Background
Having recently completed my undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science at Sheffield Hallam University, I felt I wanted to challenge myself a bit more and further my studies with an MSc. My undergraduate research project fell into the area of molecular microbiology, producing phospholipid vesicles using phospholipids which were designed to emulate the bacterial membrane and carrying out leakage assays using varying concentrations of proteins isolated from scorpion venom to investigate the antimicrobial properties of large antimicrobial peptides as an alternative to novel antimicrobial drugs. My interest in my research project and its application to antimicrobial resistance inspired me to apply for the MSc in Antimicrobial Resistance at the University of Sheffield. AMR is a global issue which affects us all and its relevance in biosciences and medicine today cannot be overstated, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. I am aiming to pursue a career in medicine, as such, deepening my understanding of AMR and the mechanisms by which it develops will be incredibly valuable as resistant infections acquired by patients in hospitals represent a huge disease burden on our population and our NHS. 
Florey Research Project
Understanding how antimicrobial resistance deactivates cancer chemotherapies. My project is centred around the potential novel antimicrobial properties of nucleoside analogues used as childhood leukaemia drugs towards pathogenic species of E. coli and salmonella in the intestines, understanding the underlying antimicrobial mechanisms of the nucleoside analogue, and clarifying the development of resistance within the bacteria. The aim of this research is to identify whether purine metabolism plays a role in the development of antimicrobial resistance towards nucleoside analogues in pathogenic E. coli and salmonella, as a potential risk factor for those receiving cancer treatment. Working in the Humphreys’ Lab under the supervision and support of Dr Daniel Humphreys, I have been able to strengthen my laboratory skills through a range of experimental techniques, including; aseptic technique, running growth curves, amplification of primers through PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis, DNA purification, immunoblotting, and bacterial cell transformation. This experience has been priceless as it has given me valuable time to develop experimental research skills in a professional, cutting-edge research setting, as well as transferable skills which I hope to take forward with me into a career in medicine or clinical laboratory work in a healthcare setting. |
The Team
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