Michelle Walker

Research Interests

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Fermentation Industrial Microbiology Microbial Genetics

Dr Michelle Walker

School of Agriculture, Food and Wine

College of Science

Dr Michelle Walker currently holds a Titleholder position as a Visiting Research Fellow in the School of Agriculture, Food and Wine. She continues to be associated with the Wine Microbiology Group. Dr Walker has extensive experience (30+ years) in genetics and micro (molecular) biology of laboratory and industrial Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeasts. Her interests include understanding the genetic basis of stress tolerance and fermentation attributes of wine yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and applying this knowledge in strain improvement strategies strain improvement strategies (evolutionary engineering, classical breeding, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing). Other interests include the study of non-Saccharomyces yeast and lactic acid bacteria (as potential wine starters) and the plant pathogen Botrytis cinerea (Grey Mould) at a fundamental and applied level.

I currently hold a Titleholder position as Visiting Research Fellow with the School of Agriculture, Food and Wine.  Whilst not employed in academic research, having retired in 2021, I continue to be associated with the Wine Microbiology Group in the Department of Wine Science.   I have extensive experience in the genetics and micro (molecular) biology of laboratory and industrial Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeasts.  More recently, my research has included Botrytris cinerea (Grey Mould), non-Saccharomyces yeasts and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) both at a fundamental and applied level.

Research Interests

New and Improved yeast and bacterial starter cultures – novel attributes, process efficiency and wine distinctiveness – Wine Australia funded 

  • Directed evolution of superior LAB for more reliable malolactic fermentation
  • Screening of non-Saccharomyces yeasts for novel enzymatic activities of benefit to winemaking
  • Screening of indigenous LAB for more reliable malolactic fermentation
  • CRISPR gene editing of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

For more information go to https://sciences.adelaide.edu.au/agriculture-food-wine/research/wine-food-nutrition-science

https://sciences.adelaide.edu.au/agriculture-food-wine/research/wine-food-nutrition-science/wine-microbiology-and-microbial-biotechnology-group

 

Date Position Institution name
2021 - 2027 Visiting Research Fellow University of Adelaide
2018 - 2019 University Research Fellow, Level B (casual contract) University of Adelaide
2018 - 2021 University Research Fellow, Level B ( University of Adelaide
2013 - 2017 University Research Fellow, Level B (0.8 FTE) University of Adelaide
2009 - 2013 University Research Fellow, Level B (0.5 FTE) University of Adelaide
2007 - 2009 University Research Fellow, Level B (0.4 FTE) University of Adelaide
2000 - 2007 University Research Fellow, Level A (0.4 FTE) University of Adelaide

Language Competency
Dutch; Flemish Can read, speak and understand spoken

Date Institution name Country Title
1984 - 1987 University of Edinburgh United Kingdom PhD
1980 - 1983 Aberystwyth University United Kingdom BSc Honours (Class 2-1)

Year Citation
2023 Huang, C. W., Deed, R. C., Parish-Virtue, K., Pilkington, L. I., Walker, M. E., Jiranek, V., & Fedrizzi, B. (2023). Characterization of polysulfides in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells and finished wine from a cysteine-supplemented model grape medium. Food Microbiology, 109, 104124-1-104124-9.
DOI Scopus7 WoS7 Europe PMC5
2023 Gardner, J. M., Alperstein, L., Walker, M. E., Zhang, J., & Jiranek, V. (2023). Modern yeast development: finding the balance between tradition and innovation in contemporary winemaking. FEMS Yeast Research, 23, foac049-1-foac049-12.
DOI Scopus12 WoS10 Europe PMC4
2023 Lin, M. M. H., Walker, M. E., Jiranek, V., & Sumby, K. M. (2023). Genomic analysis of Kazachstania aerobia and Kazachstania servazzii reveals duplication of genes related to acetate ester production. Microbial Genomics, 9(6), 1-14.
DOI Scopus5 WoS4 Europe PMC2
2022 Gardner, J. M., Walker, M. E., Boss, P. K., & Jiranek, V. (2022). The effect of grape juice dilution and complex nutrient addition on oenological fermentation and wine chemical composition. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 105, 1-8.
DOI Scopus5 WoS5
2022 Lang, T. A., Walker, M. E., Boss, P. K., & Jiranek, V. (2022). Effect of 'loss of function' mutation in SER in wine yeast: fermentation outcomes in co-inoculation with non-Saccharomyces. OENO One, 56(2), 47-61.
DOI Scopus4 WoS2
2022 Walker, M. E., Watson, T. L., Large, C. R. L., Berkovich, Y., Lang, T. A., Dunham, M. J., . . . Jiranek, V. (2022). Directed evolution as an approach to increase fructose utilisation in synthetic grape juice by wine yeast AWRI 796. FEMS Yeast Research, 22(1), 1-17.
DOI Scopus11 WoS10 Europe PMC5
2021 Xu, Z., Walker, M. E., Zhang, J., Gardner, J. M., Sumby, K. M., & Jiranek, V. (2021). Exploring the diversity of bacteriophage specific to Oenococcus oeni and Lactobacillus spp and their role in wine production. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 105(23), 8575-8592.
DOI Scopus7 WoS5 Europe PMC6
2021 Lin, M. M. -H., Boss, P. K., Walker, M. E., Sumby, K. M., & Jiranek, V. (2021). Influence of Kazachstania spp. on the chemical and sensory profile of red wines. International Journal of Food Microbiology, 362(2), 109496-1-109496-11.
DOI Scopus29 WoS26 Europe PMC12
2021 Lang, T. A., Walker, M. E., & Jiranek, V. (2021). Disruption of ECM33 in diploid wine yeast EC1118: cell morphology and aggregation and their influence on fermentation performance. FEMS Yeast Research, 21(5), 1-11.
DOI Scopus7 WoS5 Europe PMC2
2021 Van Holst Pellekaan, N., Walker, M., Watson, T., & Jiranek, V. (2021). 'TeeBot': A High Throughput Robotic Fermentation and Sampling System. Fermentation, 7(4), 205-1-205-11.
DOI Scopus4 WoS3
2021 González-Alonso, I., Walker, M. E., Pascual-Vallejo, M. -E., Naharro-Carrasco, G., & Jiranek, V. (2021). Capturing yeast associated with grapes and spontaneous fermentations of the Negro Saurí minority variety from an experimental vineyard near León. Scientific Reports, 11(1), 1-12.
DOI Scopus11 WoS10 Europe PMC3
2021 Walker, M. E., Zhang, J., Sumby, K. M., Lee, A., Houlès, A., Li, S., & Jiranek, V. (2021). Sulfate transport mutants affect hydrogen sulfide and sulfite production during alcoholic fermentation. Yeast, 38(6), 367-381.
DOI Scopus12 WoS9 Europe PMC4
2021 González-Alonso, I., Walker, M. E., Vallejo-Pascual, M. E., Naharro-Carrasco, G., & Jiranek, V. (2021). Author Correction: Capturing yeast associated with grapes and spontaneous fermentations of the Negro Saurí minority variety from an experimental vineyard near León (Scientific Reports, (2021), 11, 1, (3748), 10.1038/s41598-021-83123-1). Scientific Reports, 11(1), 1 page.
DOI
2020 Gardner, J. M., Walker, M. E., Boss, P. K., & Jiranek, V. (2020). The effect of grape juice dilution on oenological fermentation.
DOI
2020 Gardner, J., Walker, M., Zhang, J., Van Holst, N., & Jiranek, V. (2020). Searching new frontiers for winemaking microbes with unusual and useful activities. The Australian & New Zealand grapegrower & winemaker, 680, 87-88.
2019 Valentine, G., Walker, M. E., Gardner, J. M., Schmid, F., & Jiranek, V. (2019). Brief temperature extremes during wine fermentation: effect on yeast viability and fermentation progress. Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research, 25(1), 62-69.
DOI Scopus10 WoS12
2019 Pilkington, L. I., Deed, R. C., Parish-Virtue, K., Huang, C. -W., Walker, M. E., Jiranek, V., . . . Fedrizzi, B. (2019). Iterative synthetic strategies and gene deletant experiments enable the first identification of polysulfides in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.. Chemical communications (Cambridge, England), 55(60), 8868-8871.
DOI Scopus12 WoS11 Europe PMC6
2019 Lin, M. M. -H., Boss, P. K., Walker, M. E., Sumby, K. M., Grbin, P. R., & Jiranek, V. (2019). Evaluation of indigenous non-Saccharomyces yeasts isolated from a South Australian vineyard for their potential as wine starter cultures. International Journal of Food Microbiology, 312, 108373.
DOI Scopus67 WoS57 Europe PMC25
2018 Nguyen, T. D., Walker, M. E., Gardner, J. M., & Jiranek, V. (2018). Appropriate vacuolar acidification in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is required for efficient high sugar fermentation. Food Microbiology, 70, 262-268.
DOI Scopus7 WoS5 Europe PMC3
2018 Zhang, J., Astorga, M., Gardner, J., Walker, M., Grbin, P., & Jiranek, V. (2018). Disruption of the cell wall integrity gene ECM33 results in improved fermentation by wine yeast. Metabolic Engineering, 45, 255-264.
DOI Scopus20 WoS19 Europe PMC16
2018 Peter, J. J., Watson, T. L., Walker, M. E., Gardner, J. M., Lang, T. A., Borneman, A., . . . Jiranek, V. (2018). Use of a wine yeast deletion collection reveals genes that influence fermentation performance under low nitrogen conditions.. FEMS yeast research, 18(3), 11 pages.
DOI Scopus17 WoS16 Europe PMC11
2017 Huang, C., Walker, M., Fedrizzi, B., Gardner, R., & Jiranek, V. (2017). Yeast genes involved in regulating cysteine uptake affect production of hydrogen sulfide from cysteine during fermentation.. : FEMS Yeast Research, 17(5), 1-26.
DOI Scopus16 WoS5 Europe PMC5
2017 Huang, C., Walker, M., Fedrizzi, B., Gardner, R., & Jiranek, V. (2017). Hydrogen sulfide and its roles in Saccharomyces cerevisiae in a winemaking context. FEMS Yeast Research, 17(6), 1-10.
DOI Scopus48 WoS35 Europe PMC30
2016 Huang, C., Walker, M., Fedrizzi, B., Roncoroni, M., Gardner, R., & Jiranek, V. (2016). The yeast TUM1 affects production of hydrogen sulfide from cysteine treatment during fermentation.. FEMS Yeast Res, 16(8), 1-27.
DOI Scopus15 WoS14 Europe PMC12
2014 Walker, M. E., Sundstrom, J. F., Liccioli, T., Dillon, S., Long, D., Nguyen, T., . . . Zhang, J. (2014). Adelaide researchers head ‘over the ditch’ for Australisian yeast meeting. Australian and New Zealand Grapegrower and Winemaker, (603).
2014 Jiranek, V., Walker, M., Gardner, J., Sundstrom, J., & Liccioli, T. (2014). Tackling microbial failure in problematic wine fermentations using a holistic approach. Australian and New Zealand Grapegrower and Winemaker, (603), 76-79.
2014 Walker, M., Nguyen, T., Liccioli, T., Schmid, F., Kalatzis, N., Sundstrom, J., . . . Jiranek, V. (2014). Genome-wide identification of the Fermentome; genes required for successful and timely completion of wine-like fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. BMC Genomics, 15(1), 552-1-552-17.
DOI Scopus49 WoS45 Europe PMC31
2013 Liccioli, T., Walker, M. E., Sundstrom, J. F., Gardner, J. M., & Jiranek, V. (2013). Novel wine yeast for improved performance in fermentation. Wine and Viticulture Journal, 28(6), 26, 28, 30-31, 33.
2011 Capaldo, A., Walker, M., Ford, C., & Jiranek, V. (2011). β-Glucoside metabolism in Oenococcus oeni: cloning and characterization of the phospho-β-glucosidase CelD. Journal of Molecular Catalysis B-Enzymatic, 69(1-2), 27-34.
DOI Scopus12 WoS9
2011 Capaldo, A., Walker, M., Ford, C., & Jiranek, V. (2011). β-Glucoside metabolism in Oenococcus oeni: Cloning and characterisation of the phospho-β-glucosidase bglD. Food Chemistry, 125(2), 476-482.
DOI Scopus23 WoS19 Europe PMC7
2009 Poole, K., Walker, M., Warren, T., Gardner, J., McBryde, C., de Barros Lopes, M., & Jiranek, V. (2009). Proline transport and stress tolerance of ammonia-insensitive mutants of the PUT4-encoded proline-specific permease in yeast. Journal of General and Applied Microbiology, 55(6), 427-439.
DOI Scopus20 WoS17 Europe PMC13
2007 Astorga, M., Gardner, J., McBryde, C., Schmid, F., Walker, M., & Jiranek, V. (2007). Optimisation of industrial strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae using recombinant and non-recombinant methods. Microbiology Australia, May(2), 62-63.
2005 Walker, M., Vystavelova, A., Pedler, S., Eglinton, J., & Jiranek, V. (2005). PCR-based gene disruption and recombinatory marker excision to produce modified industrial Saccharomyces cerevisiae without added sequences. Journal of Microbiological Methods, 63(2), 193-204.
DOI Scopus15 WoS13 Europe PMC9
2004 Matthews, A., Grimaldi, A., Walker, M., Bartowsky, E., Grbin, P., & Jiranek, V. (2004). Lactic Acid Bacteria as a Potential Source of Enzymes for Use in Vinification. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 70(10), 5715-5731.
DOI Scopus166 WoS141 Europe PMC88
2003 Walker, M., Gardner, J., Vystavelova, A., McBryde, C., de Barros Lopes, M., & Jiranek, V. (2003). Application of the reuseable, KanMX selectable marker to industrial yeast: construction and evaluation of heterothallic wine strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, possessing minimal foreign DNA sequences. FEMS Yeast Research, 4(3), 339-347.
DOI Scopus57 WoS54 Europe PMC42
2002 Walker, M., Gardner, J., de Barros Lopes, M., & Jiranek, V. (2002). Wine yeasts as tools for oenological research and strain improvement by genetic techniques. Australian & New Zealand Grapegrower & Winemaker, 461a, 109, 110, 112-114.
1999 Jitrapakdee, S., Walker, M., & Wallace, J. (1999). Functional expression, purification, and characterization of recombinant human pyruvate carboxylase. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 266(2), 512-517.
DOI Scopus31 WoS29 Europe PMC28
1996 Jitrapakdee, S., Walker, M. E., & Wallace, J. C. (1996). Identification of novel alternatively spliced pyruvate carboxylase mRNAs with divergent 5’ untranslated regions which are expressed in a tissue-specific manner. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 223, 695-700.
1996 Jitrapakdee, S., Walker, M., & Wallace, J. (1996). Identification of Novel Alternatively Spliced Pyruvate Carboxylase mRNAs with Divergent 5' -Untranslated Regions Which Are Expressed in a Tissue-Specific Manner. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 223(3), 695-700.
DOI Scopus27 WoS27 Europe PMC26
1995 Val, D. L., Chapman-Smith, A., Walker, M. E., Cronan, J. E., & Wallace, J. C. (1995). Polymorphism of the yeast carboxylase 2 gene and protein:effects on protein biotinylation. Biochem. J., 312, 817-825.
1995 Walker, M. E., Baker, E., Wallace, J. C., & Sutherland, G. R. (1995). Assignment of the human pyruvate carboxylase gene (PYC) to 11q13.4 by flourescence in situ hybridization.. Cytogenetics and Cell Genetics, 69, 187-189.
1995 Walker, M., Baker, E., Wallace, J., & Sutherland, G. (1995). Assignment of the human pyruvate carboxylase gene (PC) to 11q13.4 by fluorescence in situ hybridisation. Cytogenetics and Cell Genetics, 69(3-4), 187-189.
DOI Scopus23 WoS16 Europe PMC11
1995 Val, D., Chapman-Smith, A., Walker, M., Cronan, J., & Wallace, J. (1995). Polymorphism of the yeast pyruvate carboxylase 2 gene and protein: Effects on biotinylation. Biochemical Journal, 312(3), 817-825.
DOI Scopus21 WoS20 Europe PMC18
1994 Brewster, N. K., Val, D. L., Walker, M. E., & Wallace, J. C. (1994). Regulation of pyruvate carboxylase isozyme (PYC1, PYC2) gene expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae during fermentative and nonfermentative growth. Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics, 311(1), 62-71.
DOI Scopus70 WoS67 Europe PMC53
1991 Walker, M. E., Val, D. L., Rohde, M., Devenish, R. J., & Wallace, J. C. (1991). Yeast pyruvate carboxylase: Identification of two genes encoding isoenzymes. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 176(3), 1210-1217.
DOI Scopus53 WoS54 Europe PMC46
1991 Walker, M. E., & Wallace, J. C. (1991). Isolation of a yeast mutant deficient in pyruvate carboxylase activity. Biochemistry International, 23(4), 697-705.
Scopus3 WoS3 Europe PMC2
1991 Valentin, E., Walker, M. E., & Reid, G. A. (1991). A mutant precursor protein is poorly targeted to mitochondria and interferes in vivo with the import of other mitochondrial polypeptides in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Current Microbiology, 23(2), 75-79.
DOI Scopus1 WoS1
1990 Walker, M. E., Valentin, E., & Reid, G. A. (1990). Transport of the yeast ATP synthase β-subunit into mitochondria. Effects of amino acid substitutions on targeting. Biochemical Journal, 266(1), 227-234.
DOI Scopus8 WoS8 Europe PMC8
1988 Reid, G. A., & Walker, M. E. (1988). Mitochondrial protein targeting signals. Biochemical Society Transactions, 16(5), 709-714.
DOI Scopus3 WoS3 Europe PMC1

Year Citation
2015 Jiranek, V., Liccioli, T., Betteridge, A., Sumby, K., Walker, M., Gardner, J., & Sundstrom, J. (2015). Generation and characterisation of improved wine microbes. In Proceedings of the 10th international symposium of enology of Bordeaux (pp. 163-166). Bordeaux, France: Vigne et Vin Publications Internationales.
2015 Jiranek, V., Liccioli, T., Betteridge, A., Sumby, K., Walker, M., Gardner, J., & Sundstrom, J. (2015). Generation and characterisation of improved wine microbes. In Proceedings of the 10th international symposium of enology of Bordeaux (pp. 163-166). Bordeaux, France: Vigne et Vin Publications Internationales.
2013 Walker, M., Haggerty, J., Zhang, J., Nguyen, T., Liccioli, T., Sundstrom, J., . . . Jiranek, V. (2013). Overexpression studies – an approach to understand the mechanisms behind successful alcoholic fermentation. In YPD 2013 Conference Program and Abstracts. Massey University, New Zealand.
2005 Walker, M., Vystavelova, A., Pedlar, S., Eglinton, J., & Jiranek, V. (2005). Towards tools for 'seamless' modification of genes in industrial yeast. In Proceedings of the 12th Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference (pp. 290). Melbourne, Vic, Australia: Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference.
2001 Walker, M., Gardner, J., & Jiranek, V. (2001). Construction and evaluation of haploid wine yeast for research purposes. In Australian wine industry technical conference, 7-11 October, 2001 (pp. 241-242). Adelaide, South Australia: Winetitles.

Year Citation
2022 Lin, M., Boss, P., Sumby, K., Walker, M., & Jiranek, V. (2022). Kazachstania spp.: A non-Saccharomyces yeast that to enhances fruity and floral aromas in wine. Poster session presented at the meeting of Abstracts of the 18th Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference (AWITC, 2022). Glen Osmond, South Australia: The Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference Inc..
2016 Peter, J. J., Watson, T., Walker, M., Gardner, J. M., & Jiranek, V. (2016). Identification of wine yeast genes influencing fermentation duration under limited nitrogen conditions. Poster session presented at the meeting of The 16th Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference. Adelaide, Australia.
2015 Peter, J. J., Watson, T., Walker, M. E., Gardner, J. M., & Jiranek, V. (2015). Screening for wine yeast mutants, whereby gene deletion results in faster fermentation under limited nitrogen conditions. Poster session presented at the meeting of Australasian conference on Yeast: Products and Discovery. Adelaide.
2015 Peter, J. J., Watson, T., Walker, M. E., Gardner, J. M., & Jiranek, V. (2015). Screening for wine yeast mutants, whereby gene deletion results in faster fermentation under limited nitrogen conditions. Poster session presented at the meeting of Australasian conference on Yeast: Products and Discovery. Adelaide.
2015 Huang, C., Gardner, R., Fedrizzi, B., Walker, M. E., & Jiranek, V. (2015). Identification of yeast genes responsible for the production of hydrogen sulfide and volatile thiols in wine.. Poster session presented at the meeting of Australasian conference on Yeast: Products and Discovery. Adelaide.
2015 Huang, C., Gardner, R., Fedrizzi, B., Walker, M. E., & Jiranek, V. (2015). Identification of yeast genes responsible for the production of hydrogen sulfide and volatile thiols in wine.. Poster session presented at the meeting of Australasian conference on Yeast: Products and Discovery. Adelaide.
2015 Valentine, G. D. S., Walker, M. E., Gardner, J. M., Schmid, F., & Jiranek, V. (2015). The impact of brief temperature shifts on wine fermentation. Poster session presented at the meeting of Australasian conference on Yeast: Products and Discovery. Adelaide.
2015 Valentine, G. D. S., Walker, M. E., Gardner, J. M., Schmid, F., & Jiranek, V. (2015). The impact of brief temperature shifts on wine fermentation. Poster session presented at the meeting of Australasian conference on Yeast: Products and Discovery. Adelaide.
2014 Peter, J. J., Watson, T., Walker, M., & Jiranek, V. (2014). Use of prototrophic deletion library as a tool to identify genes related to nitrogen assimilation. Poster session presented at the meeting of ISSY31: 31st International Specialised Symposium on Yeast. Slovenia.
2014 Peter, J. J., Watson, T., Walker, M., & Jiranek, V. (2014). Use of prototrophic deletion library as a tool to identify genes related to nitrogen assimilation. Poster session presented at the meeting of AgPogs: Postgraduate symposium 2014. Adelaide, Australia.
2013 Nguyen, T. D., Walker, M. E., Gardner, J. M., & Jiranek, V. (2013). Vacuolar acidification may play a key role in the ability of yeast to successfully complete industrial fermentation. Poster session presented at the meeting of AWITC 2013 Conference program and abstracts. Sydney, Australia.
2013 Walker, M. E., Haggerty, J., Zhang, J., Nguyen, T. D., Sundstrom, J., Liccioli, T., . . . Jiranek, V. (2013). Overexpression studies – an approach to understand the mechanisms behind successful alcoholic fermentation.. Poster session presented at the meeting of YPD 2013 Conference Program and Abstracts. Massey University, Albany, Auckland, New Zealand.
2013 Liccioli, T., Walker, M., Schmid, F., Kalatzis, N., Gardner, J., Grbin, P., & Jiranek, V. (2013). Genome wide screening for the identification of genes influencing colour in red wine fermentations. Poster session presented at the meeting of YPD 2013 Conference Program and Abstracts. Massey University, Albany, Auckland, New Zealand.
2013 Zhang, J., Gardner, J. M., Walker, M. E., Astorga, M. A., Grbin, P., & Jiranek, V. (2013). Investigation and characterization of an High Nitrogen Efficient (HNE) wine yeast strain. Poster session presented at the meeting of YPD 2013 Conference Program and Abstracts. Massey University, Albany, Auckland, New Zealand.
2013 Nguyen, T., Walker, M., Gardner, J., & Jiranek, V. (2013). Evaluation of fermentation efficiency of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae △tps1 and △tps2 deletants with over-expression of HXK2 and TreA genes. Poster session presented at the meeting of YPD 2013 Conference Programme and Abstracts. Auckland.
2013 Walker, M. E., Liccioli, T., Schmid, F., Gardner, J. M., Kalatzis, N., Grbin, P. R., & Jiranek, V. (2013). Genome screening as an approach to understand the cellular mechanisms behind yeast adaptation during fermentation to allow for successful completion. Poster session presented at the meeting of AWITC 2013 Conference Program and Abstracts. Sydney.
2013 Liccioli, T., Gardner, J., Walker, M., Sundstrom, J., & Shearer, M. (2013). Re-starting stuck wine fermentations using an evolved wine yeast.. Poster session presented at the meeting of AWITC 2013 Conference Program and Abstracts. Sydney.
2013 Zhang, J., Gardner, J. M., Walker, M. E., Astorga, M. A., Sundstrom, J., Grbin, P., & Jiranek, V. (2013). Investigation of the genetic basis of high nitrogen efficiency (HNE) in wine yeast. Poster session presented at the meeting of AWITC 2013 Conference program and abstracts. Sydney.
2012 Zhang, J., Gardner, J. M., Walker, M. E., & Jiranek, V. (2012). Investigation of the genetic basis of high nitrogen efficiency (HNE) in wine yeast. Poster session presented at the meeting of Conference programme and abstracts. Adelaide.
2011 Walker, M. E., Liccioli, T., Schmid, F., Trung, N. D., Kalatzis, N., Sundstrom, J., . . . Jiranek, V. (2011). Identification and classification of Saccharomyces cerevisiae genes required for high-sugar fermentation using a genome-wide screening approach. Poster session presented at the meeting of Conference Programme and Abstracts. Adelaide.
2010 Walker, M. E., Liccioli, T., Schmid, F., Kalatzis, N., Gardner, J. M., Grbin, P. R., & Jiranek, V. (2010). The identification of genes with the potential to influence wine colour and fermentation duration. Poster session presented at the meeting of 14th Australian Wine Industries Technical Conference. Adelaide.
2009 Gardner, J. M., McBryde, C., Walker, M., & Jiranek, V. (2009). Progress towards characterisation of an adaptively evolved wine yeast strain. Poster session presented at the meeting of YPD conference programme and abstracts. Adelaide.
2009 Walker, M. E., Gardner, J. M., Liccioli, T., Schmid, F., McBryde, C., & Jiranek, V. (2009). Progress towards improvement of industrial yeast for the wine industry. Poster session presented at the meeting of YPD conference programme and abstracts. Adelaide.
2009 McBryde, C., Gardner, J. M., Walker, M. E., & Jiranek, V. (2009). Adaptive evolution strategies for the generation of novel wine yeast. Poster session presented at the meeting of 24th International meeting on yeast genetics and molecular biology. Manchester, United Kingdom.
2009 Topic 13. Other (2009). Poster session presented at the meeting of Yeast. Wiley.
DOI
2007 Capaldo, A., Walker, M. E., Ford, C., & Jiranek, V. (2007). Expression and characterisation of a β-glucosidase gene from Oenococcus oeni for oenological use. Poster session presented at the meeting of Conference Programme and Abstracts. Adelaide.
2007 Schmid, F., Walker, M., & Jiranek, V. (2007). An automated fermentation system for evaluation of large numbers of yeast strains in laboratory wine fermentations. Poster session presented at the meeting of Conference Programme and Abstracts. Adelaide.
2007 Lam, N., Walker, M. E., & Jiranek, V. (2007). Construction and of wine yeast with increased tolerance to osmotic stress and their evaluation under wine fermentation. Poster session presented at the meeting of Conference Programme and Abstracts. Adelaide.
2007 Walker, M. E., Gardner, J. M., McBryde, C., Schmid, F., Macintyre, A., & Bishop, A. (2007). Strategies for the Generation of Wine Yeast Strains with Novel Fermentation Traits. Poster session presented at the meeting of Conference Programme and Abstracts. Adelaide.
2007 01. Yeasts in brewing, wine and biotechnology (2007). Poster session presented at the meeting of Yeast. Wiley.
DOI
2007 Schmid, F., Walker, M. E., & Jiranek, V. (2007). An automated fermentation system for evaluation of large numbers of yeast strains in laboratory wine fermentations. Poster session presented at the meeting of Yeast. Melbourne: John Wiley and Sons.
DOI
2007 Walker, M. E., Gardner, J. M., McBryde, C., Macintyre, A., Bishop, A., & Jiranek, V. (2007). Strategies for the Generation of Wine Yeast Strains with Novel Fermentation Traits. Poster session presented at the meeting of Yeast. Melbourne: John Wiley and Sons.
DOI
2004 Walker, M., Vystavelova, A., Pedler, S., Eglinton, J., & Jiranek, V. (2004). Towards tools for ‘seamless’ modification of genes in industrial yeast. Poster session presented at the meeting of Proc. 12th Aust. Wine Ind. Tech. Conf. July, 2004, Melbourne. p 290.. Melbourne.

Year Citation
2017 Walker, M., Sumby, K. M., Gardner, J., Sundstrom, J., Watson, T., Grbin, P., & Jiranek, V. (2017). Fit-for-Purpose Yeast and Bacteria via Directed Evolution. University of Adelaide.
2015 Walker, M. E., & Liccioli, T. (2015). Incubator initiative: Mapping of genes responsible for yeast-derived modulation of colour in model red wine (UA1405). The University of Adelaide.
2013 Walker, M., Gardner, J., Sunstrom, J., & Jiranek, V. (2013). Innovative microbials for winemaking excellence (UA 11/01). University of Adelaide.
2013 Walker, M. E. (2013). Second generation yeast with limited hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide production (Wine 2030 Small Grant (2012)).

Year Citation
- Lin, M., Boss, P., Walker, M., Sumby, K., & Jiranek, V. (n.d.). Influence of Kazachstania spp. on the chemical and sensory profile of red wines.
DOI

Category 1 Research Grants

2018               Wine Australia Research Grant  UA 1803-2.1: New and Improved yeast and bacterial starter cultures novel attributes, process efficiency and wine distinctiveness. Vladimir Jiranek (PS), Michelle Walker (CI), Jennifer Gardner, Joanna Sundstrom, Paul Grbin.

2013-2017       Wine Australia Research Grant UA1302: Fit for purpose yeast and bacteria via Directed Evolution. Vladimir Jiranek (PS), Michelle Walker (CI), Jennifer Gardner, Joanna Sundstrom Tommaso Liccioli-Watson, Krista Sumby, Paul Grbin.

2014-2015       GWRDC Research Grant UA1405: Mapping of genes responsible for yeast-derived modulation of colour in model red wine. Michelle Walker (PS), Tommaso Liccioli-Watson (CI).

2011-2013       GWRDC Research Grant UA1101: Innovative Microbials for Wine Making Excellence. Vladimir Jiranek (PS), Michelle Walker (CI), Jennifer Gardner, Joanna Sundstrom. 

2008-2011       GWRDC Research Grant UA 0501: Better wine through novel and better informed application of microbiology. Vladimir Jiranek (PI), Michelle Walker (CI), Jennifer Gardner, Frank Schmid. 

Category 2 Research Grants

2018       AGWA Travel Grant  WAT1708: Identifying new ideas for an improved ‘microbial toolkit’ for Australian winemaking: attendance of ISSY34 –

‘Yeast Odyssey from Nature to Industry’ and 1st International Workshop on Brewing (Bariloche, Argentina).Michelle Walker (CI), Vladimir Jiranek (PS). 

2016       AGWA Travel Grant AGT 1525: Identifying further opportunities and strategies for further strain optimization: attendance of 14th International Congress on Yeasts (Awaji Is). Hyogo, Japan. Michelle Walker (CI), Vladimir Jiranek (PS). 

2013      GWRDC Travel Grant GWT 1303: Planning for the next GWRDC project: Attendance of a 'local' meeting of the international yeast research community. Michelle Walker (CI), Vladimir Jiranek (PS).       

2012      Wine 2030 grant: Second generation yeast with reduced hydrogen sulfide. Michelle Walker (CI), Vladimir Jiranek (PS). 

Research only

Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
2019 - 2022 Co-Supervisor Isolation and Characterisation of Yeasts with Biotechnological Properties Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Mandy Man-Hsi Lin
2016 - 2021 Co-Supervisor Yeast Strain Construction Using CRISPR/Cas9: A Tool for Research and Strain Optimisation Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Mr Tom Angus Lang
2014 - 2017 Co-Supervisor Identification of Yeast Genes Enabling Efficient Oenological Fermentation under Nitrogen-limited Conditions Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Josephine Jasmine Peter
2014 - 2017 Co-Supervisor Identification of Yeast Genes Affecting Production of Hydrogen Sulfide and Volatile Thiols from Cysteine Treatment during Fermentation Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Chien-Wei Huang
2010 - 2014 Co-Supervisor Determination of the genetic basis for successful fermentation in high sugar media Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Trung Dung Nguyen
2010 - 2014 Co-Supervisor Investigation and Characterisation of Highly Nitrogen Efficient Wine Yeast Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Jin Zhang
2007 - 2012 Co-Supervisor Genes and Mechanisms Responsible for Beta-Glucose Metabolism in the Oenologically Important Lactic Acid Bacterium Oenococcus Oeni Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Dr Alana Seabrook

Date Role Membership Country
2020 - ongoing Member Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology Australia
2014 - 2019 Member Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Australia
2009 - ongoing Member The Australasian Yeast Group Australia

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