About

I am a PhD student based at Bangor University, working in collaboration with Norwegian research teams combining fish morphological and parasitological data with population genetics, immunogenetics, and genomic methods, to understand (i) the impact of extreme bottlenecks on the genome of a species, (ii) how loss of genetic diversity influences immunity to parasites and (iii) the processes by which rapid adaptation occurs in genetically depauperate populations.

Prior to this I have experience as a permitting and regulatory affairs officer with the environmental regulatory body Natural Resources Wales/Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru and as a research support officer in the Shellfish Centre, Centre of Applied Marine Science (CAMS). I did a BSc in Marine Biology with Bangor University in 2017 (completed 2020), followed by a Masters by Research (MscRes) programme (completed 2021) focusing on whether chronobiology can be used for sustainable aquaculture nutrition and fish health. I have also been involved within the Brambell aquaria looking at the evolution, genomics, and speciation of pharyngeal jaw plasticity within African Cichlids.

• MSc: Utilising Chronobiology For Sustainable Aquaculture Nutrition & Fish Health
  2021
• BSc: Marine Biology

Research Interests and Projects:

PhD

Combining fish morphological and parasitological data with population genetics, immunogenetics, and genomic methods, to understand (i) the impact of extreme bottlenecks on the genome of a species, (ii) how loss of genetic diversity influences immunity to parasites and (iii) the processes by which rapid adaptation occurs in genetically depauperate populations. 

MRes

Studying the influence and effect of chronobiological interactive effects of feed timing alongside gut microbiomes on teleost fish health. Aiming to quantify the impact of time-restricted feeding strategies on growth, while also characterising the rhythmicity of fish gut microbiota under varying feeding strategies. Collectively, this will provide a new fundamental understanding of how chronobiology can be utilised to augment sustainable aquaculture.

Brambell Aquaria Research:

There are distinct morphologies associated with the native Astatotilapia calliptera located in Lake Massoko. Morphology divergence varies dependant on position in the water column and two ecomorphs are described - blue-coloured benthic and yellow littoral morphs - each displaying a difference in stable isotope ratios and physiological composition of the skull and pharyngeal jaw. The research work undertaken requires the crossbreeding of different species in examining contrasts in genetic markers through hybridization, implementing dietary subsets and examining plasticity within pharyngeal jaws, while also maintaining breeding programmes to keep stock levels of species within the aquarium continuous.

Research Interests:

Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture 

Evolutionary Biology

Water Quality