¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ

 

My PhD investigates antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antimicrobial use (AMU) in companion animals, with a particular focus on dogs. It examines how antimicrobials are used in this population, the factors that influence prescribing decisions, and how these practices contribute to the development of AMR. It also explores the potential for resistant microorganisms to be shared between dogs and their owners.

AMR occurs when microbes, including bacteria and fungi, evolve over time and become less responsive to treatments that were once effective. Understanding how and why antimicrobials are prescribed is therefore essential to addressing this growing problem.

My research focuses on the drivers behind antimicrobial prescribing in dogs and investigates how resistant microorganisms may spread between dogs and humans in both directions. By working closely with veterinary professionals and dog owners, and by analysing samples from dogs, this research aims to improve our understanding of how AMR develops and spreads within companion animals and the people who live with them.

 

 

What first interested you in this area?

My interest in AMR began in the final year of my MSci undergraduate degree, when I joined the AMR and One Health Lab in the School of Biological Sciences, QUB. During my research project, I investigated antimicrobial peptides (small proteins produced by the immune system) and their effectiveness against multidrug-resistant fungal infections. This experience sparked a strong interest in AMR and ultimately led me to pursue a PhD within the same lab group. I developed my own PhD proposal, which was successfully funded through a Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) studentship.

What stood out to me early on is that AMR is not confined to hospitals or agricultural settings, it can emerge in everyday environments, including our homes and communities, which we share closely with our pets. Companion animals live alongside us, sharing our physical spaces and daily routines, yet they are often overlooked in AMR surveillance. This inspired me to shift my focus from laboratory-based work to exploring how resistant microorganisms may be shared between dogs and their owners, and how everyday decisions, like when antibiotics are prescribed, play a role.

This area is especially important because companion animals are often overlooked in the broader One Health perspective. Pets share our homes and environments so closely that microbes, including resistant strains, can move between animals and humans. Understanding these interactions is key to protecting both animal and human health.

 

What have been your most interesting or surprising findings so far? 

My project is still ongoing, but one of the most interesting things I’ve found so far is just how much people love their dogs and how much they trust their vets. Companion animals play a huge role in people’s wellbeing, and veterinary advice is really valued. We also found there’s quite low awareness of AMR among pet owners. That means there’s a real opportunity for vets to help raise awareness and share information, especially since they’re already such trusted voices. It really highlights how important good communication is. By helping pet owners better understand things like antimicrobial use, we can support more informed decisions and play a small but important role in tackling AMR.

 

 

What impact do you hope your work will have?

I hope my research can help improve how we monitor and manage antimicrobial use and consequently AMR in pets, supporting better policies around antibiotic use and increased surveillance in companion animals. By building a clearer understanding of how resistance develops and spreads, this work can help protect the effectiveness of antibiotics for both animals and people.

Alongside my research, I’m passionate about raising awareness of antimicrobial resistance. As a STEM Ambassador, I visit schools to talk about AMR and careers in science and I also take part in public engagement events.

 

What are your next steps or future plans for this research?

I’m really excited about the next phase of the project. This will involve analysing samples from dogs and their owners to identify the microbes they carry, such as bacteria and fungi, and to detect genes linked to antimicrobial resistance.

I’ll then combine these results with insights from vets and dog owners to better understand how everyday behaviours and decisions may influence antimicrobial resistance.

I’m also planning to run a focus group or discussion with dog owners about my findings in spring 2027. If you’re interested in taking part, feel free to get in touch via email! petamrproject@qub.ac.uk .

 

Want to find out more or get involved? Follow , visit our  and connect with me on .