Where are you from?
England and Trinidad/Tobago.
What is the title and field of your research?
Manuka honey as an antimicrobial.
I am in the Microbiology and infectious diseases group. Specifically I research lung infection in people with cystic fibrosis (CF).
How did you become interested in the field?
I loved looking in microscopes as a child, discovering the hidden worlds. I have always had a strong interest in diseases and their progression. I think I just want to learn their secrets!
My PhD examined the lung microbiome of people with CF during chronic lung infection which is how I ended up working in this field.
How did you come to work at Swansea University?
I saw the job advertised and was interested in the project. It is looking at manuka honey as a potential treatment for recurrent CF lung infection. This post builds on my skill set and allows me to develop new ones. Also, the campus is opposite the beach.
What do you hope to achieve with your research?
Hopefully, the development of manuka honey-based treatment for recurrent CF lung infection which helps to lower the recurrence infection. If the manuka is used alongside antibiotics it could potentially reduce their need which in turn helps to reduce the burden of antimicrobial resistance ultimately leading to better quality of life for people with CF.
What practical applications could your research have?
My research could lead to new, natural therapeutic options for managing recurrent CF lung infections. Manuka honey, when used alongside antibiotics, might reduce antibiotic dosage, minimising side effects and helping to combat antimicrobial resistance. This approach could benefit people with CF by lowering infection recurrence, improving lung health, and enhancing quality of life. The research also has broader implications for treating other chronic lung infections, potentially offering a safer, effective alternative to conventional antibiotic-heavy treatments.
What is next for your research?
With the current study we are hoping to progress into looking at different pathogens and moving the study forward into developing a usable device.
I am also interested in looking at co-infection between different pathogens to see if any interesting relationships are occurring.
Career History
Before I came to Swansea I did my PhD at Manchester Metropolitan University.