I am a researcher working on the genetics and genomics of eukaryotic parasites, particularly on parasites that cause neglected tropical diseases. I particularly enjoy working collaboratively, on projects that have both some implications for reducing the burder of NTDs but also raise interesting questions about the genetics or biology of the parasites themselves, or at least require some fun analyses.

I am now a Professor in the School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine at the University of Glasgow. I am also a member of the Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology. Before moving here in 2022, I was a senior member of the parasite genomics group at the Wellcome Sanger Institute with Matt Berriman for over 10 years. My research has focused on building genomic data resources for eukaryotic parasites, and then using those tools to understand various aspects of parasite biology. I am particularly interested in generating large-scale data on parasite genetic variation, and in understanding parasite population genetics, evolution and epidemiology. I have worked on quite a wide range of organisms, particularly Leishmania, the nematodes Haemonchus contortus and Guinea worm (Dracunculus medinensis), and recently Schistosoma.

Interests
  • Parasites
  • Genomics
  • Neglected Tropical Diseases
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Bioinformatics

Experience

 
 
 
 
 
Professor
Apr 2022 – Present Glasgow, Scotland
 
 
 
 
 
Associate Editor
Apr 2020 – Present
 
 
 
 
 
Honorary Senior Lecturer
Jul 2016 – Present London
 
 
 
 
 
Senior Staff Scientist
Jul 2010 – Apr 2022 Hinxton, UK

Projects

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Recent Publications

(2022). Genome-wide analysis of Schistosoma mansoni reveals population structure and praziquantel drug selection pressure within Ugandan hot-spot communities. bioRxiv.

PDF DOI bioRxiv Tushabe John Vianney

(2021). HIV-1 co-infection increases relapse rate and shortens survival in patients with visceral leishmaniasis. medRxiv.

PDF Project DOI medRxiv Yegnasew Takele

(2021). Whole-genome sequencing of Schistosoma mansoni reveals extensive diversity with limited selection despite mass drug administration. In Nature Communications 12:4776.

PDF Cite Code DOI publisher Duncan Berger ERR code Tom Crellen Webster lab

(2021). Endosymbiont Capture, a Repeated Process of Endosymbiont Transfer with Replacement in Trypanosomatids Angomonas spp.. In Pathogens 10(6): 702.

PDF Cite DOI publisher Tomáš Skalický Yurchenko lab

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