Overview
Profile summary
I am a PhD student working with Prof. Mathew Upton in the Antimicrobial Resistant Pathogens Research Group.
My research investigates several bacterial species of notable inherent antimicrobial resistance (AMR), namely Mycobacterium abscessus, and emerging Gram-negative pathogens of the genera Cupriavidus, Ralstonia and Pandoraea.
Infections with these bacteria are more prevalent in people with pre-existing lung conditions, such as people with cystic fibrosis (PWCF).
Notably, antibiotic regimens for these infections are arduous and frequently inadequate. Furthermore, for the emerging Gram-negative pathogens, there is a distinct lack of clinical guidance and susceptibility data to inform effective treatment.
My work investigates phenotypic and genotypic traits of these bacteria that may impact their virulence and elimination, with a major focus on antimicrobial susceptibility testing and assessing the efficacy of potential new treatments using in vitro models.
This project involves strong collaboration with scientists from Dr Jonathan Cox's Lab at the Biosciences Research Group (BRG) at Aston University, as well as Clinicians Dr Heather Green and Dr Andrew Jones from the Manchester Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre.
My research was part-funded by a fantastic grant awarded to us by the Boomer Esiason Foundation, as well as generous donations to the University of Plymouth that support our medical research.
Professional memberships
- Member of Microbiology Society.
- Member of Applied Microbiology International (AMI).
Roles on external bodies
- Microbiology Society Sutainability Committee - Shadowing Member for 2024
Teaching interests
I am a Teaching & Support Assistant (TSA) and Marker for the School of Biomedical Sciences at University of Plymouth, supporting modules in Microbiology, Immunology and Anatomy & Physiology.
Additional information
Peer reviewed for:
- Microbiology
- FEMS Microbiology Letters
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
Research output
- 2 Article
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Genomic insights and phenotypic characterisation of three multidrug resistant Cupriavidus strains from the cystic fibrosis lung
Kelly, S. D., Butler, J., Green, H., Jones, A. M., Kenna, D. T. D., Pai, S., Muddiman, K. J., McComb, T. A., Barrand, B. M., Bennett, V., Fejer, G. & Upton, M., 17 Apr 2025, In: Journal of Applied Microbiology. 136, 5, lxaf093.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile6 Downloads (Pure) -
Hospital sink traps as a potential source of the emerging multidrug-resistant pathogen Cupriavidus pauculus: characterization and draft genome sequence of strain MF1
Butler, J., Kelly, S. D., Muddiman, K. J., Besinis, A. & Upton, M., 3 Feb 2022, In: Journal of Medical Microbiology. 71, 2Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile46 Downloads (Pure)
Theses
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Analysing M. abscessus-macrophage interactions and investigating treatments for M. abscessus and S. aureus intracellular bacterial infections, using a continuously growing, primary cell model of lung alveolar macrophages
Kelly, S. (Author), Fejer, G. (Director of Studies (First Supervisor)), Cox, J. (Other Supervisor), Upton, M. (Other Supervisor) & Jackson, S. (Other Supervisor), 2023Student thesis: ResM
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