Wilson Group, PhD student Current ResearchMy PhD is part of the BBSRC Business and Academic Prosperity Partnership with Mowi Scotland, known as SalmoStrong, and I am supervised by Prof. Andrea Wilson, Dr. Daniel Tolhurst and Dr. Chris Pooley. My current research focuses on improving disease resilience in Atlantic salmon through statistical genetics and epidemiological modelling. I investigate how resilience to infectious diseases can be decomposed into underlying host traits such as resistance, tolerance, susceptibility, infectivity, and recoverability. Using quantitative genetic and epidemiological approaches, my work aims to better understand disease transmission dynamics and support more effective breeding strategies in Atlantic salmon. My research combines genomics, epidemiology, and statistical modelling to help reduce mortality and improve robustness in salmon populations under both experimental and field conditions.See more about me:Github PageLinkedIn Page BackgroundBefore starting my PhD, I studied Statistics and Data Science, with research interests spanning statistical methodology and machine learning methods. During my undergraduate studies, I applied influence function from robust statistical theory to identify training images that negatively affected predictive accuracy in image classification.My master’s research focused on understanding how DNA sequences regulate gene expression in fungi under stress conditions, including the identification of differentially expressed genes and promoter DNA motifs predictive of expression changes. In parallel, I collaborated with the UK Environment Agency on a project investigating temporal trends in freshwater macroinvertebrate abundance. These experiences motivated my current interests in applying statistical and computational approaches to complex biological systems.[2020-2024] BSc in Statistics (First class), Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University[2024-2025] MSc in Statistics with Data Science (Distinction), University of Edinburgh[2025-Now] PhD in Genetics and Genomics, Roslin Institute, University of EdinburghFavourite aquaculture speciesLargehead hairtail ---- a silver sword. Interests, hopes and dreamsI enjoy almost every kind of sport, alongside watercolor and oil painting, reading books, and exploring different beers. My ideal peaceful day starts with sitting in a café with a good book, and ends with slow walks with someone I love and a little drink before sleep. This article was published on 2026-05-12
