Nutrition & Ice Cream, Science & Technology - Future Health & Wellness team

Research aim:o Researched the impact of prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics on the gut microbiota of irritable bowel syndrome sufferers and healthy volunteers, through in vitro anaerobic fermentation batch culture and three stage gut model systemso Investigated metabolite production, neurotransmitters and bacterial enumeration through gas chromatography, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and fluorescent in-situ hybridisation combined with flow cytometry, respectivelyo Performed growth curves, serial dilutions, viable cell counts and isolated probiotic strainso Gathered and refined large data sets from multiple methodologies ready for statistical analysisOther responsibilities and work:o Responsible for running a fermentation laboratory with PostDocs, visiting researchers, PhD, MSc and BSc students reporting to meo Competed in the Young Entrepreneurs Scheme (YES) – selected to be the managing director of our company Beat It. Designed a wearable device to monitor cholesterol levels through sweat collection, involved in product development, business planning, finance, intellectual property, marketing and pitched to a panel of entrepreneurs and industry leaderso Organised the University Microbiome Conference attended by University College Cork and Imperial College London. I secured funding via industrial sponsorship, arranged accommodation, venue and catering for 50+ students and world renowned guest speakers o Co-ordinated and developed new projects for international visiting students, MSc and BSc students from initial project discussion, data collection, statistical analysis to report writingo PhD representative for the Department of Food & Nutritional Sciences and delivered multiple presentations and posters at various conferences

o Produced infographics for MPs and policy makers on current microbiome research linking to NHS priorities and showcased University of Reading’s research to key opinion leaderso Produced reports from APPG meetings for non-experts and non-scientistso Inform early career researchers and post-doctoral research associates of the experience

o Taught MSc and BSc students aseptic techniques, growth manipulation of microbes, yogurt making, bacteria in food, probiotic, fungi and bacteria microscopy and E.coli in watero Analysis and interpretation of laboratory practical results o Ensured students were working in a safe environment and following protocols o Taught MSc and BSc students aseptic techniques, growth manipulation of microbes, carbohydrate fermentation, growth curves, yogurt making, bacteria in food, probiotic viability, fungi and bacteria microscopy and E.coli and coliforms in watero Ensured that students had an understanding of the analysis and interpretation of laboratory results, by discussing, questioning and offering explanation to any areas requiring clarification o Monitored students to verify safe working environment and following protocols correctly

o Wrote clinical study protocol outline and ethical approval to assess the impact of acid reflux using a range of physiological, cognition and biomechanical markers to help explore new avenues of research for the Digestive Health Categoryo Worked on three different R&D projects to deliver clinical research to support claims for new product launches whilst working closely with the commercial team o Primary research scientist for an over-the-counter drug intervention Clinical Trialo Ordered equipment, worked with suppliers, trained new employees on laboratory equipment, wrote SOP’s, ran calibration protocols to attain the BASES Accredited Laboratory o Recruited, performed data collection and analyses on a range of multidiscipline cross-category in-house projects including microbiome, cognition, drug intervention trial, nutrition- high macronutrient diets, endurance performance and training adaptationo Received recognition award for outstanding performance

o Supported physiological testing for multiple gold and silver medal athletes and sports personnel using V̇O2max, lactate threshold, cholesterol testing, sweat testing, gait analysis, body composition and heat tolerance assessments o Produced scientific nutrition articles and content for the HPL website o Gained insight into the philosophy of GSK and working within a commercial setting

Demonstrated leadership skills when running activities and excursions for ~200 international students. A high level of responsibility was required to looking after the students ensuring they remained safe at all times and key information was kept up to date such as registers and accommodation lists. Problem solving and decision making were key when dealing with issues for example flight cancellations at London Heathrow airport. This required flexible and forward thinking to resolve the issues. I have shown success at the above job roles and this was confirmed when being asked to return to the company for the following 3 years.

Worked with the first team injured and senior players delivering an exercise protocol in the altitude chamber measuring blood lactate, heart rate and rated perceived exertion scale. Communicating effectively to players and staff was essential to meet the aims of the session and to successfully discuss results and potential alterations to the sessions. The sessions achieved the majority of players returning to full fitness therefore the sessions were extended for a further 4 months. St Helens won the league, which was very rewarding.