Dr Kate Howell is an Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne. She heads a laboratory of postdocs and graduate researchers to investigate questions of microbial ecology and chemistry in agriculture and food production. Kate has particular expertise in yeast biology and genetics with applications to food and beverage production. Kate's academic and professional experience includes undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, acting as associate editor for scholarly journals, holding leadership positions in her faculty and university roles to support researcher development and research integrity. Kate works collaboratively with researchers within Australia and around the world, and is passionate about understanding the fundamental roles microbes play in the production of safe, healthy and flavoursome foods.