Research interests
My research interests focus on antimicrobial resistance particularly in biofilms and the prodution of novel antimicrobials.
This interest then lead me to my research project in my final year of undergraduate study. I investiated a bacteiral isolate found in coniferous soil for any antimicrobial activity against ESKAPE pathogens.
Firstly, the bacteiral species had to be idenified and to develop my laboratory skills I made many selective media to identify the species based on characterisists and performed different stains. Leading to the use of an API to identify the species. Once this had been completed the antimicrobial was tested by different methods against the ESKAPE pathogens. The antimicrobial product produced by the bacteiral speices had significant activity, particularly against
Staphylococcus aureus
.
Why I chose MRes Advanced Biological Science
I chose an MRes in Advanced Biological Science to further my education around the field of microbiology and to develop my laboratory skills. I wanted a better understanding of biofilms and mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance.
Aims for the future
After graduating, I am looking to continue researching antimicrobial resistance and novel antibiotics.
Supervisor:
Dr Sandra Wilks
Research group
Microbiology
Affiliate research group
MRes Advanced Biological Science
Miss Eleanor R Wareham
School of Biological Sciences
Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences
Life Sciences Building 85
University of Southampton
Highfield Campus
Southampton
SO17 1BJ
