# Fresher, Healthier, Safer
WHO WE ARE
As a specialist academy dedicated to food microbiology, we can trace our origins back to April 2012 with the establishment of the Australian Food Microbiology Society. Since then, the organisation has morphed, evolved and transformed until December 2019 when Food Microbiology Academy was founded by Dr Philip Button.
We are are firmly committed to sharing understanding of food microbiology to drive innovation and efficiency across the globe. Why would we want to do this? To improve the quality of life of people the world over. That is our WHY.
Our Vision
Our Vision
Influence global improvements in food safety, food preservation and gut health through empowerment of the individual and policy reform.
Our Mission
Our Mission
Our mission is simple – we are working towards being a global influencer in the core areas of our expertise to be able to empower individuals, guide corporations and influence government policy for economic and health improvements.
TLDR: Create and share knowledge of food microbiology for the betterment of society.
Our Values
Our Values
Food Microbiology Academy is committed to creating an inclusive, respectful and equitable environment for all. We value and support diversity in all its forms, including disability, race, gender, sexual orientation and more. Discrimination, harassment and bias have no place here – we strive to ensure a safe and welcoming space for everyone.
Our People
Dr. Phillip Button
I was initially trained in microbiology, with a BSc (James Cook University, 1998), BAppSc(Hons) (University of Ballarat, 2000) and MSc (La Trobe University, 2003) in that field before completing a PhD in biochemistry (The University of Melbourne, 2008).
My first postdoctoral appointment was at the interface between physical chemistry and materials science (RMIT University, 2008-2011), and this was followed with a second postdoctoral position in the area of information systems (RMIT University, 2011-2012).
In 2012 I chose a one-year career break from science, and took up a 12-month contract sales position in educational publishing with Cengage Learning, at their Australian head office in Melbourne. I was employed in the Secondary Schools Division and was the subject specialist for English and history/geography in Victoria. Following this, I returned to being a small business owner in the courier transport industry while establishing myself as an independent food microbiologist under the organisation name “Food Microbiology Academy”.
Ms Dencelle Mercines
As an Accessibility Advocate, my mission is to ensure that digital environments are accessible and user-friendly for all individuals, regardless of ability.
Alongside my advocacy, I have a wealth of experience in content creation, crafting engaging articles, blog posts, and academic papers that cater to diverse audiences. My skills extend to SEO, lead generation, and administrative support, where I combine creativity with efficiency to achieve results.
I’m a detail-driven and organized professional, thriving both in collaborative environments and when working independently. Whether it’s advocating for accessibility, delivering meaningful content, or optimizing processes, I’m dedicated to driving positive change.
Let’s connect and explore how we can work together to create more inclusive solutions! ♡
Elyse Chia
Project Management Team
Internship Student
Course: Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Arts
University: Monash University
Internship unit: SCI3920
Internship dates: 2 January – 14 February 2025
Vinodi Paranagama
Project Management Team
Internship Student
Course: Bachelor of Laws (Honours) / Bachelor of Science
University: Monash University
Internship unit: SCI3920
Internship dates: 2 January – 14 February 2025
Shreya Sudke
Project Management Team
Internship Student
Course: Bachelor of Science
University: Monash University
Internship unit: SCI3920
Internship dates: 2 January – 14 February 2025
Dakota Adkins
Internship Student
Course: Bachelor of Science
University: Monash University
Internship unit: SCI3920
Internship dates: 2 January – 14 February 2025
Yifei Chen
Internship Student
Course: Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science
University: Monash University
Internship unit: BPS3062
Internship dates: 22 July – 16 August 2024
Ruby Chin
Internship Student
Course: Bachelor of Biomedical Science
University: Monash University
Internship unit: BME2032
Internship dates: 24 June – 19 July 2024
Chloe Lam
Internship Student
Course: Bachelor of Biomedical Science
University: Monash University
Internship unit: BME2032
Internship dates: 24 June 2024 – 19 July 2024
Yi Xu
Internship Student
Course: Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science
University: Monash University
Internship unit: BPS3062
Internship dates: 22 July – 16 August 2024
