Dr Frances Colles
College Lecturer in Biology
Frances Colles is a microbiologist and state registered Biomedical Scientist who began her career working in veterinary and clinical diagnostic labs for the UK Government and NHS. She was inspired to move to research after undertaking a Masters degree in medical microbiology while training at the John Radcliffe hospital in Oxford.
She later obtained a DPhil from the University of Oxford, investigating food safety linked with farming, and continues to work as an advisor for the WHO, UN and UK Government in this area. She has developed a number of molecular typing systems to advance global identification and research of bacterial lineages in what can be challenging circumstances.
Current research projects include tracing the source of antimicrobial resistant lineages of human disease causing Campylobacter, and the impact of gut health on the welfare of chickens and subsequent risk to human health.
Teaching:
Frances lectures in microbiology and infectious diseases, and teaches microbiology practicals for biology and pre-clinical medical students. She regularly undertakes outreach activities for schools and the general public.