Dr Deirdre Mikkelsen is a Microbiologist with experience in molecular microbial ecology techniques, bioinformatics and fermentation microbiology.
Her research over the years focused 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 the breakdown of model plant cell wall components using molecular microbiology techniques and stable isotope tools. After 14 years with CNAFS and the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, Deirdre took up a Lecturer in Food Sciences appointment with the School of Agriculture and Food Sciences (UQ). While continuing her research, she now has the previlage of course coordinating and teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students undertaking Food Science as well as Food Safety and Quality Management courses. She also works closely with Faculty of Science Inustry Placement to manage ungergraduate and postgraduate Professional Practice courses

Deirdre is co-author of over 40 articles in peer-reviewed journals, and two book chapters. As a member of the Australian Society for Microbiology.