Background
I acquired a solid foundation in scientific principles, research methodologies and the mechanisms of disease during my undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science from the University of Brighton. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, I wanted to further investigate the implications of global threats to healthcare on populations worldwide. In conjunction with my strong interest in healthcare and drive to play a role in combating disease, a MSc in Antimicrobial Resistance at the University of Sheffield was the perfect next step in furthering my education. My ultimate goal is to become a healthcare professional in the UK, where I can integrate my scientific knowledge, empathy, and dedication to deliver exceptional patient care. I am driven by the opportunity to positively impact individuals' lives through compassionate healthcare, innovative research, and advocating for accessible medical services. ![]() Florey Research Project
Investigating the Impact of Stress-Driven Adaptations on Antifungal Susceptibility in Cryptococcus Neoformans Working in the Johnston Lab (https://thejohnstonlab.sites.sheffield.ac.uk/) under the supervision of Dr Simon Johnston, this project aims to explore the relationship between stress-driven adaptations of Cryptococcus neoformans and it’s susceptibility to antifungal agents. Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic pathogen that can lead to fatal infections in immunocompromised patients. The basidiomycete fungus can cause pulmonary cryptococcosis and cryptococcal meningitis (CM) following inhalation of spore particles. β-glucan is a prominent component of the fungal cell wall, thus β-glucan synthase inhibitors are effective against other fungal agents. However, C. neoformans is unique compared to other fungi as it displays antifungal resistance to β-glucan inhibitors - rendering them ineffective against the fungus. Researchers have yet to determine the cause of this resistance. By manipulating the environments in which C. neoformans grow, inducing stress to the cells and exposing the cells to antifungal agents, changes can be studied and analysed using equipment such as atomic force microscopy and electron microscopy. The significance of these changes can be determined by comparing the changes with normal C. neoformans. Overall, this allows for the relationship between components of the cell and its resistance to certain antifungals to be explored and studied. |
The Team
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