Kevin Mercurio
PhD Microbiology
MSc, BSc Biochemistry
Podcaster & Creative Writer
Ottawa, Canada
About
PhD-trained scientist in microbiology from Trinity College Dublin, with a research focus on immunology and inflammatory disease. I’m driven by a curiosity to understand complex biological mechanisms and how they translate into real-world impact.
My experience spans in vivo and in vitro research, cell-based and molecular assays, systems biology approaches and data-driven experimental design. Alongside research, I’ve built a strong passion for mentorship and science communication through leadership roles in Pint of Science Ireland and AccessEd, along with hosting the Metaphorigins podcast interviewing early career researchers. I also bring unique experience in business development from my time with Global Affairs Canada, supporting partnerships in the life sciences sector.
Currently looking for opportunities at the intersection of research, innovation and communication.
Education
March 2021 – February 2026
(Coming soon... custom summary of PhD thesis)
Doctor of Philosophy, Microbiology
School of Genetics and Microbiology
Trinity College Dublin – Dublin, Ireland
September 2017 – April 2020
(Click to see custom summary of MSc thesis)
Master of Science, Biochemistry
Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology
University of Ottawa – Ottawa, ON
September 2011 – April 2016
(Click to see custom summary of BSc thesis)
Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry (Cum laude)
Department of Chemistry
University of Ottawa – Ottawa, ON
Employment (recent)
September 2021 – December 2025
Teaching Assistant & Guest Lecturer
Trinity College Dublin
Dublin, Ireland
September 2022 – May 2025
Co-Director & Public Speaking Coach
Pint of Science
Dublin, Ireland
September 2021 – August 2024
Scholar's Ireland Educator
AccessEd, Trinity Access Program
Dublin, Ireland
Technical Experience
Data Analysis (Graphpad, R, Prism, ImageJ)
Manuscript Writing & Editing
Cell-Based Assays (culture, transfection)
In Vivo Trials (animal handling, oral gavage)
Molecular Assays (qPCR, western, ELISA)
Confocal Microscopy (fixed, live-cell, IF)
Omics Research (RNA-seq, Chemogenomics)
Teaching & Mentorship
Science Communication
Publications
Stiegeler S., Mercurio K., Iancu M. A., Corr S. C. Cells. 2021, 10(12), 3358.
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Mercurio K., Singh D., Walden E., Baetz K. G3: Genes | Genomes | Genetics. 2021, 11(11),
jkab294.
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O'Callaghan A. A., Dempsey E., Iyer N., Stiegeler S., Mercurio K., Corr S. C. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. 2021; 11: 622491.
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Fletcher E., Mercurio K., Walden A. E., Baetz K. iScience. 2021; 24(4): 102327.
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Storms Z., Teel M., Mercurio K., Sauvageau D. Phage: Therapy, Applications, and Research. 2019; 1: 1X. Invited article for the inaugural issue.
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Fletcher E., Gao K., Mercurio K., Ali M., Baetz K. Metabolic Engineering. 2019; 52: 98-109.
Achievements
Winner, FameLab Ireland National Video Heat (2021)
Recipient, Graduate Leadership Award (uOttawa)
Winner, MSc Biochemistry Seminar Day (uOttawa)
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Producer/Host, Metaphorigins Podcast (present)
Teaching Assistant, Trinity College Dublin (2021-2025)
Co-Director, Pint of Science Ireland (2022-2024)
Educator, AccessEd (2021-2024)
CV Reviewer, Trinity Career Services (2021-2024)​
Chairperson, DU Microbiological Society (2023)
Published Author, Health Science Inquiry (2023)
Graduate Mentor, URNCST Journal (2022)
Policy Coordinator, Science Slam Canada (2022)
Contributing Writer, The University Times (2021)
Reviewer, uOttawa Journal of Medicine (2021)
PG Representative, Annual LERU Conference (2021)
Published Author, Healthy Populations Journal (2021)