What can the microbes in our soils reveal about antimicrobial resistance? For PhD researcher Kamrun Nahar Sheuly, this question connects agricultural research with a lifelong interest in protecting people’s health.

Based at The University of Western Australia, Kamrun works with SAAFE industry partner Troforte Solutions to investigate antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in horticultural soils, including urban and peri-urban community gardens around Perth. Kamrun’s PhD research is supervised by Hackett Professor Kadambot Siddique and Associate Professor Zakaria Solaiman at UWA.

Her research combines field sampling, laboratory analysis and glasshouse experiments to explore how farming practices and organic amendments, including compost, influence soil microbial communities and antibiotic resistance genes.

“Microorganisms and resistance genes can exist in soil, water, animals and food systems,” Kamrun explains. “That’s why managing AMR requires a One Health approach that considers human, animal and environmental health together.”

She aims to identify sustainable approaches to soil management that could help reduce environmental AMR risks while supporting soil and crop health.

With a background in agriculture, biotechnology and microbiology, Kamrun brings a longstanding interest in human and environmental wellbeing to her research.

“Since childhood, I wanted to become a medical doctor and contribute to helping humanity,” she says. “Although my academic journey led me to agriculture and biotechnology, that motivation to work on issues connected to health and society remained strong.”

“I was attracted to SAAFE CRC because it brings together researchers, industry partners and scientists to work on real challenges and come up with practical solutions for sustainable agriculture systems,” she says.

A typical day might take Kamrun from collecting soil samples in community gardens to laboratory analysis or glasshouse trials, followed by interpreting microbial sequencing data and preparing research manuscripts and figures.

Outside of research, Kamrun enjoys spending time with her children, reading, and visiting Perth’s beaches to unwind after busy research days.

Her personal motto reflects the approach she brings to both research and life:

“Keep learning, stay curious, and work with purpose.”