Miss Angie Beckett
Summary
I am a molecular microbiologist who utilises nanopore sequencing to search the genomes of environmental microorganisms for novel polymer (and thus plastic) degrading genes. Plastic has become so ubiquitous in the environment that some microorganisms have evolved to break it down and utilise it as a carbon source. We can take this process and enhance it for our own benefit. Namely to create a circular plastic economy, in which plastic can be efficiently recycled, instead of the de-cycling into lower quality plastic that is the current industry standard.
Since 2020, I have helped to establish and maintain The South Coast Sequencing Hub for the COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) Consortium, for which I have been recognised as a key contributor. This is a network of research institutes, public health agencies and NHS Trusts, working together to understand the spread of the virus across the UK. Through the use of whole genome sequencing of virus samples, we are able to further understand how the virus spreads, identify direct transmission chains in hospitals and other settings, and identify potential variants of concern.
I believe in communicating science to others and making the subject more accessible. I regularly participate in public outreach events, with a particular focus on encouraging and supporting women in STEM.
Biography
I am a scientist who holds a Masters with distinction in Biomedical Science; specialising in medical microbiology as well as a Bachelor of Science in Biology.
Previous to my employment at the University of Portsmouth, I have over 5 years R&D experience working in industry. In my first job, at Enigma Diagnostics, I developed a point-of-care diagnostic assay for viral meningitis, as well as performing testing on flu viruses. This involved cell culture, virology and qPCR.
In my next role as a Senior Fermentation Scientist at Porton Biopharma Limited (PBL), I led the development of a second generation Anthrax vaccine as well generating and executing innovative project ideas. During this time; I developed and performed protein analytical assays, worked at Containment Level 3, managed high containment laboratories, performed vaccine fermentations and had line management responsibilities.
Research interests
- Next generation sequencing
- Bioinformatics for biologists
- Infectious disease
- Environmental biology
Research outputs
2025
Impact of microbiological molecular methodologies on adaptive sampling using nanopore sequencing in metagenomic studies
Herbert, J., Thompson, S., Beckett, A. H., Robson, S. C.
5 May 2025, In: Environmental Microbiome. 20, 1, 18p., 47
Research output: Article
2023
Management of a large outbreak of COVID-19 at a British Army training centre: lessons for the future
Routledge, M., Lyon, J., Vincent, C., Gordon Clarke, A., Shawcross, K., Turpin, C., Cormack, H., Robson, S. C., Beckett, A., Glaysher, S., Cook, K., Fearn, C., Goudarzi, S., Hutley, E. J., Ross, D.
22 Nov 2023, In: BMJ Military Health. 169
Research output: Article
Cracking Covid: The history of COG-UK: how a community came together to break the COVID code and brought about a revolution in genomic surveillance
Robson, S., Beckett, A. H.
1 Apr 2023, In: What is Biotechnology?
Research output: Article
Combining viral genomics and clinical data to assess risk factors for severe COVID-19 (mortality, ICU admission, or intubation) amongst hospital patients in a large acute UK NHS hospital Trust
Foxley-Marrable, M., D'Cruz, L., Meredith, P., Glaysher, S., Beckett, A. H., Goudarzi, S., Fearn, C., Cook, K. F., Loveson, K. F., Dent, H., Paul, H., Elliott, S., Wyllie, S., Lloyd, A., Bicknell, K.,
23 Mar 2023, In: PLoS One. 18, 3, 29p., e0283447
Research output: Article
Nanopore sequencing for mixed samples
Beckett, A. H., Robson, S. C.
1 Mar 2023,
Research output: Chapter (peer-reviewed)
Multiple pathways of SARS-CoV-2 nosocomial transmission uncovered by integrated genomic and epidemiological analyses during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK
Robson, S., Cook, K. F., Glaysher, S., Beckett, A. H., Goudarzi, S., Fearn, C. P. S., Loveson, K. F., Elliott, S., Wyllie, S., Lloyd, A., Bicknell, K., Lumley, S., Chauhan, A.
20 Jan 2023, In: Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. 12, 20p., 1066390
Research output: Article
2022
A review of cross-disciplinary approaches for the identification of novel industrially relevant plastic-degrading enzymes
Herbert, J., Beckett, A. H., Robson, S. C.
29 Nov 2022, In: Sustainability. 14, 23, 25p., 15898
Research output: Article
How COVID-19 transformed genomics and changed the handling of disease outbreaks forever
Beckett, A. H., Robson, S.
2 Jan 2022, In: The Conversation
Research output: Article
2021
A pandemic in the age of next-generation sequencing
Beckett, A. H., Cook, K. F., Robson, S.
16 Dec 2021, In: The Biochemist. 43, 6p.
Research output: Article
SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.1.7 is associated with greater disease severity among hospitalised women but not men: multicentre cohort study
Stirrup, O., Boshier, F., Venturini, C., Guerra-Assunção, J. A., Alcolea-Medina, A., Beckett, A., Charalampous, T., Da Silva Filipe, A., Glaysher, S., Khan, T., Kulasegaran Shylini, R., Kele, B., Monahan, I.,
20 Sep 2021, In: BMJ Open Respiratory Research. 8, 1, 10p., e001029
Research output: Article