Dr Bermingham obtained a Bachelor of Applied Science Honours degree (1999) in Animal Science from Massey University (NZ) and a PhD (2004) from Massey University (based at AgResearch). She undertook several post-doctoral positions including at the Waltham Centre of Pet Nutrition (UK, 2006-2007). In 2007 she returned to AgResearch to investigate the effects of diet on intestinal health and in 2009 was appointed Senior Scientist, responsible for conducting commercial and applied nutritional research for companion animals. Research interests include the effects of diet on intestinal health for companion animals, focussing on intestinal microbiota.