My research combines experimental, mathematical, and genomic approaches to understand microbial evolution in the broadest sense. At present, this involves three lines of research.

Understanding the evolvability of resistance
This project seeks to understand why certain bacteria are more proficient at evolving antibiotic resistance than others. Through comparative experimental evolution and genomic sequencing, it aims to identify genes associated with resistance evolution in various Pseudomonas species, providing valuable insights into predicting and addressing antibiotic resistance. We aim to develop new genome engineering approaches to attenuating resistance by disrupting evolvability pathways. This work is funded by the BBSRC.

Antibiotic combination therapy for suppressing resistance evolution
Focused on combating antimicrobial resistance, this research explores novel combination therapies designed to prevent resistance emergence. By investigating combinations that impose significant growth penalties on bacteria, the project aims to develop effective treatments resistant to single resistance mechanisms, using experimental evolution to uncover evolutionary principles guiding combination therapy design. This work uses urinary tract infections in Escherichia coli as a system for exploring new treatment regimes. This work is funded through a Springboard Award from the Academy of Medical Sciences.

Evolutionary dynamics of extremophiles
This project aims to understand the adaptation of extremophilic microbes to novel environments, and better understand the role of genome replication fidelity in their evolvability. Through experimental evolution with the archaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, we aim to reveal unexplored evolutionary processes under extreme conditions, advancing our understanding of archaeal evolution and its broader implications for the evolution of the diversity of life on Earth. This work is funded through grants from NERC and the Royal Society.