Olivia Keers
PIPS Host Organisation: UKHSA

Bacteria control what enters the cells through the use of transporters within the cell membranes. These transporters are attuned for specific cargo; thus, efforts are underway to produce antimicrobial agents which can access this transport system. One such agent, microcin C, belongs to a class of antimicrobials called bacteriocins which are peptides produced by bacteria to inhibit the growth of other bacteria.

Ollivia’s PIPS project included the investigation of the mechanism of resistance to microcin C and its efficacy as an antimicrobial agent. I generated MICs for a range of antimicrobial agents, generated microcin C resistant strains of E. coli, completed whole genome sequencing for these strains and developed a series of microbiome mimicking and amino acid rich/ depleted growth medias. Although she didn’t have enough time to gain full understanding, she began to investigate the mechanism of resistance to microcin C and its involvement in amino acid transporters and utilisation.

Olivia’s academic background is entirely rooted in chemistry, having completed both her undergraduate and master’s degrees in the field. Through her PIPS placement, she was able to develop a diverse set of microbiology skills that she otherwise would not have had the opportunity to acquire. In addition to skill development, this placement provided Olivia with valuable experience in a professional research organisation, expanding her horizons beyond her previous experiences in academic institutions.