Mrs Elizabeth Melville

Liz holds a BSc with Honours from the University of Sydney. With a research background of more than 20 years she has extensive experience in a range of laboratory techniques, specialising in tissue culture, real-time PCR, molecular analysis, RNA isolation, western blotting, gene cloning, histology and immunohistochemistry.

In her current role as a Senior Technical Officer in STEM Liz manages the PC2 and Office of Gene Technology Regulations (OGTR) certified laboratories across the Future Industries Institute at the Mawson Lakes campus. She works closely with over 60 researchers and students in the biological labs providing advice on experimental protocols to ensure compliance with the OGTR and the ASNZS 2243:3 Safety in Microbiological Laboratories guidelines. Liz manages the major tissue culture facility on campus providing inductions, training in aseptic techniques and the provision of consumables and reagents for this shared facility. She also uses her research experience to train new users in many specific pieces of equipment such as the Incucyte cell imaging system, Real time PCR, autoclaves, plate readers and spectroscopy equipment.

Liz is an administrator for Freezer Pro which is a database used extensively by the biological researchers to document samples stored in Cold storage units. She oversaw the implementation of the system throughout UniSA STEM and the Future Industries Institute and provides advanced training. Additionally, she coordinates annual biostocktakes to ensure institutional compliance to current WHS standards. Liz is also involved with FM:Interact which acts as the enterprise-wide register for Controlled Environment Devices at the University. She is an experienced user of Chemwatch and UniSAfe and is involved in the approval of risk assessments for all chemical/biological projects being conducted in the PC2/OGTR laboratories.

As part of her role Liz monitors and reviews WHS performance while implementing WHS improvements. She completes regular lab and building inspections, the investigation of near misses and incidents, chemical audits, as well as the implementation of corrective actions. She is dedicated to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all UniSA STEM staff and students.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science Universtiy of Sydney