Vitro Fermentation of Insoluble Dietary Fibers and Undigested Fractions from Plant Food Sources
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Bernadine Flanagan, Professor Mike Gidley
-
2021
Doctor Philosophy
In vitro gut microbial fermentation of models for plant dietary fibre
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Bernadine Flanagan, Professor Mike Gidley
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
BACTERIAL MEDIATED ENZYMATIC METABOLISM OF ARABINOXYLAN AND GALACTOXYLOGLUCAN UNDER IN VITRO FERMENTATION CONDITIONS
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Bernadine Flanagan, Professor Mike Gidley
-
2018
Doctor Philosophy
Characterisation of cellulose produced by different Komagataeibacter strains: Towards an improved plant cell wall model
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Mike Gidley
-
2017
Doctor Philosophy
Fruit components and their effects on the gastrointestinal bacterial community
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Mike Gidley
-
2012
Doctor Philosophy
The role of the plant cell wall on the bioaccessibility of anthocyanins and phenolic acids released from fruits and vegetables.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Mike Gidley
Media
Enquiries
For media enquiries about Dr Deirdre Mikkelsen's areas of expertise, story ideas and help finding experts, contact our Media team: