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 Yasmin Sabino

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

I am a Postdoctoral Researcher in the AMR & One health (µaOH) Lab.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy, along with a Master’s and Doctorate degree in Microbiology. My research focuses on antimicrobial resistance in the One Health context and the discovery of novel therapies against bacterial pathogens. With over 10 years of experience in microbiology research, I have worked on both laboratory and computational approaches across numerous universities and research institutions.

My current project investigates the impact of the ZnO ban in pig diets on antimicrobial resistance, post-weaning diarrhea, and the microbiome.

Outside the lab, I love staying active by playing sports, spending quality time with loved ones, and immersing myself in nature.

Dr Prachi Bendale

Network Manager & Project Administrator

UKRI Futures AMR Network (FAN)

I am Dr. Prachi Bendale, Network Manager and Project Administrator for the Futures AMR Network (FAN).

With over seven years of research experience in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), my work spans diagnostics, therapeutic strategies, and public health interventions. I hold a PhD in Pharmacy from Queen’s University Belfast, with academic roots in microbiology and biological sciences.

My career has taken me across academia and industry, including roles at IIT Bombay and Ipca Pharmaceuticals Ltd, where I led and supported impactful research projects. I also bring experience in project management, event coordination, and digital engagement.

At FAN, I manage network communications and support collaborative, transdisciplinary efforts to strengthen the global response to AMR.

Beyond work, I enjoy reading, discovering new places, and spending time sketching or painting.

Freya Bowden

PhD Research 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 Research 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 Research 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 Research 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 Research 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.

Shreyoshi Tarapdar

PhD Research Student

I am a PhD researcher at the AMR One Health Lab, funded by the Department for the Economy (DfE). I have a Master’s degree in Microbiology and two years of teaching experience, but my real passion lies in research, especially in finding new ways to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

My current work focuses on identifying antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and plant-derived secondary metabolites that could help fight drug-resistant pathogens. Using an in silico approach, I screen and analyze bioactive compounds to understand their potential as alternative therapeutics. This involves computational modeling, molecular docking, and other predictive methods to explore promising candidates. The goal is to find effective compounds that could one day contribute to the fight against AMR.

Outside the lab, I love reading fiction- it is my way of unwinding and escaping into different worlds. Cooking is another thing I enjoy, especially experimenting with new recipes and flavours.

Jordan Pratt

PhD Research Student

I am excited to return to the AMR and One Health Lab as a PhD student to further develop my technical, professional and personal skills.

I hold an MSci Degree in Biological Sciences from Queens University Belfast during which time I researched the role of AI derived antimicrobial peptides as alternative therapies for treatment of multidrug resistant candida infections,

I also have several years working in industry at IML (Independent Milk Laboratories).

My project funded by Department of Agriculture, Environmental and Rural Affairs (DAERA) focuses on 'Behavioural change interventions for responsible antimicrobial usage and curbing resistance in companion animals: A One Health study of veterinarians and dog owners in Northern Ireland'.

I am most looking forward to the interdisciplinary nature of this project and ready to take on new challenges.

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

I invite you to contribute to my project here.

Ahmad Alhanich

PhD Research Student

I am a PhD student at Queen’s University Belfast with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Microbiology from the University of Aberdeen. While my main field of expertise is in Microbiology, I enjoy working with Bioinformatics as they complement each other so well.

My current work is focused on the discovery and development of novel pharmaceutical compounds, specifically antimicrobial peptides to treat multi-drug resistant fungal diseases, as well as determining the mechanisms by which they function to ultimately kill the fungal pathogens.

I am fortunate to work alongside many amazing people at the AMR and One-Health lab, each bringing with them a unique character, personality, and perspective, and I look forward to collaborating and working alongside all my peers.

In the future, I hope to open my own research laboratory and lead a research team of my own!

Hobbies I enjoy include playing the piano, boxing, and fishing.

Happiness Chinyere Ukwuoma

PhD Research Student

I am a PhD student in Biological Sciences working in AMR & One Health Lab and a recipient of the Queen's University Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science and a master’s degree in Medical Microbiology.

My research focuses on assessing the burden of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in the poultry industry and its implications for One Health with a focus on Nigeria. I aim to understand how poultry farming practices drive AMR, by characterising the resistomes of poultry stock, poultry farmers and their farm environment using culturomics and culture independent metaomic approaches.

Asides academics, I am a music enthusiast and enjoy attending concerts and festivals. I am also an avid reader who loves to explore different genres and authors.

Franklyna Brun

Visiting Master of Research (MRes) Student

I am a visiting Masters Research student from the University of Warwick, currently working on characterising the antimicrobial activity of the peptide P12.

My research here in the AMR & One Health Lab will focus on understanding its mechanism of action, including its effects on bacterial viability, membrane integrity, and biofilm formation, as well as its selectivity and potential cytotoxicity.

I hold a BSc in Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry, and have previously completed an undergraduate research project on histone deacetylase inhibitors.

Riya Ghosh

MSc Research Placement Student

I am studying for a Masters in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at the School of Biological Sciences and I’m thrilled to be joining the AMR & One Health Lab for my research placement.

Throughout my academic journey, I have been actively involved in research and scientific writing, contributing to literature review and projects. My primary research interests lie in the study of microbiological diseases affecting animals with a particular focus on antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

My project in the lab is focused on understanding the pig gut microbiota. Exploring how the removal of zinc oxide (ZnO) from piglet diets affects the community of bacteria living in their gut (known as the gut microbiota). This will involve the isolation and study beneficial bacteria from the guts of ZnO-treated pigs to understand how these microbes might support gut health and possibly reduce the need for ZnO in the future. This work could help identify natural alternatives to support piglet health and reduce antimicrobial resistance.

I’m excited to work alongside a team dedicated to interdisciplinary, One Health approaches, which recognize the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. I look forward to gaining hands-on experience and contributing meaningfully to the lab’s impactful work.

Outside the lab, I enjoying going to the gym, running, reading poetry and cooking.

Jamie McArdle

BSc Research Student

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Kate Duffy

BSc Research Student

As I enter my final year of my BSc Biological Sciences degree, I am excited to be given this opportunity to work in the AMR & One Health Lab studying the development of antimicrobial peptides for multidrug resistant infections.

After having completed a year long placement this past year at Causeway Sensors, I am eager to begin a research project of my own and be able to work in this incredible lab.

Outside of university, I enjoy performing and being on the stage. I am a member of several musical theatre societies and love rehearsing for different shows and meeting new people, as well as getting to perform in amazing theatres such as the Grand Opera House!

Hugh Elliott

BSc Research Student

I am entering my 3rd year of MSci Biochemistry at Queen's University Belfast.

Working with the AMR & One Health Lab will allow me to greatly develop my Laboratory and teamworking skills.

Growing up on a farm has given me awareness for how research that is carried out in labs such as this one has practical use. Therefore, I will be researching alternative therapies for Mycobacterium bovis, the causative agent for bovine tuberculosis.

Outside of academics, I'm a keen rugby player and supporter.

John Neill

BSc Research Student

I am entering the final year of a BSc in Biological Sciences and will be in the AMR & One Health lab looking at the potential of colostrum and milk as a reservoir for antimicrobial resistance.

I am returning after completing a professional studies programme at Teagasc Grange Research Centre, where I developed an appreciation of the issues within the agri-food sector.

Aside from academia I enjoy clay pigeon shooting, automotive repair, farming and playing bagpipes.