My research interests lie in ‘Environment and human health’ with expertise in molecular microbial ecology/environmental microbiology. I am particularly interested in non-tuberculous mycobacteria and their environmental routes for human exposure. Of main interest is Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map) which causes inflammatory bowel disease (Johne’s disease) in the majority of animals. With collaborators, we are examining Map’s role in Crohn’s disease, a similar human inflammatory condition. Map is significantly associated with this crippling disease and we seek to ascertain whether it is the cause. Other interests include: antibiotic resistance in the natural and hospital environments, gene transfer in the environment and diversity of bacteria in bird guts and in those involved in bee nutrition.
helps develop AHRC proposal
set to define the local challenges and needs for understanding the home as a source of infection through AMR dust-born bacteria
Enabling schoolchildren to become actors of change for hygiene and hand-washing in their community
Accelerating the adoption of circular sanitation demonstration systems for improved health outcomes
Participatory design and community engagement Network on WASH in Lusophone and Francophone African Countries
Scoping global challenge research in understanding real world interactions (of dust-born infections) in the home in Ghana and the UK through combining innovative design research with health data
Understanding the home as a source of infection of AMR bacteria carried by dust by exploring hygiene practices in different home environments in Ghana