Dr James Paterson

Full Academic Status

College of Science and Engineering

place Biological Sciences (2002)
GPO Box 2100, Adelaide 5001, South Australia

Since completing his PhD in Microbial Oceanography in 2012, Dr Paterson’s research has primarily focussed on the microbial ecology of marine and freshwater systems. He has extensive experience in field sampling that includes time onboard oceanographic research vessels. In the laboratory, his expertise lies in the discipline of Flow Cytometry, particularly on the enumeration of viruses and heterotrophic bacteria.

As part of the Microbial Systems Laboratory at Flinders, Dr Paterson has worked closely with numerous industry partners. He has worked with the Environmental Protection Agency SA to investigate the role of viruses and bacteria in contaminated groundwater systems. More recently, he has worked with the SARDI Aquatic Sciences and the South Australian Oyster Growers Association to develop a rapid and inexpensive detection test for the Ostried herpesvirus that infects the Pacific oyster. Currently, Dr Paterson is developing a new screening test for SARS-CoV-2 that is faster, cheaper and less invasive than current tests.

Qualifications

PhD in Microbial Oceanography - 2012, Flinders University of South Australia

Honours in Marine Biology (1st Class) - 2007, Flinders University of South Australia

Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology - 2006, Flinders University of South Australia

Honours, awards and grants

2013 - Society of Aquatic Microbial Ecology (SAME) International Travel Grant Award

2009 - Marine Innovation South Australia (MISA) Travel Grant Award

2008 - Flinders University Postgraduate Research Scholarship

2007 - Chancellor’s Letter of Commendation

Supervisory interests
Flow cytometry/immune cell phenotyping
Microbial communities
Microbial ecology of aquatic systems
Microbiology
Viruses
Further information

Lab Website - MSL Website