Veterinary Microbiology

Previously I have worked on the phylogeny, virulence and serum-susceptibility of Yersinia ruckeri to Atlantic Salmon and Rainbow Trout. This work involved the development of an MLST scheme in order to determine the relationships between previously described subgroups. Additionally the virulence of different strains of Y.ruckeri were compared alongside serum-susceptibility between Rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon. This work was carried out as part of an industrial placement at CEFAS. 

I have also worked on understanding the adherence mechanisms of Mannheimia haemolytica to ovine and bovine bronchial epithelial cells and organ cultures. 

Currently, I am working with Drs. Yun Shen and Lutgarde Raskin (University of Michigan) on project at the Shedd Aquarium aimed at determining the role played by misters in causing nontuberculous mycobacteria infections in aquatic exhibits

Biofilms & corrosion

I have worked on the biofilm forming potential of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on engineered surfaces looking at the impact of different surface topologies on growth.

Also in response to the water crisis in Flint, MI, a pilot project was initiated by the city to replace 30 lead service lines, which are the expected primary source of the lead in Flint's drinking water. As part of a team lead by Dr. Terese Olson I helped sample water from ten of those homes before service line replacement and 7 and 20 days after service line replacement. In addition to water samples, biofilms and corrosion scale mineralogy from samples obtained from replaced service lines were characterized to help determine conditions that favor the growth of opportunistic pathogens. The overall aim of this study was to monitor the effectiveness of the service line replacement program in terms of reducing levels of lead and to explore possible correlations between dissolved metal concentrations and levels of opportunistic bacterial pathogens.