People

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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!

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.

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

PhD 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.

Niamh McNally

MSci Research Student

I am currently in my final year of the Biochemistry MSci pathway and I am looking forward to working alongside the AMR & One Health Lab team this year.

My project for this academic year focuses on investigating the mechanisms of novel antimicrobial peptide targets in Candida infections.

I am excited and eager to gain more lab experience in such an interesting and important field of work.

Outside of the lab, I enjoy spending time with friends and family as well as reading novels

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.