Gwillym has a strong passion for understanding new developments in science, particularly those within microbiology and infectious disease control. He has a B.Sc. in microbiology from the University of Sheffield where he gained knowledge in the molecular mechanisms of infectious disease, with a particular focus on tuberculosis and Staphylococcus aureus.
Through this, he developed an interest in a public health approach to infectious disease control, which led him to pursue an M.P.H. in public health also at the University of Sheffield. This enabled him to develop skills in epidemiology and research methods applicable to his area of interest.
His master’s dissertation was a systematic review and meta-analysis focused on determining any association between sputum smear result and the prevalence of multiple drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in tuberculosis patients. This developed skills in taking a detail-oriented approach to analyzing a high volume of data, which he applies to all areas of his work.
In undertaking this work he also gained a deeper understanding of the impact of social factors such as homelessness, drug use and alcoholism on the prevalence of MDR-TB. So, also understanding the wider social and political context around the disease.
In addition to tuberculosis, Gwillym has particular interests in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), such as onchocerciasis and schistosomiasis. AMR will be one of the key medical problems of the coming decades, and we must be able to have effective antimicrobials or find new ways to fight infectious diseases.
The interest in the NTDs is based on a desire to improve the quality of life for the most vulnerable and isolated people who are most affected by these diseases. The basis of NTDs is often in low socio-economic development, for example, schistosomiasis would largely be prevented by proper sanitation.
Gwillym enjoys using writing opportunities to expand his knowledge of scientific concepts, allowing him to apply this knowledge to future areas of work. Writing for AZoNetwork allows him to learn about new developments in molecular biology and public health that contribute to the improvement of medicine and human health.