Mr Matthew McKracken

I am a current PhD student researching how antimicrobial biocides affect Clostridioides difficile spores in order to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of spore resistance in healthcare environments. My present appointment is a Research Assistant in Anaerobic Microbiology, looking at the formations of mixed biofilms in the oral cavity using multiple anaerobic bacterial strains. My area of particular interest is the application of real-world solutions to hinder the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) because, according to Jim O'Neill's influential review on antimicrobial resistance (2016), the cost to human life if nothing is done could exceed 50 million deaths per annum by the year 2050 globally. If I can do anything to help lower these figures, morally, I feel obliged to help.

Honours & Awards

• In 2022 I was awarded an Infection Science Award for my presentation at the Microbiology Society Annual Conference in Belfast.
  
• In 2022 I was an invited speaker at the Federation of Infection Societies International Conference in London.
  

Qualifications

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science - University of Plymouth.

Professional membership

• Student Member of the Institute of Biomedical Science
  
• Applied Microbiology International Associate Member
  
• British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy Member
  
• PG Member of the Microbiology Society
  

Research interests

I am part of the Molecular Microbiology Research Group, led by Associate Professor Tina Joshi.

Other research

Modus Laboratories (2022) - Research Assistant employed on the grant submitted by Associate Professor Tina Joshi (PI) and Professor Mathew Upton. We cultured multiple anaerobic bacteria to form oral biofilms in order to assess certain cleaning capabilities.

Grants & contracts

Other academic activities

Where possible, I volunteer to undertake public engagement activities through the University of Plymouth School of Biomedical Sciences or the Microbial Diagnostics and Infection Control Research Group. Recently, I engaged in the ‘Soapbox Science Exeter’ event, a platform that highlights the hard work and research of female scientists who are making major contributions to the scientific community. This event takes place every summer and is modelled after Speakers' Corner in Hyde Park, London. Exeter's Quayside, Piazza Terracina, was transformed into an arena for public learning and scientific debate, thereby creating a lively and bustling atmosphere, as well as a learning environment for everyone who attended.

Links

Soapbox Science 

Molecular Microbiology Research Group

World Antimicrobial Awareness Week