Lucy Sutton
PIPS Host Organisation: Vitacress Ltd

During Lucy’s placement at Vitacress, she conducted methodical testing of substrate to assess the abundance of three key foodborne pathogens: Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli. Using culturing techniques, she analysed various substrate samples, comparing the current detection methods with potential improvements. She also evaluated method statements and process flows to determine whether existing procedures aligned with best practices. In addition to method optimisation, she compared microbial loads in traditional peat substrate versus peat-free alternatives – an important study given the industry’s need for more eco-friendly growing techniques. Furthermore, she conducted a growth trial in which she cultivated two common herbs, garden mint and basil, using the developed protocol to track pathogen movement across the plant at harvest. Her research aimed to generate meaningful data on detection levels and provide recommendations for optimising pathogen monitoring while considering feasibility, cost, and scalability.

This experience provided her with invaluable research and professional skills. She developed expertise in microbiological testing, data interpretation, and risk assessment within a commercial food production setting. Working closely with the agronomy department and on-site lab technician enhanced her ability to collaborate and communicate scientific findings effectively. She also gained insights into regulatory standards and the practical challenges businesses face in maintaining food safety. During her time at Vitacress, she also presented her research at the International Symposium on Problems of Listeria and Listeriosis, which provided her with a broader perspective on global food safety challenges.

Beyond technical skills, this placement reinforced her career aspirations in food safety research and industry applications. Seeing how academic research translates into real-world practice deepened her understanding of its impact. The experience also strengthened her problem-solving abilities, as she had to critically evaluate testing methods and propose practical improvements. Overall, her placement at Vitacress reaffirmed the importance of her PhD research and gave her a clearer vision of her future career path in food safety and microbiology.