I am a Postdoctoral Research Associate within the Manchester Fungal Infection Group. My academic career has mainly focused on Evolutionary Biology. In my previous research, I focused on the adaptive evolution of interspecific hybrids using experimental evolution. I also worked towards furthering our understanding of molecular mechanisms in adaptation to cold temperatures, including the role of promoter and allele type. This research also sheds light on epigenetic mechanisms that may be related to cold tolerance.

Currently, I am investigating potential genetic factors governing sexual compatibility in Aspergillus fumigatus, beyond mating ability controlled by either of the two forms of the MAT locus. I aim to establish a mate preference network among crossing partners to understand the mechanisms controlling mating choice that contribute to fungal adaptation, so that evolutionary risk can be assessed.

A. fumigatus has been split into two main and up to five total phylogenetic groups, and a certain degree of reproductive isolation has been suggested. Strains from these groups are widespread in diverse environments, including soils, decaying vegetation, and hospital patients, presenting a high chance of mating driven by mate choice. Understanding the genetic factors of mate choice can shed light on antifungal resistance mechanisms and improve our understanding of the role of sexual reproduction in the adaptation of A. fumigatus.

I graduated with my PhD in Medical Microbiology from the University of Liverpool in 2020, having investigated the role of transcriptional and post-translational regulation of lipid A in Pseudomonas aeruginosa tolerance to contact lens disinfecting solutions. I came away from my PhD with a strong interest in bioinformatic analyses and a desire to learn how to code and improve my statistical analysis skillset. To this end, I accepted a postdoctoral research associate position at the University of Pittsburgh, co-mentored by Dr Jennifer Bomberger and Dr Vaughn Cooper. In this role I undertook processing and analysis of longitudinal clinical samples from the sinuses and sputum of people with cystic fibrosis to investigate changes to the airway microbiome following initiation of modulator therapies. In 2022, the Bomberger Lab relocated to Dartmouth College, where I continued to work with clinical cystic fibrosis samples to understand the role of acute viral infections and inflammation on the progression of P. aeruginosa from intermittent to chronic airway infection. 

As a dyed-in-the-wool bacteriologist, I am excited for the chance to explore an entirely new kingdom of life by joining the Bottery Lab and MFIG. I will be exploring the role of mutation rate, and its impact on adaptation and evolution of Aspergillus fumigatus, on the development of resistance to antifungal treatments, particularly in the context of increasing agricultural use of antifungals in our changing climate. 

I joined MFIG following on from my Integrated Master’s fourth-year project, which opened the door to a series of compelling questions surrounding the evolution of antifungal resistance in hyphae. My project identified aspects of resistance evolution which were largely unexplained, driving me to look further, culminating in a PhD project, awarded through the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

My project explores the evolution of antifungal resistance in hyphal fungal networks. My first area of interest involves interrogating heterokaryon fusion in hyphae, a process that may hold critical insights into the broader mechanisms of resistance spread and evolution in fungal masses. My research will also include multiscale modelling, integrating various scales of biological processes to better simulate in-host evolution and the selective pressure that arise. My aim is to integrate these AMR evolution-specific parameters into the Neighbour Sensing Model of filamentous fungal growth which was originally designed by David Moore and colleagues at Manchester two decades ago. 

I’m originally from India and completed my undergraduate degree at Trinity College Dublin, followed by an MbyRes at the University of Exeter. I’m passionate about microbial evolution, and my previous research has focused on how bacteria and viruses evolve under different selective pressures, including within unhealthy gut microbiomes, predator–prey interactions, and phage–bacteria arms races. I’m now excited to apply this evolutionary perspective to the fascinating and far more complex world of fungi!

At Manchester, my PhD focuses on understanding how antifungal resistance spreads in Aspergillus fumigatus. I’ll be using live-cell imaging, microfluidics, and AI-driven analysis to track how fungal cells share resistance traits through hyphal fusion. 

Hi, I’m Helen, and I’m excited to be joining the Manchester Fungal Infection Group as a Research Technician in Mike Bottery’s group.

I studied at the University of Liverpool, where I developed a strong interest in microbiology and infectious disease research. During this time, I became particularly interested in how microorganisms adapt to different environments, which sparked my enthusiasm for working in a research setting. Before joining MFIG, I worked in industry at Porton Biopharma and Thermo Fisher Scientific. These roles gave me valuable experience in laboratory-based research and helped me build a solid foundation in practical techniques, as well as an understanding of how science is applied in real-world biotechnology and pharmaceutical contexts.

In my role within the group, I’m looking forward to supporting ongoing research and contributing to projects focused on fungal evolution. I’m particularly excited to be part of a collaborative research environment and to continue developing my skills.