I am currently a research fellow at The University of Nottingham based within DeepSEQ; the bioinformatics and genomics core facility.
Next-generation sequencing technologies and applications
Computational approaches to biological questions
Conservation and ecological applications
I have a very general interest in genomics and bioinformatics, with particular focus on ecological genetics. My work involves using cutting edge next-generation sequencing technologies and bioinformatics approaches to answer a broad range of biological questions.
My previous roles have included research and training at the NEOF facility at The University of Sheffield, and roles involving the use of genomics and bioinformatics approaches for diet analysis in A. mellifera, and qPCR approaches to describe changes in the gut microbiome of B. terrestris. My PhD and role as a research associate at Manchester Metropolitan University involved various next-generation sequencing methods and applications in conservation and ecology.
I also have experience as a research technician at The University of Manchester in both the soil ecology group and genomics core facility.
November 2020 - Awarded a grant from the Eva Crane Trust for the project: "Healthy diet, healthy guts, healthy bees."
February 2020 - Post-Graduate Research Paper Award (1st place) – Ecology and Environment Research Centre, Manchester Metropolitan University.
December 2020 - British Ecological Society Annual Meeting 2020: Talk titled "A Hive of Activity – GIS and DNA sequencing reveal the effect urban spaces have on bee diet"
December 2019 - British Ecological Society Annual Meeting 2019: Talk titled "Why you should be using multiple genomes when developing new microsatellite markers. A new tool for a multiple genome approach to microsatellite design (MiMi)."
December 2016 - British Ecological Society Annual Meeting 2016: Poster titled "Ex situ conservation of the endangered undulate ray (Raja undulata)."
Some work the department performed on trade in 'hatha jodi': a root believed to bring good luck in some cultures. Trade in the plant has been fuelling illicit trade in animal parts.
My work on captive populations of Raja undulata has been featured on BBC Earth and Manchester University News.