Emily May Stevenson (She/Her)

My research explores the intersection of plastic pollution, AMR, and microbial ecology, with a focus on understanding how pollutants drive resistance evolution and cross-compartment transmission within One Health frameworks.

I completed my PhD at the University of Exeter and Plymouth Marine Laboratory in 2025, where I investigated the role of plastics as vectors for AMR in aquatic systems, integrating in vitro, in situ, and in vivo approaches. This work included developing an animal exposure model to assess how AMR moves from contaminated environments to animal microbiomes and potentially humans. My thesis combines classical microbiology, molecular methods, and advanced sequencing, and has resulted in four peer-reviewed publications, with one under review and an additional data chapter.

Beyond my doctoral work, I bring expertise in experimental evolution, environmental risk assessment, and computational analyses. As a Research Assistant, I co-developed methods to experimentally determine minimum selective concentrations for antifungal agents, applied in policy contexts and published in peer-reviewed literature. I also contributed to the development of the SELECT framework for high-throughput AMR selection studies. During an international research placement at the University of Queensland, I expanded these approaches to study chemical mixtures, combining experimental work with risk assessment frameworks to assess selection pressures under complex environmental scenarios.

Alongside research, I have significant experience in policy engagement. As a senior policy intern for the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, I evaluated UK legislation supporting a One Health approach to AMR, working under Baroness Natalie Bennett in the House of Lords. I also represented youth voices on the G7 Climate & Environment track in 2021, influencing global policy agendas.

I am the co-founder of Beach Guardian, a conservation NGO that has engaged thousands of volunteers, partnered with global companies like PepsiCo and Nissan, and influenced policy change. This work earned recognition from the UK Prime Minister (Points of Light Award) and the Diana Award for humanitarian efforts.

Qualifications:

• BSc Hons Marine Biology – University of Plymouth
• MSc Conservation Science and Policy – University of Exeter
• PhD Medical Studies - University of Exeter & Plymouth Marine Laboratory