I am a research associate in microbial biotechnology working within the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Ulster University. I have interests and expertise in molecular microbiology, microbial biotechnology, and antimicrobial resistance. In addition to my research portfolio, I have significant experience in the commercialisation of microbial biotechnology.

My current project is the testing of novel sensitiser-peptide conjugates developed at Ulster University for their antimicrobial activity and ability to disrupt microbial biofilms when utilised in combination with either photo- or sono-dynamic therapy. This work forms part of the EPSRC funded program grant “Beyond Antibiotics” being run in collaboration with The University of Oxford, University College London, and several commercial partners. Prior to becoming involved with my currect project I led projects investigating microbial biosurfactant technology with regards to applications in food technology, cosmetics, and biomedical applications such as antimicrobial and anti-cancer therapeutics. 

Before joining Ulster University, I led a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) at Queen’s University Belfast, UK investigating microbial driven inflammatory lung disease. I did my Ph.D. in the field of marine microbiology and quorum sensing at The University of Nottingham, UK.