I’m interested in how antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes emerge, evolve, and spread between bacteria particularly in environments where different microbial communities and selective pressures collide, like hospital wastewater and river systems. My work focuses on mobile genetic elements (MGEs): small, mobile pieces of DNA that can transfer AMR genes between bacteria. These elements are central players in the evolution of resistance, yet many aspects of their ecology and dynamics remain poorly understood. I use a combination of genomic sequencing, laboratory experiments, and bioinformatic approaches to explore how MGEs move, what they carry, and how they influence microbial communities.
By studying MGE-associated resistance in real-world settings, I hope to uncover new insights into how AMR emerges and spreads and, ultimately, how we might better monitor, manage, or even disrupt these processes to protect public health. I completed my undergraduate studies in Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of Bristol, and my PhD at the University of Birmingham, where I explored the role of the gut microbiota in colorectal cancer and the impact of natural compounds on AMR gene dissemination. In addition to my research, I’m passionate about creating inclusive spaces in science. I actively mentor early-career researchers from underrepresented backgrounds and am committed to supporting a more equitable and collaborative research culture.