Meet The Team

Cosmin graduated as a vet in 2010 from the University of Bristol, and followed his veterinary degree with an MSc by research in veterinary parasitology and a PhD on the development of vaccines against Campylobacter in chickens. He has extensive experience of laboratory and in vivo research on poultry infectious diseases and microbiological food safety. Outside of work he enjoys hiking with his dogs, gardening, mountain-biking, and more recently dabbling in taxidermy.

Sam has a master’s degree in biomedical science and over 10 years of managerial experience, having previously worked in hospitality. She joined our laboratory team in 2021, and worked as a scientist and quality manager before progressing to laboratory supervisor and then to Laboratory Operations Manager. She enjoys spending her free time with her family and going travelling.

After graduating from Dundee University in 2020 with a degree in biological sciences, Suzanna worked in a food safety laboratory. She joined us in 2021 as a scientist, and has since been promoted to quality manager.

After graduating from the University of York with a BSc (Hons) in biology and gaining experience at the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science in Weymouth, Ben joined Poultry Health Services in 2018. In his own time, he is a keen amateur photographer and something of a video game connoisseur.

Julie has a HNC in applied biology, with a distinction in microbiology, and joined Poultry Health Services in 2020. She began her career as a food microbiologist before joining APHA, where she worked on the identification of microorganisms pathogenic to animals.

Kitty studied archaeology at the University of York, and her degree course focused on animals in archaeology and prehistory. Her dissertation project explored the development of commensalism in house mice in neolithic Europe. In her free time, she enjoys creative writing and drawing, as well as spending time with her two cats.

Ben graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2020 with a degree in biochemistry, and later obtained a master’s degree in advanced biochemistry. He joined the Newbridge Scientific laboratory team in 2023 as a trainee scientist, and enjoys reading books, playing video games, and spending time with friends and family.

Erin graduated from the University of Stirling in 2022 with a degree in animal biology, and joined our team as a lab technician the following year. Her favourite pastimes include reading, scuba diving and going to concerts.

Ed holds a BSc in Biochemistry and a Master’s in Research in Biomedical Science. He recently joined the team in his first laboratory role since completing his studies, bringing fresh enthusiasm and a strong academic background to the lab.  Outside of work, Ed is passionate about canine agility and actively trains and competes with his dog. He’s also an avid martial artist, dedicating time to MMA and kickboxing, an enjoys capturing dynamic moments through sports photography.

Jasmyn joined the team in April as a trainee scientist, following experience in pharmacy. She holds a BSc in Applied Bioscience and an MSc in Advanced Biomedical Science. Outside of work, Jasmyn enjoys discovering new places with her family and relaxing with a good TV series.

Slavena has completed her Master’s degree in Medical Genetics and Genomics from the University of Glasgow in 2020 and since then she worked as a customer and technical support in the biotech industry. In her free time, she is enjoys reading books, cooking or working on various projects within the Synthetic Biology community

Janki completed her PhD in applied microbiology from Edinburgh Napier University in 2024 with research on anti-microbial and anti-biofilm activity of biosurfactants against human pathogens. She previously worked as a microbiologist in India where she gained experience working in ISO 17025 lab for testing cosmetics, homecare, food, water, and water purifiers along with assisting in clinical trials and audits. She has two publications on biosurfactants in reputed journals. She joined the team in 2024 as a scientist. She enjoys cooking and reading