Nicky Faber

Visiting MSc student

Moved to a PhD position at the Wagenningen University (The Netherlands)

Highlander Nicky

 

Research at the Highlander Lab

In 2020, I did my MSc internship at the Highlander Lab. I designed and modelled a novel gene drive with the specific case study of controlling the invasive grey squirrel in the UK. After this internship in 2020, I worked on another project at the Highlander Lab as a researcher, investigating the potential of gene drive technology to control Varroa mites. I created a population model for Varroa and also implemented gene drive functionality.

The focus of my work was on:

  • Designing a novel gene drive
  • Modelling the population and spatial dynamics of this gene drive
  • Creating realistic squirrel and Varroa models

 

Background

I’ve done a BSc in Biology and a MSc in Bioinformatics at Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands. Since 2021, I’m a PhD student at Wageningen University & Research investigating the evolutionary prerequisites for safe and effective use of gene drives for invasive pest control.

I am specifically interested in:

  • Population and evolutionary genetics.                         
  • Conservation
  • Bioinformatics                                                                             
  • Biotechnology

Programming language and software:

  • R & RStudio                                                                                
  • Python
  • Java                                                                                                   

Hobbies and personal interests

In my spare time, I like to read, paint, play board games, and listen to music. Also, on weekends and in vacations, I like being out in nature and hiking long distances such as the Pyrenean High Route and the Cape Wrath trail.

Relevant links

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