People

New Paragraph

Our People

Dr Linda Oyama

Team Lead

I lead the AMR & One health (µaOH) Lab.

I am a microbiologist and Lecturer at the School of Biological Sciences and Institute for Global Food Security with a first-class Microbiology degree and a PhD in Biological Sciences.

My research interests centers around understanding antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in microbiomes from a One Health perspective through surveillance and epidemiological studies using meta-omics approaches. My research also aims to tackle AMR through the discovery and development of novel treatment options for various clinical and veterinary multidrug resistant (MDR) infections.

I am a mother of three girls and lover of all things nature and music. I am always humming or singing a tune!

Dr Simon Doherty

Veterinarian & One Health Advocate

Co-Lead

I provide technical support to the Microbiomics, AMR & One Health (µaOH) Lab.

I am a veterinarian and Senior Lecturer (Education) at the School of Biological Sciences, affiliated to the Institute of Global Food Security at QUB.

My professional interests are focussed on livestock health & welfare, One Health & sustainability, and international trade & investment in the animal health & veterinary sectors. I’m also a Certified Aquaculture Veterinarian.

Prior to my presidency of the British Veterinary Association, I was the Animal Sciences & Aquaculture Sector Specialist for the UK Department for International Trade and have over two decades of experience in veterinary practice, industry, academia and professional representation.

I am currently Vice-Chair and veterinary advisor for the INGO, Ripple Effect.

I've two grown-up boys - who love their rugby - and a little girl - who is embarking on her hockey career!

Steven McLoughlin

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Bioinformatics

I am a post-doctoral researcher specialising in the application of bioinformatic methodologies to explore the intricate dynamics of microbiomes, and confront the pressing challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) within the livestock domain.

My academic journey includes obtaining a BSc in Biomedical Sciences and an MSc in Biomedical Genomics. My doctoral thesis focused on understanding the role of the rumen microbiome for enhancing feed efficiency and reducing methane emissions in sheep.

My professional experience extends to working in the epidemiological department of a clinical microbiology lab, where the focus was on diagnosing, monitoring, and treating AMR infections.

In addition to my academic pursuits, I am a proud father to a young boy. Beyond my work, I have a keen interest for sports and will jump at any opportunity to get into water.

Omololu Fagunwa

Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Microbiology

I am a Postdoctoral researcher affiliated with the µaOH Lab and Huws Lab.

As a microbiologist, my research is focused on microbiome studies for health (Global/One/Planetary Health) applications. My interests include elucidating gut microbes, their dynamics and functions in various physiological conditions of hosts.

With over 13 years of experience in the health sector, I have held roles in policies, program implementation, research, and academia. I have led the coordination of public health commodities management for Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, Malaria, and Maternal Health programs in Nigeria. Additionally, I have contributed to various multi-stakeholder technical working groups (TWGs) focusing on food and medicines quality and supply management.

Currently, I am investigating the use of microbiome-derived antimicrobial peptides for the treatment of mastitis infection in dairy cattle.

Outside of my professional pursuits, I am also a personal football coach for my children and have a passion for Church History and music, especially upbeat genres.

Ayonposi Bukola Olaoye

Visiting Postdoctoral Research Scholar

I am a visiting postdoctoral research scholar in The AMR & One Health (µaOH) Lab, having been awarded a 6 month ProBio Africa IUBMB Fellowship Award..

I am a Lecturer at the Department of Science Technology, Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti, Nigeria.

I have a PhD from Aberystwyth University, Wales. My previous research experience is in the area of identifying potent compounds with antimicrobial activity against resistant strains of bacteria from Moringa oleifera leaves.

My current work contributes to the urgent need for novel therapies against resistant fungal strains. My project is on the topic "use AI to develop antifungal peptides against multidrug resistant candida infections".

I’ve got two sons and a daughter who love to travel and sing like me.

Freya Bowden

PhD Student

I am a PhD student working within the AMR and One Health (µaOH) lab.

My research partly funded by Animal Health Vision Ltd Netherlands, focuses on the mechanisms of phytogenic feed additives in modulating the microbiome of dairy cows. My work aims to further the understanding of the action and benefits of phytogenic compounds, improving the ability to support animal health via non-antibiotic means.

I currently hold a bachelor's degree in medical microbiology. My particular areas of interest being antibiotic resistance and the microbiome. My final year research project examined the genetic basis of antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Outside of the lab, I enjoy all sorts of arts and crafts, as well as looking after my collection of house plants.

Ziming Wu

PhD Student

I am a self-funded PhD student working with the AMR & One Health Lab led by Dr Linda Oyama.

My PhD project is mainly focused on understanding AMR within the rumen microbiome. We aim to increase our repertoire of as yet uncultured rumen microbial populations as part of the global efforts to increase culture live ruminal microorganisms, and to characterise the genotypic and phenotypic AMR profiles of all novel isolates and create a microbial biobank.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Microbiology and Biotechnology. I gained great experience in anaerobic culturing of rumen bacteria working with the Huw’s lab at QUB in 2022.

Apart from the lab, I enjoy cooking, playing guitar, gaming, the doing gym sometimes.

Gama Dominic

PhD Student

I am a PhD student at AMR and One Health Lab, funded by the BBSRC via the NorthWestBio- DTP.

My academic qualification include B. Tech Biotechnology, Post Graduate Diploma in Fermentation and Bioprocessing and MSc. Molecular Biology and Biotechnology.

I have over 4 years experience in Industry and academia.

I have a great interest towards Tuberculosis (TB) research since my undergraduate. I have conducted studies about host pathogen interaction in TB, diagnostic tool for TB detection and analysed the efficiency of host defense peptides against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) using a non-pathogenic proxy.

My PhD journey will be focusing on the development of a novel technique that can visualize the resistance development in Mtb against host defense peptide using a non pathogenic Mycobacterium smegmatis.

Apart from my research, I like to add new recipes to my cookbook, taking care of my indoor garden, singing and a fitness oriented life style.

Leah Taylor

PhD Student

I am a PhD student who has recently completed a Master’s in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology course at Queen’s University Belfast.

I have a first class degree in Biomedical Science from Ulster University.

My main interests are in the fields of Microbiology, Molecular Pathology, and Genetics.

Antibiotic resistance has been a particular area of interest throughout my studies. My Master’s research focused on assessing the role of colostrum in the acquisition of antibiotic resistance in dairy stock, where I looked into the potential relationship between cow colostrum quality, and presence of antibiotic residues, and antibiotic resistance in cow colostrum.

My PhD research with Dr Oyama’s lab will focus on assessing the role of colostrum microbiome properties and early life nutrition management in the acquisition of antimicrobial resistance in dairy stock.

My main passions outside of the laboratory include horses and cars - mainly Formula 1. I am a keen equestrian and I have been riding horses for 16 years!

Mustasim Famous

PhD Student

I am a Ph. D Student in Biological Sciences under the supervision of Dr. Oyama.

My research focuses on AMR in Dairy Cattle and implications for One Health.

I have a master’s degree in Animal Science and a Bachelors in Veterinary Sciences. I worked 3 years as a faculty (currently on study leave) in Khulna Agricultural University, Bangladesh.

I sought to be involved in the research field since I was in undergraduate degree. My main research interests are in Microbiomes, AMR and Nutritional Management of Livestock.

Outside of my academics, I am a sportsman. I love to play Cricket, Football, Volleyball and indoor sports. I am a movie enthusiast, and fishing is one of my favorite leisure activity.

Jordan Pratt

MSci Research Student

I am completing my MSci year on the Biological Sciences pathway.

I am currently working part time alongside my degree as a lab technician at IML (Independent Milk Laboratories). I am excited to to be part of the AMR and One Health Lab this year to further develop my lab skills.

This year my project involves researching the role of AI derived antimicrobial peptides as alternative therapies for treatment of multidrug resistant candida infections.

Outside of the lab, I enjoy paddle boarding and baking.

Mischa De Beer

MSc Research Student

I am from South Africa and I am currently studying for a Master’s Degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at Queen’s University Belfast. I recently graduated from Queen’s with a Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology.

I am looking forward to the research project titled “Alternative therapies for treating multidrug resistant fungal infections,” as this subject matter something I am greatly passionate about researching and developing new and effective treatments for the emerging problem that is multidrug resistant pathogens and hope to use this experience for future work in the PhD field and hopefully contribute to this field of research.

In the near future I hope to play a role in research projects that focus on the use of novel antimicrobials and their commercial drug development to ensure that there will be proper alternative methods to combat multidrug resistant diseases.

With regards to hobbies, I like to going jogging/hiking in the Mournes and bird watching. I am an avid reader of classic literature and collector of original/old literature.

Amna Afeefi

MSc Research Student

I am a Kuwaiti student, who has been funded by the Ministry of Health. I hold a Bachelor's degree from Kuwait University in Molecular Biology and have worked for six years in the Ministry of Health, specifically in the Immunology laboratory.

I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology.

I will be working on a project that focuses on the Impact of natural feed additive supplements on the rumen microbiome, antimicrobial resistance, and animal productivity. I am hoping to continue my Ph.D. in the same field.

Apart from the biomedical field, I am an artist who enjoys clay sculpting and I am a big fan of aerial yoga.

Paul Mitchell

MSc Research Student

I am currently pursuing my MSci in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology.

Before arriving at Queens University in the fall of 2023, I spent 8 beautiful years in Upstate New York where I obtained my B.S degree in Biology at Utica University. Upon graduation, I worked as a lab technician in the neuroscience department at Binghamton University. My love for science really blossomed during this experience and I knew before long, I wanted to return to education.

With that said, I am extremely excited to be a part of this magnificent team and can’t wait to burrow into my research project titled “High resolution 3D imaging for cellular characterisation of resistance fitness cost in Mycobacteria by host defence peptides”.

Away from academia, I enjoy going to the gym, listening to funky tunes, and playing football (soccer). I also enjoy watching the greatest football team this side of Wyoming, Arsenal F.C.

Samantha Coliister

BSc Research Student

I am a third-year student on the Biochemistry with Professional Studies pathway.

I completed my placement year at GSK within the Novel Human Genetics Research Unit and am keen to develop my laboratory skills further this year.

My project involves investigating the mechanism of action of a group of novel antimicrobial peptides developed in the AMR & One Health Lab. It will also explore their potential benefits when combined with current treatments for pathogenic Mycobacteria.

Outside of academics, I enjoy baking, art and playing netball.

Katie Stewart

BSc Research Student

I am a 3^rd year Biological Sciences student on the Professional Studies pathway at Queen’s University Belfast.

I am really looking forward to beginning my research project, ‘Investigating innovative technologies to treat bovine mastitis’. Growing up on a dairy farm, this is an area I have been exposed to and I am keen to further develop the laboratory skills that I gained whilst on placement.

My main interests outside of the lab are keeping active and cooking. I am a keen hockey player and love trying out new recipes!

Nell Thompson

BSc Research Student

I’m currently in my 3rd year studying Biochemistry at Queens

I am looking forward to researching into 'Colostrum and milk as a reservoir for antimicrobial resistance', particularly its possible future health risks and techniques for mitigation.

Working for a drug development company as lab assistant, over the summer has given me an insight into the inner workings of a busy laboratory and has made me keen to develop further my own independent practical skills in this final year.

To relax, I enjoy music, playing guitar, cooking and crocheting.