Evolutionary Microbiologist.

PhD student .

I love to experiment. Both experimentation of new ideas as well as laboratory work! I have far too many interests to list here and they all stem from a burning curiosity.

From collecting crystals and fossils, learning how to play cello and competing in archery, to where I am now, completing my PhD, it is all rooted in passion to learn as much as possible and challenge myself.

My background in microbiology and zoology has given me a wide range of scientific skills and experience which I greatly value and I am very keen to utilise in my career.

So join me here on my curiosity quest and I hope you find something new and interesting!

For science!!

My primary directive is microbial evolution via mobile genetic elements

Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) are the drivers of horizontal gene transfer, which is key to rapid bacterial adaptation.  Plasmids and transposons are examples of MGEs that are modular and routinely interact. Due to their nested nature, MGE interactions are a complex web that disentangling would give insight into bacterial evolution with both ecological and clinical relevance. Using a skillset that includes microbial and genetic laboratory techniques and computer programming, my PhD focusses on the interactions between MGEs, and how these interactions affect resistance trait spread.

This project is supervised by Dr J Hall (University of Liverpool), Prof C Dytham (University of York) and Dr E Harrison (University of Sheffield).

I started my academic journey studying both microbiology and zoology at undergraduate level, before navigating a path to my PhD in microbial ecology. I have partaken in several research projects during my BSc(Hons) and MRes degrees as well as working in industry. These projects varied from developing diagnostic systems for potentially zoonotic pathogens, the mechanisms of the bumblebee immune system and research and development of antibiotic resistance detection products.

For more information on projects I’ve been a part of, see below!

 
 

Previous Scientific Work

  • Masters Project - Effect of Pathogen Dose on Immune Response of Bumblebees

    Bumblebees are in decline for a variety of reasons, one being disease. Their immune system is very basic (no adaptive immune system, only innate) yet can show an unexpectedly adaptive response, immune priming, which echoes the function of the adaptive immune system. This project aimed to shed light on whether pathogen dose affects the immune response of Bombus terrestris, the buff-tailed bumblebee.

    Supervised by Dr Seth Barribeau (University of Liverpool)

  • BSc(Hons) Project - Optimisation of a LAMP assay to detect an equine pathogenic fungus

    Histoplasma capsulatum is a fungal pathogen that is endemic to regions of Africa. Due to delayed diagnosis from a lack of specialised equipment, the disease is frequently fatal in equids. This project aimed to optimise a LAMP assay (loop mediated isothermal amplification) to be utilised in the field for faster detection.

    Supervised by Dr Claire Scantlebury, Prof Alan McCarthy (Universtiy of Liverpool)

  • Research and Development Scientist - Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing

    Between my masters degree and PhD, I worked at an IVD company in Research and Development of Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing products for nearly 2 years.

    Whilst in this role, I contributed to development and improvements of new and current products, as well as working with Quality Control and Quality Assurance departments to handle complaint resolutions and production issues.

  • Common Lizard Conservation

    I participated in a survery of Common Lizards (Zootoca vivipara) to investigate the effects of various conservation methods and habitat conditions on their population.

  • Tropical Ecology - Uganda

    I have participated in a tropical ecology field course to Uganda. There, I completed a project studying ant competition between two colonies of different species. The focus was on conflict for a food resource.

  • Cevennes National Park - France

    As part of my zoology training, we visited various conservation projects in the Cevennes National Park and evaluated their impact. During our time here, we also completed mini projects. My project focussed on impact of farming on butterfly distribution.