Name: Andrew Pridmore

Job title: Head of Science

Qualifications:

BSc Biomedical Sciences, First Class Honours – University of Bradford; PhD (Effects of oxygen on anaerobic bacteria) – University of Leeds

Profile: 

Working at DWS was my first job after graduating and I have now been doing it for more than 30 years.  My particular areas of expertise are anaerobic bacteria, antibiotic susceptibility testing and microbiological assays for antibiotics.

I oversee the design, documentation and scientific integrity of all laboratory studies and manage relationships with our contract research customers.  This includes development of new business and the agreement of timelines and budgets.  I also review study plans and reports prepared by other members of staff and ensure that GLP compliance is maintained.

A fun fact about Andrew: 

I will try absolutely any kind of food, no matter how unusual it may be.

Recent Publications:

Klein U, de Jong A, Moyaert H, El Garch F, Leon R, Richard-Mazet A, Rose M, Maes D, Pridmore A, Thomson J, Ayling RD (2017) Antimicrobial susceptibility monitoring of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and Mycoplasma bovis isolated in Europe.  Veterinary Microbiology 204, 188–193.

Klein U, de Jong A, Youala M, El Garch F, Stevenin C, Moyaert H, Rose M, Catania S, Gyuranecz M, Pridmore A, Ayling RD (2019).  New antimicrobial susceptibility data from monitoring of Mycoplasma bovis isolated in Europe.  Veterinary Microbiology 238, 108432.

de Jong A, Youala M, Klein U, El Garch F, Moyaert H, Simjee S, Maes D, Gyuranecz M, Pridmore A, Thomson JR, Ayling RD (2021) Antimicrobial susceptibility monitoring of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae isolated from seven European countries during 2015-2016.  Veterinary Microbiology 253, 108973.

de Jong A, Youala M, Klein U, El Garch F, Simjee S, Moyaert H, Rose M, Gautier-Bouchardon AV, Catania S, Ganapathy K, Gyuranecz M, Möller Palau-Ribes F, Pridmore A, Ayling RD (2021) Minimal inhibitory concentration of seven antimicrobials to Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae isolates from six European countries. Avian Pathology 50, 161-173

Pridmore A and Austin C (2022) Variability in oxygen tolerance among bacterial strains associated with the normal intestinal microbiota. Access Microbiology, [online] 4(7)

Name: Alison Cheetham

Job title: Microbiologist

Qualifications:

Combined Studies BSc (Hons), Manchester Metropolitan University; Diploma in Biological Sciences, Open University.

Profile: 

After graduating I worked as a trainee accountant in the NHS before moving to Tasmania, Australia to work and travel. After returning to the UK, I was a stay-at-home mum whilst my children were young during which time I studied with the Open University.

I have been a member of the DWS laboratory team for 18 years and gained much experience along the way. The work has always been varied and interesting but has changed focus over this time. We still do antibiotic susceptibility testing, particularly with anaerobic organisms, but we now work with gut microbiome organisms in development as therapeutic drug treatments for human health. This area of research I feel will be of major importance in the future and it is great to be involved in some small part. Our expertise and resources for culturing anaerobes is essential for this type of work as gut microbes can be challenging due to their fastidious nature. 

A fun fact about Alison:

I worked a summer season at Butlins in Pwllheli, Wales after graduation in 1985. It was very hard work but great fun.

Name: Charlotte Austin

Job title: Microbiologist

Qualifications:

BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science from The University of Chester.

Profile:

In school, I always loved learning about the human body. One memory that has remained with me is the first time I looked down a microscope and saw a eukaryotic cell; I knew from that moment I wanted to be a scientist! Throughout my degree I developed an interest in the pathogenesis of human diseases and the mechanisms of the immune response to combat different illnesses. The best part of my job is the hands on, practical element of working in a microbiology laboratory. Daily, I grow and manipulate a diverse collection of bacterial and fungal cultures for research studies and use the specialist equipment that we have in our laboratory.

I enjoy the variability of the studies that we undertake on behalf of our customers, from minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing of emerging antimicrobials to log reduction testing of antimicrobial wound dressings. A particular interest of mine is working with fastidious anaerobes that require specific nutrients and conditions to grow optimally, as is common amongst organisms of the gut microbiome.  I find it highly satisfying when I complete a project that I have dedicated a lot of time to and amassed some valuable data.

I am currently undergoing training to become a GLP study director and I am looking forward to applying the knowledge I’ve learned to the work I do.

A fun fact about Charlotte:

Outside of work I live and breathe Badminton. I am Club Secretary and the Ladies’ Captain at my club and we compete against other clubs in the local league playing levels and mixed doubles matches.

Publications:

Austin C and Pridmore A, 2023. Microbial evaluation of the Whitley A135 GMP Workstation with Bacillus atrophaeus spore suspension. Link to poster.

Pridmore A and Austin C, 2022. Variability in oxygen tolerance among bacterial strains associated with the normal intestinal microbiota. Access Microbiology, [online] 4(7)

Name: Kirsty McTear

Job title: Microbiologist

Qualifications:

BSc in Biomedicine from The University of Huddersfield.

Profile:

I gained a 1st Class degree in BSc Biomedicine from The University of Huddersfield in 2020. In my dissertation at university, I identified acidophilic microorganisms from an acidic pond using genotypic and phenotypic analysis, and it was this that made me realise my passion for microbiology. I now work in the DWS laboratory carrying out work such as viable cell counts and antimicrobial susceptibility testing using veterinary antibiotics.

The best thing about being a microbiologist at DWS is being able to contribute to ongoing scientific research projects and also having the opportunity to use the innovative Whitley products – in particular the anaerobic workstations.

Name one fun fact about yourself:

One of my hobbies is roller-skating. I’m dreadful at the moment but practice makes perfect!