Understanding the Persistence of Antibiotic Resistance Bacteria

Theme: Ecology genetics and evolution 

Description: Our ability to tackle antibiotic resistance is limited by an imprecise understanding of the fitness costs of resistance mutations. The widespread coexistence of resistant and sensitive bacteria in the absence of antibiotics, in spite of fitness costs, presents a frustrating paradox. The goal of this project is to investigate the full spectrum of potential phenotypic fitness costs associated with antibiotic resistance and to test hypotheses via competition experiments in the wet lab.

Additional Information: This project is suitable for students with a background in microbiology, genetics or ecology looking for a project with a wet lab focus. Basic wet lab skills (pouring plates, colony counting, DNA extraction, growth assays etc.) are advantageous but can also be picked up very quickly by motivated students. Some knowledge or willingness to learn R also helpful.

Contact: Dr Andrew Letten