Supervisors: Professor Craig Winstanley and Dr Tom Pointon

I have been studying and working as a microbiologist since 2012, graduating in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree (BSc Hons) in Microbiology and Molecular Biology from Manchester Metropolitan University. It was here where I discovered that I had a real passion for research; I spent several months working with Dr Laura Kelly for my final year project investigating the diversity of microorganisms on the surfaces of an array of minerals in river systems. Following my undergraduate degree, I spent a brief spell working in the pharmaceutical industry as a quality control analyst for Elanco/Eli Lilly from 2015 to 2017. I eventually decided that this kind of routine work wasn’t for me, and decided to pursue a career in research. At this point, I enrolled in the University of Liverpool’s Advanced Biological Sciences Masters (MRes) programme. I spent 12 months working with Dr Claire Scantlebury’s research group validating the use of qPCR for the early detection of Histoplasma capsulatum var farciminosum in equine clinical samples to aid the treatment of epizootic lymphangitis (EZL).

Project Title: Development of a predictive in-vitro modle to study preservative resistance development in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

My iCASE NLD BBRSC doctoral training programme is based at the University of Liverpool and involves working with Unilever to establish a genomic basis for the resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to a panel of naturally derived preservatives. I have been working within the Winstanley research group in Liverpool as well as with the teams involved in the genomic preservation project in Unilever’s R&D department most notably working with Dr Tom Pointon. The main goals are to provide further insight into the genes and mechanisms involved in the development of resistance to natural preservatives in P. aeruginosa and to create a predictive in-vitro model that will improve our current capacity to combat preservative resistance in the home and personal care industry. Working with the BBSRC, the University of Liverpool, and Unilever has been an overwhelmingly positive experience with numerous training opportunities and a diverse day to day schedule. I have found myself being involved in cutting edge science and several events which are all supported by a really great network of staff and students which makes this such an amazing programme to be involved in.

Other activities

The Biotech Young Entrepeneur Scheme (YES) competition.