Genomica v2.0.1 - Bioinformatics pipeline for robust statistical analysis and enrichment of metagenomic data.

• Monogastric (e.g. chicken and pig) gut microbiota and its interactions with host health and performance
• Antimicrobial alternatives, with special interest in reducing antimicrobial usage in farm animals
• Modulation/detection of zoonotic pathogens such as Campylobacter
• Mathematical modelling of gut microbiota
• Bacteriology and molecular genetics

Current students:

1. PhD, co-supervisor (2024-Ongoing) "Nutritional strategies to stimulate endogenous antimicrobial peptides in poultry: A promising alternative to antibiotics with a smart solution for safe and sustainable poultry farming". SRUC, Eastbio.
2. PhD, co-supervisor (2024-Ongoing) "Understanding detection and colonisation of lignocellulose by anaerobic fungi to improve agricultural waste valorisation". SRUC, Eastbio, The University of Edinburgh.
3. MSc, principal supervisor (2025-Ongoing) "The Potential of Bacteriophages as Alternatives to Antibiotics to control pathogenic Escherichia coli strains in poultry and pigs.". Animal Nutrition, SRUC, The University of Glasgow.
4. MSc, principal supervisor (2022-Ongoing) “Identifying conditions required for optimal coccidiosis control in UK pullet rearers and broiler breeders whilst on a vaccine control program”. Applied Poultry Science, SRUC, The University of Edinburgh.

Previous students:

1. BSc Honours, principal supervisor (2025-2026) "Microbial genetic potential of butyrate production as a marker of gut health in the caeca of chicken infected with avian pathogenic Escherichia coli". Applied Animal Science, SRUC - The University of Glasgow.
2. MSc, principal supervisor (2024-2026) "Vocal structure of Pecking duck. Analysis of vocalisations under as an non-invasive welfare indicator". International Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law, SRUC, The University of Edinburgh.
3. MSc, principal supervisor (2024-2025) "Effects of Campylobacter jejuni infection on growth performance in broiler chickens". Applied Poultry Science, SRUC, The University of Edinburgh.
4. MSc, principal supervisor (2023-2024) "A systematic review of the use of in-feed prebiotics as an antibiotic growth promoter alternative in broiler nutrition". Animal Nutrition, SRUC, The University of Glasgow.
5. BSc Honours, principal supervisor (2022-2023) "Graphene oxide as a potential antimicrobial alternative towards broiler-derived zoonotic pathogens". Applied Animal Science, SRUC - The University of Glasgow.
6. MSc, principal supervisor (2021-2022) “Backyard chickens are treated as pets and consequently benefit from higher welfare standards than commercial free range laying hens”. Applied Poultry Science, SRUC, The University of Edinburgh.
7. MSc, co-supervisor (2020-2021) "The Effect of covid19 on the UK egg market". Applied Poultry Science, SRUC, The University of Edinburgh.

Current

• Data science and computing (Applied Anima Science and Animal Welfare Science); lecturer
• Introduction to genetics (Applied Animal Science and Animal Welfare Science); lecturer
• Poultry Egg & Meat Production Systems (HNC in Poultry Production – distance learning); lecturer

Previous

• Antimicrobial and Antimicrobial Resistance (Pharmacology in Animal Health module for Applied Animal Science); lecturer