Jess, the Scientist

I am fascinated by the many roles microbes play in our lives, both in promoting health and supporting sustainable technologies. My interests include the microbiome, skin health, probiotics, bioremediation, microbial genetics and biotechnology. I am particularly interested in how bacteria can be harnessed to improve health and produce valuable compounds for medical, environmental or industrial use. I enjoy investigating the genetic and metabolic pathways that underpin these processes, especially where they offer practical applications.

I have a BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences (with microbiology and molecular biology) and an MSc in Bioscience Technology. I went on to complete a PhD in Synthetic Biology and worked in academic and applied research before becoming a lecturer in Biomedical Science at De Montfort University.

Publications

Microbiological insights and dermatological applications of live biotherapeutic products

Locker, J. et al.

Journal of Applied Microbiology, 135, 8 (2024)

First author of a review exploring the microbiological mechanisms and dermatological potential of live biotherapeutic products, with a focus on skin health and clinical applications.

Antibacterial validation of electrogenerated hypochlorite using carbon‐based electrodes

Locker, J., Fitzgerald, P. & Sharp, D.
Lett. Appl. Microbiol. 59, 636–641 (2014).

First author paper based on my undergraduate dissertation project, investigating the electrogenerated production of hypochlorite and the bactericidal effects on 4 major species.

The genetic basis of 3-hydroxypropanoate metabolism in Cupriavidus necator H16

Arenas-López, C. et al.

Biotechnol. Biofuels 12, 150 (2019)

2nd author on a paper investigating the consumption of 3-hydroxypropionic acid and the relevance to biotechnology.