I am a PhD Student working with Dr Katherine Helliwell. I have a background in microbiology and have researched the role of dormancy and interspecies interactions of Vibrio species in the River Teign for my integrated masters degree. I have also also worked at the Centre for Cytomics at the University of Exeter which introduced me to the vast versatility and fascinating process of flow cytometry.

My PhD project will be using a variety of methods, including flow cytometry, to examine the antagonistic interactions between bacteria and diatoms in marine environments. I will mainly focus on the antagonistic action of the bacterial species Ponticoccus alexandrii against the diatom species Thalassiosira pseudonana, though I will also use my knowledge of Vibrio species interactions to discern if and how they may also antagonise marine diatoms. Hopefully, this research will enable further understanding into how bacterial species can impact the dynamics of diatoms and evaluate the mechanisms used to achieve this. I am so excited to learn about the wonderful world of diatoms and learn a variety of new techniques to develop my skills as a researcher.