Cameron McKeddie

To start, can you tell us a bit about yourself and what led you to the Pasteur-UK Masters programme?

CM: Sure!  I’m currently undertaking my final year of an integrated Masters in Microbiology at the University of Glasgow. There, I have kindled a passion for infectious disease and translational research, particularly with regards to combatting the pandemic spread of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens. As part of my Masters degree, I had the opportunity to undertake a work placement year and, being a die-hard history buff and microbiology nerd, I naturally sought to conduct my placement at the Institut Pasteur. The Institut Pasteur has a rich legacy built upon the fundamental conception of germ theory and development of the first rabies and anthrax vaccines by Louis Pasteur himself. Today, the institute engages in tireless efforts in preserving global wellbeing through international research initiatives and disease surveillance as well as making their science accessible through public outreach. The opportunity to contribute to such an incredible mission made the decision an easy one, and so I decided to push myself out of my comfort zone and move to Paris for a year.

 

That’s great!  And what sort of research were you doing at Pasteur in Paris?

I was fortunate to spend half of my year undertaking a research project with Dr Laurent Debarbieux whose lab focuses on the therapeutic applications of bacteriophage. Bacteriophage are viruses that infect and destroy bacteria just as antibiotics do, but they possess several characteristics that make them an appealing avenue of research. To name a couple, the ability of each bacteriophage to kill specific bacterial species, including those resistant to antibiotics, makes therapy precise and limits off-target impacts, and their ability to evolve alongside their prey limits the potential for development of bacterial resistance to treatment. And even if resistance does develop, there are an estimated 10 nonillion (that’s 10 thousand, billion, billion, billion!) bacteriophage particles on Earth, so there’s lots of potential for discovery of new candidate treatments! As such, bacteriophage present a promising area of research as existing antibiotics grow increasingly ineffective. My project investigated whether bacteriophage could be used to eliminate reservoirs of pathogenic E. coli in the gut of colonised mice.

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As you say, that sounds like really interesting and important work.  How did you find Pasteur more generally in terms of your own personal and professional development?

Professionally, I was pushed a lot more than I ever was in teaching labs at university. I was given a lot of autonomy in the lab, both in terms of planning and conducting experiments. I learned to be proficient in troubleshooting, as it became increasingly clear that science is a process of trial and error but also a great test of determination and resilience. There were many fantastic opportunities outside of the lab to network, attend scientific conferences, and present my work in front of the lab and experts in the field. Personally, immersing myself within an unfamiliar environment exposed me to so many experiences I otherwise wouldn’t have had. I have cycled on the South coast of France, made day trips to Luxembourg, and attended the Olympic games! I have made lasting friendships and fostered a new level of confidence and independence while on placement. For me, the experience has been entirely transformative.

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It’s great to hear it was such a positive experience for you. After having this experience, do you feel the opportunity to have an international experience at an early stage is something you would recommend to other early-career researchers?

Science is a global effort, and research continues to transcend borders. It was Pasteur that said “science knows no country”. By embarking on an international research placement, you are showing to funding bodies and future colleagues and collaborators that you recognise this by actively engaging with such a mindset. Moving abroad to work in an unfamiliar environment is intimidating, but through adversity you can reap immense benefits. You will be exposed to new ways of thinking and your ability to improvise will be tested. You will learn to manage uncertainty and find comfort in understanding that initial failure is supplemented with invaluable lessons that lead to long-term success. This open-mindedness, adaptability, and resilience in the face of adversity is highly sought after in both academic and industrial research settings. Ultimately, striving to live outside of your comfort zone is the best way to develop these aspects of your character, and it will set you well on your way to becoming a dependable and empathetic collaborator.

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And finally, is there any advice you would give to students in your position thinking about undertaking a placement abroad?

My advice would be to not allow the fear of the unknown to prevent you from embarking on a similar journey. Science is a continual process of trying, failing, adapting, and eventually succeeding; and every successful scientist you know has been through it countless times. It’s a deeply humbling process, and that means you are often surrounded by an empathetic and supportive network of peers and mentors who are willing to offer advice and words of encouragement. So, make use of them! Make every effort to be proactive, preparing well in advance your paperwork and accommodation, but also be open to challenges. An international placement is a test of character, and through momentary discomfort, you will come out the other end far stronger.