Academics

As a research microbiologist, my work sits at the intersection of food safety, environmental microbiology, and microbial biotechnology. I am particularly driven by the urgent need to mitigate the public health risks associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) within the food chain, an issue growing more complex under the growing pressure of climate change and emerging environmental pollutants, such as microplastics and per- and polyfluroalkyl substances (PFAS).

My research explores how these factors influence the ecology, evolution and transmission dynamics of foodborne pathogens like Campylobacter, with a focus on mechanisms driving the spread of AMR in agricultural and aquatic systems. I employ a systems-based appraoch, integrating molecular microbiology, metagenomics and environmental surveillance to inform risk assessment and sustainable intervention strategies.

Recently, I've expanded my research vision to encompass the biotechnological potential of electrogenic bacteria, microbes capable of generating electricity through microbial fuel cells. I am investigating how these remarkable organisms can be harnessed not only to degrade pollutants and capture greenshouse gases, but to also generate clean, green energy as part of a circular, climate-resilient bioeconomy.