James Blaxland

My role at the ZERO2FIVE food industry centre focuses on the decontamination of the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes from both food and food preparation areas. Listeria is the causative agent of listeriosis a rare, but potentially life threatening condition which typically affects certain groups of people, which includes; those who are immunosuppressed, pregnant or elderly.

I teach on a number of programmes within Cardiff Metropolitan University, but namely Food Science and Technology in the areas of microbiology, biochemistry, food chemistry and food safety management. I am passionate about science communication and public engagement, I regularly visit schools, colleges and events to promote food science and microbiology. I am also academic lead for student recruitment.

I initially graduated from Cardiff Metropolitan University in 2006 and 2011 with a BSc and MSc respectively in Biomedical Science (Medical Microbiology) where I investigated the antimicrobial effect of honey on a range of pathogenic microorganisms. Following on from this, I undertook a PhD in Pharmaceutical Microbiology at Cardiff University where I investigated the antimicrobial activity of hops (a plant used within the brewing industry) and its potential to prevent the growth of mycobacteria spp, especially those concerned with bovine human and animal tuberculosis (TB) and cystic fibrosis. Post PhD I have worked on a number of projects with DSTL (The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Porton Down, UK) identifying novel decontamination strategies for spores of Bacillus anthracis the causative agent of anthrax.