People

Francesco De Batté (Part-time NERC GW4+ PhD student Oct 2023 – May 2030) project in collaboration with Tom Gorochowski

My PhD research is co-supervised by Tiffany Taylor and Thomas Gorochowski, who have expertise in evolutionary microbiology and synthetic biology respectively. During my undergraduate studies (BA and MSci Natural Sciences) at the University of Cambridge, I enjoyed getting involved in the Synthetic Biology Society and learning about evolutionary theory. I’m excited to spend the next 3.5 years of my life exploring the interface of synthetic biology and evolution, trying to use synthetic biology to test evolutionary hypotheses and to use our understanding of evolution to inform the design of predictably evolvable living systems. (@FrancescoDB_ and @francescodb.bsky.social)

Christopher Lush (Royal Society funded PhD student: Jan 2024 – Jan 2028)

My project looks at the role of transcription factor promiscuity in determining alternative rewiring pathways in gene regulatory networks, using an approach that brings together molecular biology and experimental evolution.  I completed my BSc in Genetics at the University of Manchester in 2021, and an MSc in Biotechnology at the University of Glasgow in 2022. Before joining the Taylor lab I worked in visitor engagement for Cambridge’s Museum of Zoology, and I continue to hold a strong interest in science communication. (@ChrisJLush and @cjlush.bsky.social) 

Keira Cozens (Part-time Evolution Education Trust funded PhD student: Oct 2021-March 2028 [co-supervised by Ed Feil])

My interest in antimicrobial resistance began when I studied Biomedical Science (BSc) at UWE, Bristol, where I specialised in Microbiology and Immunology. I thoroughly enjoyed my laboratory project investigating the antibacterial efficacy of novel bacteriophages against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. With the desire to develop my molecular skills, I did an MSc in Molecular Microbiology at the University of Bath. Due to the pandemic, I ended up developing my computer-based skills and an interest in bioinformatics, which led me to my current PhD project. My PhD project involves using sequencing data to examine the transmission of plasmids carrying antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes between humans, animals, and the environment.

I am also passionate about science communication and art; I am one of the City Coordinators for the Pint of Science festival in Bath, and I run my own shop where I sell microbiology-themed jewellery and stickers!(@PinkPetri and @pinkpetri.bsky.social)

Beth Morillo-Hall (Evolution Education Trust funded PhD student: Oct 2024 – Sept 2028)

After completing my BSc in Biology from the University of Sussex, I embarked on a rewarding 20-year teaching career, working my way up to Assistant Headteacher whilst experiencing a wide variety of educational settings both nationally and internationally.

My journey in education, and my subsequent MA, sparked a deep passion for creating engaging, accessible learning materials that empower students to develop both their metacognitive abilities and a solid understanding of key scientific principles. I’ve faced the realities of trying to inspire and educate students within the limitations of rigid curriculums, tight budgets, and understaffed classrooms. This has driven me to pursue a PhD focussed on the role of practical and inquiry-based teaching techniques in students’ understanding of evolutionary concepts. 

I am committed to uncovering new strategies that will not only engage students but also deepen their understanding of a such a core scientific principle that remains with them far beyond their time in education.

Jasmine Thomas-Campbell (BBSRC SWBio PhD student: Oct 2024 – Sept 2028)

My PhD project aims to investigate how a novel innate defence system coined MADS and the CRISPR-Cas adaptive immune system provide synergistic levels of immunity against bacteriophage infection, in the WHO priority bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Using experimental evolution and molecular biology techniques I hope to elucidate how these antiviral defence systems are regulated and what environmental cues trigger their expression. I received an integrated master’s in Conservation Biology and Ecology from the University of Exeter in 2022.  Where I developed an interest in host-pathogen co-evolution, specifically how pathogens respond to selection pressures arising from host adaptations and environmental factors. Since graduating I have worked as a teaching technician at University of Exeter, but I missed conducting research in the Lab. This led me to start my PhD in the Taylor lab Group, at the University of Bath. (Project in collaboration with Prof Edze Westra, University of Exeter). (@jasminetc2000)

Dr Yueyi Cai (BBSRC sLola “MultiDefence” funded Postdoc: Jan 2025 – Dec 2027)

I completed my PhD in 2024 at the University of Liverpool, where I studied how a prophage can contribute the fitness and virulence of its bacterial host. I found that some phages can “kidnap” the host using tiny bits of DNA, making the bacteria do what they want. However, bacteria aren’t just passive victims—they have multiple defense systems to stop phages and other Mobile Genetic Elements from controlling them. The microbial world is full of surprises, like a detective novel where one clever trap might hide another. In my current research in Taylor’s lab, I’m looking into how these defense systems get triggered and how they work together at the molecular level. By uncovering these hidden strategies, I feel like I’m flipping to the next unseen page of the story. (@wuzeichuan and
@yueyicai.bsky.social)

Maryam Yazdizadeh-Ravari (BBSRC sLola “MultiDefence” funded Senior Research Technician (0.5FTE): Jan 2025 – Aug 2026)

After receiving my degree in veterinary medicine, I practised for 7 years in the field of farm animals where I encountered different infectious diseases and antibiotic treatment failures. This experience inspired me to shift my career to be a researcher in the antimicrobial resistance field. I completed a master’s in Molecular Bioscience (Microbiology) at the University of Bath where I was able to deepen my understanding of antimicrobial resistance. Later, I joined the Jones Lab at the University of Bath as a Research Technician investigating diverse mechanisms involved in biocidal tolerance in strains isolated from catheter-associated urinary tract infections. This experience allowed me to develop many microbiological, molecular and computational competencies. I recently joined the Taylor Lab as a Research Technician to explore the regulatory system of multi-layered defence systems in bacteria against mobile genetic elements. I am so excited to develop further skills and knowledge as part of the Taylor Group.  

Incoming…

You?

I am always happy to hear from prospective students and postdocs interested in my ongoing projects to discuss funding opportunities.

Alan Rice (Postdoctoral researcher Aug 2022 – Dec 2023), went on to become a Clinical Bioinformatician at the UCD National Virus Reference Laboratory

Louise Flanagan (PhD student Feb 2019 – Dec 2023), went on to do a postdoc in Dr Danna Gifford’s lab at the University of Manchester

Gretel Waugh (Part-time Research Technician: May 2023 – Aug 2024), went on to another research technician position at the University of Exeter while she finishes her PhD from the University of Queensland; Then again (Part-time Senior Research Technician Jan 2025 – Nov 2025), went on to do a postdoc in Dr Kat Coyte’s lab at the University of Manchester.

James Horton (Postdoc: Jul 2021-Jun 2024; PhD student Oct 2017 – Jun 2021), awarded an EMBO independent postdoc fellowship to work at the Institut Cochin with Ivan Matic

Josie Elliott (BBSRC SWBio PhD student Oct 2020- Oct 2024), went on to do a postdoc in Dr Anne Chevallereau ‘s lab at the CNRS in Lyon.

Olivia Rose (Research Assistant, on BBSRC project “Predicting Evolution”: Nov 2024 – Aug 2025), was successful in securing an SWBio DTP studentship at the University of Exeter.