
Biography
I am a bioinformatician/computational scientist in the Core Bioinformatics Group led by Dr. David Swarbreck. I am working on the protist branch of the Darwin Tree of Life Project. My primary interests are in the area of evolutionary genomics and bioinformatics. I am particularly interested in the evolution of microbial eukaryotes, as these include some of the most diverse lineages of eukaryotes.
Prior to joining the Earlham Institute, I carried out my PhD research at Maynooth University, where I applied bioinformatics, genomics and proteomics methods to characterise genomic evolution in plant pathogenic Phytophthora species and other oomycetes. I also obtained a BSc degree in Biology and Computer Science at Maynooth University.
Projects
Publications
Related reading.
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05 February 2025
Science
Technology
FEATURE
| 5 min READ
LITE2 takes affordable genome sequencing to a new level
The Earlham Institute's improved Low Input, Transposase Enabled (LITE) protocol is a low-cost method for high-throughput whole genome sequencing with reduced DNA input.
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28 January 2025
Science
Technology
FEATURE
| 8 min READ
Mapping cell diversity with long-read sequencing and single-cell genomics
Our researchers are combining single cell approaches with long read sequencing technologies, unearthing data that reveals the scale and impact of cellular diversity.
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25 November 2024
Science
Technology
FEATURE
| 8 min READ
Using new technology to explore the tiniest of worlds
Complex microbiomes are everywhere. Our skin, our guts, soil, pond water. All are home to tiny life forms, interacting with each other and going about their business.
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19 November 2024
People
Science
FEATURE
| 5 min READ
Microbiome sharing… is microbiome caring
The global impact of a Quadram Institute and Earlham Institute researcher has been recognised with their inclusion in this year’s Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers List.
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21 October 2024
Science
Organisation
FEATURE
| 8 min READ
Stronger together: partnerships take centre stage at EI Innovate
Collaborations were in the spotlight at this year’s EI Innovate, with a focus on the Earlham Institute’s cutting-edge work with external partners.
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27 September 2024
Science
FEATURE
| 5 min READ
Boosting beans for breeders
A consortium of partners from 16 countries will be contributing information about legume crops to a living database, allowing breeders to improve the peas and beans on our plates.
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20 September 2024
Science
FEATURE
| 8 min READ
Targeting global food insecurity with sustainable wheat
Wheat provides around a fifth of the world’s daily calories and protein. And in some countries, it accounts for half of the calories consumed.
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19 August 2024
Science
FEATURE
| 8 min READ
Revealing the genes that build plant bioactives
Plants are known to produce valuable molecules, many of which are hard to chemically synthesise. Engineering biology approaches at the Earlham Institute are helping to decode these biosynthetic pathways.
09 January 2025
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New sequenced genome sheds light on weed resistance
Genomic advances reveal how similar weeds can dominate wheat fields that are geographically separated by over 5,000 miles.
09 January 2025
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Government committed to unlocking precision breeding technology
The UK Government has committed to a timeline for introducing legislation that will empower researchers, companies, farmers, and consumers to benefit from precision breeding techniques.
20 November 2024
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Low-protein diets offer protective effect during bacterial infection
Reducing the amount of protein in your diet might benefit your immune system during an infection, according to a new study in human cells and mice.
12 November 2024
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Molecular tape recorder chronicles timeline of plant gene expression
A molecular tape recorder has been able to chronicle the timeline of genetic activity that sets in motion the development of two important features in plants - lateral roots and stomata.
16 September 2024
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Pan-European project generates genomes showcasing continent's rich biodiversity
The European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA) has today announced the success of its Pilot Project, bringing together collaborators from 33 European countries to produce high-quality reference genomes for 98 species.
24 July 2024
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Source of tilapia diversity now a threat to survival
Cross-breeding is becoming an existential threat to aquaculture in East Africa and, if left unchecked, could lead to the disappearance of genetic diversity for one of the most widely-farmed freshwater fish in the world.
08 May 2024
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Earlham Institute and Tozer Seeds receive knowledge transfer award
A new project is bringing together the Earlham Institute and Tozer Seeds to apply the latest genomic tools for accelerating plant breeding programmes.
02 May 2024
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Heart patients set to receive treatment tailored to their genetic and health information
An innovative project using artificial intelligence (AI) to personalise therapies for patients with cardiovascular disease has kicked off at a meeting in Utrecht, the Netherlands.