This PhD project focuses on assessing the suitability of the wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) approach for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance with an emphasis on characterising and reducing uncertainties. Our group at The University of Queensland has pioneered wastewater-based epidemiology, particularly regarding understanding and reducing uncertainties. Our collaborators at the University of Exeter are world leaders in environmental AMR and they lead a transnational network on Environmental AMR surveillance. This interdisciplinary project combines molecular microbiology, environmental chemistry, environmental risk assessment, epidemiology, and pollution science and is likely to have a significant impact on our understanding of AMR in human populations.
This project aims to systematically evaluate wastewater surveillance for AMR by working through the WBE biomarker suitability workflows, which includes assessing sampling methodology, in-sewer, and in-sample stability. We will then model the findings for specific wastewater catchments to reveal associations between AMR endpoints, demographics, pharmaceutical residue, and pharmaceutical usage data, as well as associated risks of AMR selection.
Research Outcomes
Spent seven months at ESI (Environment and Sustainability Institute), University of Exeter as a part of my QUEX scholarship. A new methodology to compare the selection potential of antibiotic transformative products to its parent compound in wastewater was developed.
Industry Placement
Completing industry placement with Queensland Health's Water Unit (April - October 2025).
Conference Abstracts
Lakhey, P., Zhai, N., Leonard, A.F.C., Murray, A.K., Thomas, K.V., Gaze, W.H. & O’Brien, J.W. Advancing metagenomic approaches for AMR surveillance in Australian wastewater, QUEX International Symposium, Brisbane, Australia, 1-2 July 2024.
Lakhey, P., Zhai, N., Clarke, L.M., Leonard, A.F.C., Murray, A.K., Thomas, K.V., Gaze, W.H. & O’Brien, J.W. Advancing metagenomic approaches for AMR surveillance in Australian wastewater, Antibiotic Resistance and Mechanism Workshop for Researchers, United Kingdom, 21-22 November 2024.
Lakhey, P., Zhai, N., Clarke, L.M., Leonard, A.F.C., Murray, A.K., Thomas, K.V., Gaze, W.H. & O’Brien, J.W. Advancing metagenomic approaches for AMR surveillance in Australian wastewater, Microbiology Society Annual Conference 2025, United Kingdom, 31 March – 3 April 2025.
Prizes/Awards
- 2024 UQ's QAEHS/School of Pharmacy 3 Minute Thesis Competition, People's Choice Award
