Beyond the Biofilm: Rethinking How We Support Scientists

Embracing Neurodivergence

I’ve always had an affinity for science. I love the multiple things you can be with it – a researcher, a teacher, philosopher, inventor, writer and I really enjoy innovation and improving quality of life and exploring different ways to achieve that.

I’m autistic and I have ADHD and this impact s how I approach life and science. I pursue what interests me even if I don’t necessarily have the background in it and I believe my passion and ability to pick up skills quickly will carry me forward. It’s not without its challenges, of course, but it’s allowed me to research a variety of things – from stem cell transplants to bio-electronic devices to now developing novel anti-biofilm solutions.

Becoming a Multidisciplinary Scientist

It’s been wonderful to become a multidisciplinary scientist and be part of research that really speaks to me. My current research focuses on the development of antibacterial and anti-biofilm surface modifications. It’s a lovely combination of biology and engineering, mainly focussed on microbiology and material surface science. So, the modification can theoretically be applied to a variety of products or services, with my work kind of primarily focusing on healthcare and the food sector.

A Sustainable Approach to Fighting Bacteria

The modifications have been able to demonstrate significant reductions in biofilm formation for several different bacterial species. The surface modification is not bactericidal, so it’s not putting pressure on the bacteria to develop resistance. It’s a much more sustainable approach and can be used alongside other antibacterials to improve their efficacy and prevent that overuse or misuse, which would otherwise contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Real-World Impact and Vision for Change

I’m hoping that the research will reduce biofilm related infection and contamination associated within healthcare in the food industry. It has the potential to reduce hospital stays and antibiotic use to increasing shelf life of foods and reducing food poverty. These are areas that biofilms are making a devastating impact, so this type of research, I believe it is very relevant.

The research is ongoing, but there have been some really exciting results. I can’t reveal too much, but we are exploring a patent application and will hopefully be able get this innovation out the lab to actually help people.

Navigating Science as a Disabled, Queer Woman

Being a disabled queer woman means I face challenges that certainly impact my scientific career. It has given me a unique mind and outlook. However, especially with disabilities, I sometimes require a level of flexibility that the scientific community does not always offer. However, I have found that the greater challenges are these misconceptions and ableism. I’m often excluded, or made fun of and I’ve been bullied in the workplace, and this has allowed me to develop a significant amount of resilience.

The Reality of Ableism in Academia

But it does make you question whether it is the right career for you. I think the statistic is that of around 80% of autistic people are unemployed or struggle to find full-time, long-term work, and that obviously multiple reasons for this. But I do believe that these misconceptions, these ableist views people can have, along with the communication gaps and lack of resources play a huge role.

This being said, there have been a few compassionate, innovative individuals that have allowed me to be part of their research groups and who have provided a level of understanding and flexibility. I’ve been fortunate enough to have opportunities, to get an education, and learn about things I really love.

I would like to see more genuine compassion and opportunity for flexibility and adjustments and in my experience, I find that support can be fairly superficial. There’s a lot of awareness, but a lack of practical support, and there are often so many hurdles to jump over to get the help you need, which is time consuming and anxiety inducing and puts people off exploring it.

So quicker, more streamlined processes with the point of call to provide guidance, not judgment for the implementation of reasonable adjustments would be fantastic, not just from a personal or moral outlook, but you’re going to get better science because your employees will actually feel supported and will want to stay in your organisation.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC) were able to support me to do Innovate UK’s ICURe programme to learn more about entrepreneurship, intellectual property and spinning out from the university. This was a wonderful opportunity, particularly for seeing my technology through a different lens and also allowing me to become more comfortable with the idea that I could be the one to take this forward.

Looking to the Future

I currently have funding until next year, so I’ll continue the research demonstrating the efficacy of these surface modifications in real world conditions. Hopefully, I’ll be filing patents and publishing several papers in the coming months and I believe this will solidify myself as a respectable, multidisciplinary scientist. From there, there’s no plan set in stone, but I do hope that my career continues to challenge and excite me.

I’ve been working with biofilms for nearly two years, and I think they’re absolutely fascinating. Their complexity and their impact is mind blowing and I’m excited to see the novel approaches to manage biofilms, but also harness them and use them for good.

Find out more

If you are interested in learning more about Dannielle’s work and would like to connect, please contact NBIC at nbic@biofilms.ac.uk

Dr Dannielle Cox-Pridmore, Postdoctoral Researcher at Norwich Research Park. Dannielle works across the University of East Anglia, Quadram Institute and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.