Characterization of antimicrobial resistant bioaerosols_REP2025

Characterization of antimicrobial resistant bioaerosols_REP2025

Lead Supervisor:
Dr Rob Ferguson

Locations:
University of Essex

Duration:
6 weeks

Suitable undergraduate degrees:
Biological Sciences, Ecology, Environmental sciences, Microbiology

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Project background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an unfolding public health emergency. In 2019 there were 4.95 million deaths associated with AMR1 (comparable with HIV and malaria) and by 2050 more people will die of AMR infections than cancer2. Research has focused on aquatic and soil environments, leaving the role that bioaerosols (airborne microorganisms) play in the proliferation of AMR unknown. Our preliminary data shows that AMR bacteria are ubiquitous in indoor and outdoor air. We found high incidence of beta-lactam resistant bioaerosols in outdoor air (e.g. near aquatic environments such as sewage outlets, and composting sites).

It is critical that we understand the role of the environment in the dispersal of AMR microorganisms in the air. It is not possible to tackle this crisis in isolation, an integrated “One-Health” approach must be taken across healthcare, agriculture, and environment 3. However, the role of the environment and the basic ecology of bioaerosols (airborne fungi and bacteria) is poorly understood. Towards these ends, this project will investigate the diversity and emission of AMR across a range of environments.

Project aims and objectives:

  • Characterise AMR bioaerosols in air samples taken from outdoor environments.
  • Characterise AMR bioaerosols in indoor and outdoor air.
  • Develop PCR based methods to investigate the molecular underpinning of AMR.

The student will collect bioaerosol samples from a range of environments and will also have access to samples collected on previous projects. They will be able to select the environments based on their own interests and the results as the project develops. They will screen the samples for AMR bioaerosols using culture-based methods and investigate the genetic underpinning of this resistance by developing PCR assays to detect key AMR genes. Again, the student will be given freedom to use their own initiative to select gene targets based on their own reading and intellectual curiosity.

This project forms an off-shoot to a current EU Horizon funded project (InChildHealth, EU:10105688). The student will benefit from working in a well-funded lab with support from a post-doc and PhD student for lab and fieldwork, in addition to an experienced supervisory team (Dr Rob Ferguson, Dr Elizabeth Archer, and Prof Ian Colbeck). Aligning with the InChildHealth project will give access environments for sampling,  ensure support in the field and lab, and enhance opportunity for career development.

1Murray, Christopher JL, et al. “Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance in 2019: a systematic analysis.” The lancet 399.10325 (2022): 629-655.2O’Neill, Jim. “Tackling drug-resistant infections globally: final report and recommendations.” (2016).3Kim, Dae-Wi, and Chang-Jun Cha. “Antibiotic resistome from the One-Health perspective: understanding and controlling antimicrobial resistance transmission.” Experimental & molecular medicine 53.3 (2021): 301-309.

 

 

Eligibilty criteria

Students must meet all of the eligibility requirements listed below to apply for a REP:

  • Be undertaking their first undergraduate degree studies (or integrated Masters) – note that students in in their final year who have graduated and no longer have student status at the time the placement starts are not eligible;
  • Be eligible for subsequent NERC PhD funding (please see the relevant text in the Terms and conditions for training funding and associated guidance for further information); and
  • have the right to work in the UK.

 

Students from outside the UK who do not already have right to work in the UK, should not apply.

How to apply

The deadline for applications will be 12:00 on Monday 19 May 2025.  

In order to be considered for a placement, please apply to aries.dtp@uea.ac.uk providing the following:

  • A supporting statement explaining your motivation for applying for this project. Please include answers to the following questions:
    • which project are you applying for?
    • why have you applied for this project (e.g. what interested you about this project, what in particular made you want to undertake this research)?
    • what do you hope to achieve by undertaking this placement (e.g. is it for experience, to gain skills, to develop your interests)?
    • what skills do you have that make you an ideal candidate for this placement (e.g. what skills have you developed during your degree that might apply)?
    • what do you hope to do when you complete your degree (e.g. have you considered a working in scientific research in the future, or is this your first experience)?
  • A recent CV
  • A reference from your personal tutor (please ask your tutor to send this to us directly)
  • An interim transcript if available
  • Please also complete the online EDI form (this form is a mandatory part of the application process, but contains ‘prefer not to say’ options for all questions asked)
Selection process

·  Applications are screened for eligibility

·  Applications are forwarded to supervisors (the EDI form is not included)

·  Supervisors shortlist candidates and interview for the placement.

Candidates will be scored according to the following criteria:

  • Fit to project (e.g. your current skills, area of study, interests)
  • Enthusiasm for environmental research (e.g. what you hope to achieve through undertaking this placement, why you chose this project in particular)
  • Evidence of suitability to undertake a research placement (e.g. evidence from your tutor reference, transcript, and CV that you are an engaged student)

Successful candidates will be informed by Friday 13th June 2025