Ayush is a professor in the Department of Microbiology and the Associate Dean of Strategic Initiatives in the Faculty of Science at the University of Manitoba. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology and served as the President of the Canadian Society of Microbiologists during 2021–22. Ayush’s research group focuses on understanding the mechanisms of multidrug resistance in Gram-negative bacteria. Additionally, his lab explores the environmental factors influencing antibiotic resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and has developed genetic tools to facilitate genetic manipulation in Gram-negative bacteria. His team also investigates the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in the environment. Recently, work from his laboratory revealed that drinking water in First Nation communities in Manitoba contains various antibiotic resistance genes, posing potential risks to community members. As a strong advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in STEM, Ayush is committed to fostering inclusive research environments and supporting initiatives that address systemic barriers to participation in the sciences.