Awei Tiko Bainivalu
Newcastle West,NSW
Summary
Experienced microbiologist with extensive expertise in environmental microbiology, focusing on microbial community research across soil, food, fuel oil hydrocarbons, air and water systems. Skilled in teaching and coordinating microbiology courses for final-year university students, with proficiency in laboratory techniques, data analysis, project management, and quality assurance.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Data Configuration Assistant
Digital Technology Solutions & Resource Division, University of Newcastle
Newcastle , NSW
08.2022 - 07.2023
- Administered, supported, and monitored databases by proactively
resolving database issues and maintaining servers. - Created and updated database designs and data models.
- Coordinated with project management on database development
timelines.
Social Distancing Champion
Infrastructure & Facilities Services, University of Newcastle
Newcastle , NSW
07.2020 - 08.2021
- Monitored premise entry points to determine if staff, students and visitors met compliance standards prior to admittance.
- Provided health screenings and enforced social distancing, masking and other policies related to COVID-19.
- Assisted staff and students with safety and health requirements related to COVID-19.
- Used Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) correctly and assisted others with PPE and other safety measures.
- Acquired knowledge and stayed up to date on best practices for slowing spread of COVID-19.
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant
School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of the South Pacific
Suva , Fiji
01.2012 - 01.2019
- Coordinated and demonstrated undergraduate Environmental & Marine Microbiology, Animal Biology and Human Physiology laboratory classes.
- Coordinated and conducted undergraduate Biology tutorial classes.
- Developed marking criteria for undergraduate laboratory reports.
- Managed part-time tutors, markers, and laboratory demonstrators.
- Supervised students' laboratory work and ensured adherence to safety protocols.
- Organized course-related experiences like field trips.
- Maintained attendance and assignment records for classes.
- Oversaw large classes of up to 400 students in Biology majors, ensuring effective learning environments.
- Conducted specialized sessions for small student groups to delve deeper into course content.
- Fostered an atmosphere conducive to academic growth and the development of critical thinking skills.
- Prepared comprehensive lessons aligned with course outlines to cover all essential material thoroughly.
- Provided personalized mentoring and support through office hours and individual interactions.
- Assisted faculty members with administrative duties, including paperwork and class preparation.
- Evaluated assignments, lab reports, and exams, adhering to university grading standards with precision.
- Coordinated with lab technicians and course coordinators to guarantee the smooth running of labs, aligning activities with curriculum objectives.
Education
Ph.D. - Environment Remediation
University of Newcastle
Callaghan, NSW07-2024
Graduate Certificate - Tertiary Teaching
University of The South Pacific
Suva, Fiji01-2019
Master of Science - Biology
University of The South Pacific
Suva, Fiji04-2016
Post Graduate Diploma - Marine Science
University of The South Pacific
Suva, Fiji04-2008
Bachelor of Science - Biology And Chemistry
University of South Pacific
Suva, Fiji12-2006
Skills
- Microbiology expertise
- Microbiology research
- Microorganism isolation
- QA/QC in microbiology
- Method validation
- Laboratory methods
- Laboratory supervision
- Method validation
- Result interpretation
- Test results evaluation
- Project management
- Research and data management
- Environmental policy
- Regulatory standards
- Technical troubleshooting
- Experiment design
- Complex problem-solving
- Aseptic techniques
- Preparing and analyzing microbiological samples
- Chemical and molecular analysis
- Bioinformatics tools and methods
- Analytical and critical thinking
- Microsoft office proficiency
- Staff management
- Microbiology laboratory coordinator
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Self-driven and motivated
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Fijian
Native/ Bilingual
Affiliations
- Coordinated the involvement of Pacific Island students from the University of Newcastle in the Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) information session with Immigration and a multicultural organization in Hamilton, NSW (2024).
- Pasifika iLan Student Association (PiSA) Secretary at the University of Newcastle: As the Secretary of our student club, I played a key role in facilitating the club's formal registration, ensuring compliance with university requirements. Additionally, I actively supported new Pacific students, aiding their smooth transition into the university community, fostering a sense of belonging (2021 - 2023).
- Guest Lecturer: Advanced Molecular Biology Post Graduate students, presented my methods and results from thesis (2015-2016).
- Department of Biology Representative for the Mobile Lab Team. I facilitated and conducted accelerated laboratory sessions for Years 12 and 13 students from five secondary schools in Fiji that were severely affected by Tropical Cyclone Winston (2016).
- Member of the Society of Biological Society of the South Pacific (BSSP) (2010-Present).
- Facilitated a Microscope Workshop for Secondary Schools Teachers (USP, BSSP) (2011).
- Facilitated Basic Food Safety Certificate (USP/WHO) in Basic Food Safety in Food Services, Catering and Food Manufacturing Industries (2011).
- Guest Lecturer on Water Safety- Regional Basic Food Safety Workshop (USP/WHO) (2011).
Certification
- HLTAID001 Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- HLTAID002 Provide basic emergency life support
- HLTAID003 Provide first aid
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Data Configuration Assistant
Digital Technology Solutions & Resource Division, University of Newcastle
08.2022 - 07.2023
Social Distancing Champion
Infrastructure & Facilities Services, University of Newcastle
07.2020 - 08.2021
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant
School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of the South Pacific
01.2012 - 01.2019
Ph.D. - Environment Remediation
University of Newcastle
Graduate Certificate - Tertiary Teaching
University of The South Pacific
Master of Science - Biology
University of The South Pacific
Post Graduate Diploma - Marine Science
University of The South Pacific
Bachelor of Science - Biology And Chemistry
University of South Pacific
- HLTAID001 Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- HLTAID002 Provide basic emergency life support
- HLTAID003 Provide first aid
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