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Early in my career, I wanted to perform research that is relevant to healthcare providers and services. My research endeavors began with a BSc (Health Sciences), following a MSc (Biochemistry), and my PhD in Microbiology and Immunology focused on molecular pathogenesis. During my training in clinical microbiology, I was heavily involved in a significant mumps outbreak and a busy influenza virus season, leading to the development of rapid diagnostic tests for clinical laboratories and public health. After becoming a board-certified Clinical Microbiologist, I worked at Nova Scotia Health, where I currently lead a diagnostics laboratory responsible for COVID-19 testing. My research interests include molecular diagnostics, molecular epidemiology, and molecular pathogenesis, particularly in vaccine-preventable diseases and emerging respiratory pathogens like SARS-CoV-2. I am also an active investigator in the Canadian Immunization Research Network (CIRN) which focuses on the prevention of respiratory disease. My research has contributed to public health efforts in Canada, providing vital information for vaccine use and developing tools for major studies on pneumonia and the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases. Additionally, I co-chair the Respiratory Virus working group of the Canadian Public Health Laboratory Network, which addresses various aspects concerning novel coronaviruses.