Professor Dr. Julie Mcdonald

Biography

Julie McDonald specializes in Microbiome Research in the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial College London. Her research focuses on the human gut microbiota, which comprises a diverse community of microorganisms essential for maintaining intestinal health. Disruption of this microbiota can lead to increased susceptibility to infections from pathogens, particularly under antibiotic exposure. Julie aims to develop novel microbiome therapeutics that restore microbiota-mediated colonisation resistance and decolonise multidrug-resistant pathogens from the intestine. Her work addresses the pressing issue of antimicrobial resistance, which poses a significant threat to public health and often results in treatment failures and poor clinical outcomes. Her group employs various methodologies, including artificial gut models and a range of “omic” techniques, to better understand gut colonisation resistance and the competitive dynamics between gut microbiota and pathogens. Julie holds a PhD in Molecular Cellular Biology and has previously completed a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and Microbiology.

Research Interests

Experience