Birmingham (PhD interview) Gen. Questions

Tell us why you are interested in this PhD position?

I'm really interested in this PhD project as it focuses on restoring gut health by targeting specific beneficial bacteria, which are often depleted in diseases like IBD. It builds on my background in microbiology, while also giving me the chance to develop new skills in chemical engineering and take a more multidisciplinary approach. I’m particularly motivated by the potential this research has to transform healthcare and improve quality of life for patients.

Do you know what the objectives are of this PhD project? (Hint: 3)

1. set off by identifying novel prebiotics (such as polyphenols, milk oligosaccharides, hemicelluloses) which promote the growth of known depleted bacterial strains in cases of IBD (including species identified from the STOP-Colitis study). 2. Then produce the MicroMods. This is done by incorporating the identified prebiotic onto the surface of the microcomposite which provides space and nutrients for growth of the specific bacterial strain in the colon, creating a unique MicroMod for specific bacterial targets. The functionality and compatibility of the micro-composite and prebiotic is assessed via techniques such as confirming growth through taking OD/CFU measurements along with using techniques such as TEM or AFM to confirm the surface modification of the prebiotic to the micro-composite. 3. The efficacy and ability of the MicroMods to modulate the microbiome will be assessed using an ex-vivo model where human faecal material from IBD patients is inoculated within a bioreactor so it grows a complete microbiome. This can then be sequenced to determine what bacterial species are depleted and a personalised relevant MicroMod mix targeting these strains can be formulated and administered. Following this, 16s rRNA qPCR can be performed to determine if targeted strains have been restored.

What are microcomposites? What are they in the context of PhD project? What are the two components?

essentially a composite made up of tiny particles within a matrix material. In this project they are small, gel-like beads which have a GI-resistant material to ensure the beads don’t degrade in the gut prior to reaching the colon which creates extra space (a “scaffold”) for bacterial growth, and a prebiotic nutrient with selective growth effects for specific and targeted beneficial bacteria.

What is the Stop-Colitis study?

A prospective, open-label, randomised pilot study in 2019 carried out to assess two possible routes of Faecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT) delivery in patients with ulcerative colitis: It is now known that the bacterial population (microbiome) in patients with UC is different from that of healthy people. Over the past 10 years doctors and patients from many countries have attempted to change the microbiome in UC using FMT (faecal microbiota transplant (transfer of faeces from a healthy individual to a person with disease)), and their attempts have suggested that this may be an effective treatment. They conducted a small “pilot” study to compare the two available ways of giving FMT (into the stomach via a naso-gastric tube or the directly into the colon). The pilot trial had 30 patients, who had UC for at least 3 months, aged 12-70, from 3 UK centres over 6 months. They were randomly allocated to receive either FMT via naso-gastric (NG) route or colonic route. Stool and urine samples were collected for genetic testing and microbe studies.

Define MicroMods.

MicroMods are microcomposite-based microbiome modulators which target specific bacteria through the addition of specific unique and novel prebiotic substrates.

What do you think will be particularly challenging in completing the objectives of this PhD?

One potential challenge in completing this PhD will be surface-modifying the micro-composites with the identified prebiotic substrate. Since these substrates are chemically unique, ensuring compatibility during the modification process could be difficult. However, I see this as an exciting technical challenge rather than a setback as I’ve already looked into some of the existing work by Dr. Horniblow, who published a paper last November exploring surface modification techniques such as ‘layer-by-layer deposition’ and a novel method developed by the group called 'coaxial prilling'. Hence, there are various methods that can be employed. Hence, I view this as less of a challenge and more of an opportunity to gain skills in chemical engineering.

What is ‘layer-by-layer deposition’?

LBL deposition involves alternating layers of materials with complementary properties, such as opposite charges

Why do you want to do a PhD (in general – not specifically the selected project)?

I want to do a PhD because I really enjoy research — especially in the context of the gut microbiome, which I’ve found fascinating to study. I’m motivated by the idea of contributing to work that could advance understanding in this field and ultimately have a real impact on health.

Long term, I see myself staying in research, but I’m also interested in influencing policy around nutrition and public health — something I’ve developed through roles like the NHS Youth Forum. I believe a PhD is the right next step to build the technical expertise, critical thinking, and independence needed to contribute meaningfully, both in science and beyond.

Can you talk about the research of your primary supervisor?

Dr Horniblow’s research in bioactive biomaterials for gastrointestinal health and microbiome modulation has resulted in patented next-generation prebiotics. Dr Horniblow’s lab offers advanced experimental capabilities, including microbiome modelling using bioreactors, microcomposite creation and characterisation, and anaerobic microbiology.

Can you talk about the research of your ‘secondary’ supervisors?

Dr Lucy Crouch brings vital expertise in glycobiology, host-microbe interactions, and the nutrient utilisation pathways of intestinal bacteria. Dr Crouch’s research focuses on understanding how bacteria metabolise complex substrates, including prebiotics, providing critical insights for this project. Prof Zhibing Zhang is the final co-supervisor in this project. Professor of Chemical Engineering, Zhibing Zhang is a world-leading expert in micromanipulation, microencapsulation, and chemical product formulation engineering. He leads the Micromanipulation and Microencapsulation Laboratory within the School of Chemical Engineering, which is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for physicochemical characterisation and surface modification of microcomposites, which will be used extensively in this project.

Why do you want to do a PhD through the 125 scholars programme? (Why this programme, what does it offer, why do you think that is important and what benefit is it to you?... community/group of students starting at same time/also additional social things + academic support that will bring)

I'm interested in completing a PhD through the 125th Anniversary Scholarship because I find the University of Birmingham’s commitment to inclusivity and support for under-represented individuals genuinely empowering. The fact that 22% of staff at Birmingham come from BAME backgrounds speaks to the University’s efforts to create a more equitable academic environment. I believe the programme plays a vital role in inspiring future researchers and addressing the under-representation of talented Black and Black mixed-heritage students in academia. What particularly excites me is the opportunity to be part of a community of Black scholars starting their PhDs together. That shared experience offers a strong sense of belonging and mutual support, which I think is crucial for both personal and academic growth. Beyond the programme itself, I’m also enthusiastic about studying in Birmingham—a city known for innovation and transformation. The University’s outstanding research facilities and the fact that students genuinely enjoy their experience here are both important to me, especially considering the long-term commitment of a PhD. Overall, the 125th Anniversary Scholarship aligns closely with my goals: to contribute meaningful research while growing within a supportive, collaborative academic community.

Can you give an overview of your research experiences to date?

Discuss industrial placement (CDC assay + biofilm disruption assay) and final year project (face-mask sampling)

What specific lab/technical skills have you gained that will be useful in this PhD project?

Provide a recent advancement in the field (biomedical science/oral microbiome/treatment etc?)

A challenging situation you faced and what you did to overcome it?

Flow cytometry example which led to developed of plate-based bioluminescent dye assay method for CDC.

What do you think are the impacts (societal, scientific, healthcare) that would arise from completion of this PhD? (5 given!)

1. Improved treatment and quality of life for IBD patients as MicroMods offer an alternative microbiome-targeted, oral treatment, circumventing conventional drugs and improving patient outcomes. 2. Reduced NHS Healthcare costs as MicroMods could promote a more sustainable healthcare system by providing an affordable and accessible orally administered treatment option that patients can take at home. 3. MicroMods could serve as a preventative treatment for high-risk individuals, a direct therapy to mitigate dysbiosis worsened with conventional treatments, or as a maintenance therapy. 4. The work in this PhD to develop MicroMods could be adapted and implemented to address dysbiosis across chronic diseases by targeting disease-specific bacterial profiles. 5. Project will develop improved models for prebiotic screening and validation, which will undoubtedly serve to create tools and insights beneficial for researchers across disciplines.

“Tell me about the PhD project”

Name of PhD project.

MicroMods: Precision Microcomposites for Personalised Microbiome Modulation in IBD and Health

Name of primary supervisor.

Dr Richard Horniblow

Name of secondary supervisors.

Professor Zhibing Zhang, Dr Lucy Crouch

“Tell us about yourself”

Degree program, volunteering, summer schools, youth boards, uni positions

What do you plan to do after you complete your PhD?

“What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?”

I'm a very committed and determined individual. I believe this can be seen in my academic journey. For example, knowing I’d want to apply for a PhD, I applied for both Imperial’s Summer School and UAB’s Summer School in Spain and attended both via scholarship.

I've realized I sometimes struggle with public speaking, but I'm actively working to improve this. For example, this year I was the School Representative for the School of Biological Sciences at Leicester which involved speaking at meetings and co-hosting a careers panel for undergraduate final year students. I was also part of my university’s Gospel Choir society where we performed at both university events and at competitions.

Give an example of a time you demonstrated leadership.

NHS Youth Forum returning member example