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. Philip Button
Academy Director
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”.
Dencelle Mercines
Head of Operations & Executive Coordinator
Hello, I'm Dencelle, a Chemical Engineering student at Adamson University, with a deep commitment to fostering inclusivity and creating impactful solutions.
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! ♡
Brenda Shen
Research & Innovation Officer
I am passionate about food, food safety, and finding innovative ways to reduce food waste. By working with various groups of people to address the problems of food safety and food waste in the world, I hope to increase awareness about these issues, and make a positive impact on the world.
Elyse Chia
My name is Elyse and I’m an undergraduate student at Monash University. I’m currently completing a Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts, majoring in immunology and psychology. I have a passion for exploring the relationship between immune function and mental health, particularly in how common psychological stressors and psychiatric disorders contribute to immune system dysfunction and dysregulation. This area of interest recognises the complex interplay between biological and psychological factors that influence overall wellbeing and supports an interdisciplinary approach to understanding and treating both mental and physical health conditions. I’m a project officer here at Food Microbiology Academy, where I co-lead the prototype development of interactive educational games focused on food safety and microbiology. I bring strong collaboration, planning and organisation skills to the team, coordinating group effort, facilitating communication and supporting the achievement of project goals.
Previous Internship Student
Course: Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Arts
University: Monash University
Internship unit: SCI3920
Internship dates: 2 January – 14 February 2025
Qiuyi Wang
Project Officer
I am currently working as a Project Officer with a strong passion for data-driven problem solving. I am pursuing a Master’s degree in Data Science at Monash University, having previously completed a Bachelor of Applied Data Analytics at the Australian National University. My career interests lie in becoming a data analyst or data scientist, particularly in roles that involve statistics, research, and real-world impact. I bring to the team a solid foundation in data analysis, critical thinking, and a collaborative mindset. I am eager to apply my technical skills to support innovative projects and contribute to the broader exploration of STEM fields. I look forward to learning from others while bringing analytical value to the work we do together.
Vanessa Hoang
Creative Content Specialist
Vanessa Hoang is a Creative Content Specialist at Food Microbiology Academy, where she brings a sharp eye for design and a multidisciplinary background that bridges data science, digital media, and educational storytelling.
Originally from Vietnam and currently based in Australia, Vanessa is completing her Master’s degree in Data Science while also exploring her passion in creativity. Her career interests sit at the intersection of creativity and strategy, with an approach that blends between aesthetics and value. She creates meaningful, accessible content that informs and inspires to audience.
At FMA, she contributes to the development of digital learning tools, marketing campaigns, and visuals for materials that amplify the Academy’s mission. With her diverse skill set, global perspective, and infectious creative energy, Vanessa brings a fresh and forward-thinking voice to the team.
Krizsha Marie Mateo
Intern
Currently a 2nd year food science from the University of the Philippines Mindanao. Aside from my academics, I am also a passionate student journalist, dedicated to making information available for everyone.
Melissa Button
Intern
Currently, my role at Food Microbiology Academy is creating visuals for social media posts. Being a high school student, my background so far has been in more maths and science subjects, being mostly chemistry and physics, as well as a variety of design subjects, in which I like to focus more on communication and UI design. Music and sports are also a big part of my life as I hold a passion for music and have participated in a range of sports since I was little. Career-wise, I hope to develop my design skills and build myself a future as a freelancing designer. However, having been in a band before, I also hope to improve my musical skills and take the band further to a professional stage. I bring a younger perspective to this team, expressing fresh ideas on how microbiology information can be communicated.
Mengteang Kry
Project Officer
Growing up with a strong sense of care for others, I was naturally drawn to the study of human health. After graduating with a degree in Biomedical Science from Monash University, I’ve focused my interests on cardiovascular disease and women’s health—areas that reflect not only the complexity of the human body but also the inequities that persist in global healthcare. Alongside my academic journey, I’ve been actively involved in community-based initiatives. Volunteering with the Teddy Bear Hospital, Our Village, and Little Dreamers Australia has deepened my understanding of the real-world challenges individuals and families face. These experiences have shown me that science doesn’t just happen in labs—it’s lived through relationships, empathy, and meaningful communication. I’m driven by a strong desire to support vulnerable populations and contribute to health systems that are inclusive, compassionate, and grounded in evidence. Whether through research or direct engagement, I hope to be part of solutions that create lasting, human-centred impact.
