Jowenna Xiao Feng Sim
Research Associate
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Organisation unit

College of Sciences School of Agriculture, Food and Wine

About me

I am a Research Scientist in the School of Agriculture, Food and Wine at Adelaide University. My work sits at the intersection of environmental microbiology, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and agroecosystem health, with a focus on how agricultural practices and chemical inputs shape soil microbial communities and their functions. My research spans pesticide–soil microbiome interactions across diverse cropping soils, resistome and functional gene profiling using molecular and sequencing-based approaches, and One Health–aligned questions relevant to environmental and food-system health. I am also involved in developing practical workflows for fungicide resistance detection, including rapid screening approaches that combine established molecular methods with emerging sensor technologies. Alongside research, I contribute to teaching and postgraduate supervision, supporting students in microbiology, soil ecology, and nutrient cycling through applied, skills-focused learning.

I am an early-career researcher, leveraging exper􀆟se in environmental science, microbiology, and bioinforma􀆟cs to advance sustainable agriculture within a One Health framework. My research journey, from a 2018 Honours project on an􀆟microbial agents, through a PhD focusing on soil microbial func􀆟ons, to my current role, has posi􀆟oned me as an emerging leader in the applica􀆟on of bioinforma􀆟cs to address environmental microbiome health, pes􀆟cide risk, and an􀆟microbial resistance (AMR). I have demonstrated early independence through interna􀆟onal collabora􀆟on (Greece, Pacific Islands, German), capacity-building ac􀆟vi􀆟es in Fiji, and industry-engaged research supported by the South Australian Grain Industry Trust (SAGIT), Grains Research and Development Corpora􀆟on (GRDC), Australian Centre for Interna􀆟onal Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and the Commonwealth Scien􀆟fic and Industrial Research Organisa􀆟on (CSIRO). 

I contribute to teaching across environmental and biological sciences, with experience in lecturing, tutoring, laboratory delivery, assessment, and course material development. Most recently, I am involved in Soil Ecology and Plant Nutrition III (SENCIII) as a lecturer and tutor. I have also contributed to Microbial Ecology (ENVT2015) and Soils in the Australian Landscape (EART1011) as a tutor and lab demonstrator, supported course material development, and assisted with exam assessment.
Last updated on 09/02/2026 by Jowenna Xiao Feng Sim