About me:

Dr Anne Leonard is an environmental epidemiologist and microbiologist working across disciplines to understand the presence and dissemination of antimicrobial resistant bacteria in natural environments, and the impact on human health resulting from exposure to resistant bacteria in natural environments.

Anne joined the European Centre for Environment and Human Health in 2013 to undertake a PhD in Medical Sciences. After completing her PhD in 2016, she conducted research with the University of Exeter and the Chinese University of Hong Kong into antibiotic resistant bacteria in coastal bathing waters in Hong Kong. Following on from this, she was awarded an Industrial Innovation Fellowship by the Natural Environment Research Council into quantifying the contributing that landscape-scale processes make to the transmission of antibiotic resistant bacteria in coastal bathing waters.

Interests:

I aim to conduct research that provides evidence towards real-world decision-making aimed at protecting and improving public health.

I use a variety of methods to investigate the threat that microorganisms in the coastal zone pose to human health. I have experience of conducting systematic reviews, designing and analysing epidemiological surveys, and public engagement. My microbiological research has utilised culture-based and molecular methods, including membrane filtration, PCR and high-throughput sequencing techniques and analyses.

Qualifications:

• 2023 Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy
• 2016 PhD (University of Exeter)
• 2011 MSc (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine)
• 2010 BSc (University of Exeter)