Research
Skin Colonisation Mechanisms and Pathogenesis of Staphylococci
Research in my group focuses on pathogenesis and survival mechanisms of Gram-positive bacteria, with an emphasis on Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci. Studies are aimed at unravelling the molecular and biochemical processes underpinning skin colonisation and survival to determine how this links to virulence and transmission. Further works aims to characterise competition mechanisms and their potential for genetic selection in staphylococci relevant to the discovery of resistance pathways.
Studies exploit sequencing technologies via genomics and transcriptomics and bacterial physiology relevant to skin colonisation. Research is supported by the BBSRC, Unilever Plc and Petplan Charitable Trust.
Current PhD Projects:
- Abiotic and biotic effectors structuring the skin microbiome (Keir Nicholas-Haizelden, 2022-2026) with Unilever Plc and Prof Roy Goodacre.
- Bioprospecting skin microbiota to target canine dermatitis (Ruby Darwin, 2025-2028) with Dr Vanessa Schmidt.
Positions are available for PhD in microbiology and infection, bacterial pathogenesis and antimicrobial resistance, and skin colonisation and competition mechanisms. If you are in receipt of sponsorship please contact me to discuss opportunities and projects.
Research grants
Bench fee - Ali Mesfer A Alwadai - 201773171
ROYAL EMBASSY OF SAUDI ARABIA CULTURAL BUREAU IN LONDON (UK)
November 2023 - October 2027
Skin Microbiome in Healthy Ageing (SMiHA)
BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE RESEARCH COUNCIL
February 2022 - September 2025
Bench Fees for NORAH QUSHAYM QUBAYL ALQAHTANI (201370203)
ROYAL EMBASSY OF SAUDI ARABIA CULTURAL BUREAU IN LONDON (UK)
January 2021 - January 2025
SAMAH EID S ALSAADI 201457480
ROYAL EMBASSY OF SAUDI ARABIA CULTURAL BUREAU IN LONDON (UK)
October 2020 - March 2025
Interkingdom competition and resistance evolution on human skin
UNILEVER PLC (UK)
February 2018 - January 2023
Anti-microbial bandage contact lenses
MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL
November 2017 - December 2023
Development of New Mathematical Sciences Capabilities for Healthcare Technologies
ENGINEERING & PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL
December 2015 - April 2021
Dissecting staphylococcal interactions in the human skin microbiome
UNILEVER UK CENTRAL RESOURCES LTD (UK)
October 2016 - September 2020
Staphylococcal bacteriophage as agents for personal care products
UNILEVER UK CENTRAL RESOURCES LTD (UK)
September 2015 - January 2018
The Staphylococcus aureus response to bacterial fatty acids and its role in pathogenicity.
BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE RESEARCH COUNCIL
February 2006 - January 2009
Infections of the eye – bacterial keratitis
ROYAL LIVERPOOL AND BROADGREEN UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS NHS TRUST (UK)
September 2010 - August 2011
Comparative and functional genomics of skin staphylococci and corynebacteria
UNILEVER UK CENTRAL RESOURCES LTD (UK)
October 2011 - September 2015
CASE award: Comparative transcriptional profiling of cutaneous bacteria and identification of survival determinants
UNILEVER UK CENTRAL RESOURCES LTD (UK)
October 2010 - September 2014