Accepting PhD Students

PhD projects


We offer a variety of research projects suitable for students, which can be tailored to your specific interests.

These projects are centered around advanced vibrational spectroscopy techniques and their application to key research areas.

These encompass addressing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), developing rapid diagnostic tools for Global Priority Pathogens (GPP), investigating the mechanisms underlying bacterial resistance, exploring the therapeutic applications of bacteriophages, and advancing women's health through research on birth injuries.

Each project utilizes state-of-the-art vibrational spectroscopy techniques combined with machine learning-based data analysis, offering the opportunity to contribute to impactful, cutting-edge research with significant real-world applications.

20122024

Research activity per year

Personal profile

Research interests

Research Overview

My group focuses on applying cutting-edge vibrational spectroscopy techniques to address medical and clinical challenges. These include nanoscale methods like AFM-IR imaging and advanced Raman techniques, alongside more established approaches such as Infrared (IR) spectroscopy. By integrating advanced AI-driven chemometric analysis, we aim to extract detailed molecular insights from biological materials like tissues, cells, bacteria, and single virions.

Key Research Areas

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

AMR represents a critical global health threat, with resistant bacterial strains developing and spreading rapidly. Projections suggest AMR could become the leading cause of death by 2050, largely due to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in humans, animals, and agriculture. While the molecular mechanisms driving resistance remain poorly understood, our research aims to close this gap by studying the chemical changes that underlie resistance to key antibiotics, including quinolones, glycopeptides, and β-lactams. Additionally, diagnostic methods for detecting AMR remain slow and inefficient, leading to delays in appropriate treatment. By utilizing advanced vibrational spectroscopy techniques, such as Raman and AFM-IR, combined with AI-based analysis, we explore both the mechanisms of resistance and the development of faster, more reliable diagnostic tools, such as portable ATR-FTIR devices.

  • Development of Rapid Diagnostic Tools for 12 Global Priority Pathogens

We are developing a rapid diagnostic test based on ATR-FTIR combined with machine learning algorithms to quickly and accurately detect antibiotic resistance in 12 global priority pathogens. This approach could significantly reduce the time needed to identify resistant strains and contribute to the global fight with the AMR crisis.

  • Nanoscale Imaging of Bacteria

Using advanced techniques like AFM-IR, we investigate bacterial resistance mechanisms at the nanoscale level, focusing on how bacteria respond to antibiotics and how combinatory or suppressive drug interactions work. This research seeks to uncover new insights into resistance 

Bacteriophage Research

Phages, which target and destroy bacteria, represent a potential alternative to antibiotics in fighting resistant strains. Our research explores how bacteriophages interact with bacterial cells, using nanoscale imaging and vibrational spectroscopy to uncover the molecular mechanisms of phage action. We aim to understand how phages overcome bacterial defences and how they can be used in combination with antibiotics to enhance treatment efficacy.

Women’s Health: Studies of Birth Injuries

We are applying vibrational spectroscopy to investigate the molecular changes in tissues and cells affected by birth injuries. This project seeks to identify biomarkers for early tissue damage, helping to better understand the healing process and improve outcomes for maternal health. Through this research, we aim to contribute to the development of more effective therapies for birth-related injuries.

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  • SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
  • SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

Research area keywords

  • spectroscopy
  • IR
  • Raman Spectroscopy
  • Infrared Spectroscopy
  • AFM-IR
  • Bacteria
  • Antimicrobial drug resistance
  • Antimicrobial resistance
  • virus
  • pathogenesis
  • single cell imaging
  • Raman live imaging

Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years

Recent external collaboration on country/territory level. Dive into details by clicking on the dots or