I am a microbiologist with research experience in the ecology of bacteria, algae and protozoa. My research is aimed at understanding the interaction between the protozoa (single celled predators) and their prey (bacteria and algae). How do they select the correct prey to ingest? Can they communicate with their prey? How do they digest the prey inside their cells? All these factor are known for larger animals, but not for the smallest ‘animals’ on the planet; the protozoa, where whom we have evolved. I am also examining the effect of cannabinoids, e.g. Cannabidiol (CBD) on these predator-prey interactions.
I am willing to supervise PhD and MSc by Research students on projects examining the effect Cannabidiol (CBD) and bacterial acyl homoserine lactones on protists.
Current research projects include,
- Interkingdom signalling between bacteria and amoebae
- Optimal foraging behaviour in ciliates
- Dynamics of food vacuole (phagosome) processing in ciliates, flagellates and amoebae
- Induction of cyanobacterial prophage within protozoan food vacuoles
- Effect of cannabinoids on the growth and feeding of amoebae and ciliates
These, and previous projects, have been funded by the Natural Environment Research Council, Environment Agency, Leverhulme Trust, Royal Society, Medical Research Council, Wellcome Trust, American Waterworks Association and various Industries.
I am module organiser of, and teach on,
- LEC143 Aquatic Ecology
- BIOL274 Microbiology Techniques
- BIOL243 Medical Microbiology
- BIOL387/389/390 Third year Dissertation
- BIOL469/470 MSci Dissertation
- BIOL466 MSc Dissertation
