PhD Perspectives 25/26

Can you give us an overview of your PhD project?

My PhD project title is “Evaluating the agricultural practices and regulatory environment that govern antimicrobial use in Ireland.” I am supervised by Professors Elaine Moriarty and Trevor Hodkinson, the latter who is the lead PI of our larger research group, RESIST-AMR. This research team uses a multidisciplinary approach to understand the issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and utilises expertise from plant scientists, clinical and environmental microbiologists, geneticists, computer scientists, bioengineers, and sociologists. My specific research involves understanding the issue of AMR from the policy level to the implementation and practice on the ground by farmers and other stakeholders.  

What has been the most surprising or interesting finding in your research so far?

My first paper will be a content analysis of agricultural newspapers to investigate how antimicrobial use and resistance is portrayed. My analysis includes articles from 2014 to 2024 and it is interesting to see how the framing of AMR has changed over time and in response to different policy developments. My particular interest is in the One Health approach, which recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. It was interesting to see that this approach was used in the agricultural newspapers to describe the risk of AMR, as early on as 2014. 

How do you think your research could impact the field of sociology or society as a whole?

In regards to the field of sociology, I think that my research offers a unique contribution as it is shaped by the collaboration with the entire RESIST-AMR team and I have the opportunity to hear feedback from experts in much different fields. This is a part of a wider movement within One Health research to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, though typically between the medical, veterinary, and environmental sciences. Through the project, I can help to strengthen the presence and representation of social sciences within this collaborative space. 

Within society as a whole, my aim is to provide an opportunity for farmers and other agricultural stakeholders to voice their related views and practices. Coming from a farming family and community myself, I think it’s important to showcase the work that farmers do on an everyday basis and their contribution to human, animal, and environmental health. I hope to provide a better picture to policy makers of the implementation and impact of legislation on the ground and overall to contribute to synergy across policy levels. 

What advice would you give to other students who are considering pursuing a PhD in sociology? 

I think it’s important to choose a topic that you are passionate about and do some research as to what type of project/programme you would like to be a part of. This will have an impact on the day-to-day work that you do, the level of support you will get, what additional responsibilities you might have, and the networks you will be able to build.  

My other advice would be to consider incorporating stakeholders early on in the development of your project, or even project proposal. My project’s advisory group, made up of vets, public health experts, virologists, and agricultural advisors and researchers, has been invaluable in the development of research questions and designs which are relevant and practical for those working on the ground. 

October 2025