Meet the Team

Dr Jens Carlsson

Associate Professor, PI Area 52

I got my PhD in 2000, from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and have had several PostDoc appointments (DIFRES - Denmark, VIMS - USA). In 2007 I was appointed as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Duke University and I maintain an Adjunct Associate Professorship there as well as an Adjunct position at Pwani University, Kenya. I moved back to Europe in 2009 and took up a position as Senior Research Fellow at UCC and have since 2012 worked at UCD. My research interests are primarily in aquatic organisms (read fish), but I also apply genetics on questions ranging from viruses to humans.
Interests: Fly fishingPages: UCD Profile

Jeanette Carlsson

Project/Lab manager MSc

I have been employed as a senior genetics-lab technician at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Duke University Marine lab in the USA, University College Cork and University College Dublin in Ireland. I have expertise in project and budget management, sample acquisition and sample repositories. My experience includes general lab duties, such as ordering supplies, lab organisation, equipment maintenance (PCR machines, automated sequencers and other laboratory hardware). Laboratory bench work including DNA extraction, PCR amplification, gel electrophoresis (microsatellites, SNPs), RFLP, and Sanger and next generation sequencing, environmental DNA (eDNA) and qPCR.

Dr Andrew Tighe

Research Fellow (2024 - )

My main interests are focused around population and evolutionary genetics. I received my BA in Genetics from Trinity College in 2016, and wanting to stay in the field I undertook an MSc in Biological and Biomolecular Science with a focus on genetics in UCD. As part of my MSc I joined the Area 52 lab and got to travel to Kenya to test the best way to preserve DNA samples in the field from elephants. I then got to stay on in the Area 52 lab to undertake a PhD focused on new ways to whole genome sequence viruses. My work focuses around viral species primarily found in aquaculture, but also from wild fish in river systems in Kenya, and how genome data allows us to build a clearer picture of how viruses spread. In addition I continue to work with mammals in Africa and how genetics can be used as an important tool in conservation. My involvement in elephant research in Kenya have lead to an Adjunct position at Pwani University, Kenya.

Dr Paola Campos

Post Doc (2023 - )

I am a post doctoral research fellow involved in the GIDAS (GIll Disease in Atlantic Salmon) Project financed by the Science Foundation Ireland - Frontiers for the Future Programme, aiming to increase the understanding of complex gill disease (CGD) in salmon and provide specific assays and targeted therapies for treatment. To do such, my work focuses on whole genome sequencing, assembly and comparative genomics of the aetiological agent of amoebic gill disease, Neoparamoeba perurans and its eukariotic endosymbiont Perkinsela sp., responsible for amoebic gill disease, one of the most prevalent diseases regrouped under the heading of CGD.
I obtained my PhD in Evolutionary Biology on deciphering the emergence and evolutionary history of crop pathogens: insights from historical herbarium specimens from the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle in 2021 following a MSc in Biodiversity, Ecology, Evolution with a specialisation in Systematics, Evolution (2018) at Sorbonne Université, Paris, France. I have experiences in phylogenomics and molecular biology, aiming to reconstruct the evolutionary history and pathogeny-associated gene content evolution by producing and using a geographically and temporally spread-out genomes dataset, manipulating historical specimens from museums and growing modern bacterial strains.

Dr John A Byrne

Post Doc (2024 -)

I am a former member of An Garda Siochana, the Irish National Police Force. I served as a Detective in homicide and narcotics units, as an Incident Room Coordinator, Crime Scene Manager and in the latter years as Head of the Garda National Forensic Coordination Office. In 2017, I retired after 28 years in the force to return to full time education and to further my interests in research, wildlife conservation and science communication. I have worked in Sub-Saharan Africa on conservation and research projects for the last 20 years and am a serving Director of the Galana Wildlife Conservancy in Tsavo, Kenya. I work closely with other conservation groups there and in Namibia. I completed a Research Masters with Area 52, SBES, in 2018 and a PhD in 2024, primarily investigating eDNA and predator-prey relationships. I am a founder and current Chairman of the NGO Friends From Ireland www.friendsfromireland.ie an Irish registered, not-for-profit charity that supports community development, education and conservation in Kenya, Namibia, Lesotho and Zambia, through the provision of schools, clinics and other community cornerstones. I am a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in SBES, working on the Science Foundation Ireland, Challenge2050 EasyHydro project until October 2024, after which I will moving to the EPA funded Biodiversa-DNAquaIMG project until July, 2026. When I am not working, I fly fish for trout and salmon, anywhere and anytime I can…. JB

Dr Salla Vartia

Post Doc (2024 - )

I am a post doctoral research fellow in the PINKTrack programme, an EU-wide, coordinated environmental DNA (eDNA) surveillance programme for pink salmon. By monitoring the species range expansion using eDNA methods, this project aims to provide an early warning system that can support management decisions.
My journey in molecular biology began with a Master’s at the University of Helsinki, where I studied molecular systematics in marine sponges through sequence alignment. I completed my PhD at the University of Galway in 2016, focusing on the study of genetic variation in farmed and wild Atlantic cod. During my PhD, I developed new molecular genetics tools, including genotyping-by-sequencing.
After working at Weatherbys Scientific on cattle SNP genotyping, I explored my passion for the fitness industry by co-founding Ireland’s first flying trapeze school and managing The Wall climbing centre. I am returning to science with renewed enthusiasm for fresh challenges and making a meaningful contribution to research and innovation.

Paul Flynn

Part-time PhD Student (2015 - )

I have worked with Weatherbys Scientific since 2002 and currently I head the laboratory’s Research and Development team. I am a molecular geneticist with over 15 years’ experience within the Agrigenomics sector, specialising in application of latest Genomic Technologies and Bioinformatic Solutions. I hold an MSc and am currently undertaking a part-time research PhD at UCD, specialising in Conservation Genetics within both Equine and Bovine species.

Sarahjane Power

PhD Student (2022 - ) with the Zixia Huang lab (lead supervisor)

I earned my BSc in Zoology from University College Dublin in 2019, during which I conducted research on the bioinformatic analysis of high quality PacBio genomes of bats for my thesis. After completing my bachelor's degree, I pursued an MSc by research in Zoology with a focus on optimising bat cell culture techniques. Throughout this time, I carried out field work in France, Spain, and Central America.Following the completion of my master's degree, I worked in the pharmaceutical industry in the cell therapy field.I am currently a PhD student of the SFI Centre for Research Training in Genomics Data Science, based at University College Dublin. My research focuses on elucidating mammalian evolution using non-coding genes. My research interests lie in genomics and comparative genomics, evolution, and bioinformatic analysis.

Michael Connell

PhD Student (2023 - ) with the Mary Kelly-Quinn lab

I studied Zoology in University College Dublin, finishing my degree in 2023. I completed my final year thesis with the Area 52 lab where I focused on different methods of non-invasively obtaining DNA from white and Indian rhinoceros, working with both Dublin Zoo and Fota Wildlife Park. Following my bachelor’s degree I was able to stay on with the Area 52 lab where I am currently undertaking a PhD with research focusing on integrating DNA based assessment tools into water quality and biodiversity monitoring.

Robert Moise

PhD Student (2023 - ) with the Mary Kelly-Quinn lab (lead supervisor)

I earned my BSc in Environmental Science at University of Udine in 2019 and as part of my studies I had the opportunity to participate in an Erasmus traineeship experience at Liverpool John Moores University in 2018. I then received my MSc in Environmental Biology at University of Turin in 2022 followed by a second Erasmus traineeship placement at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona.
I have a multidisciplinary education and research experience that cover animal behaviour, ecology, and conservation. My interests are rather wide ranging, but my main focus is on ecological monitoring and the development of innovative tools that promote environmental quality and biodiversity protection.
I am now a PhD student within the Area52 lab. The research I am working on is part of the EPA-funded HydroGen project, which involves a collaboration between various institutes. The overall objective of my research is to evaluate how eDNA can integrate and support traditional monitoring methods for the Water Framework Directive, focusing on macroinvertebrates and microbial communities. In addition to my main research, I am also exploring DNA-based methods (eDNA/airborne DNA) to study pollinators, to complement traditional monitoring and reveal new insights into their diversity and plant interactions.

Marcela A. Díaz Rivadeneira

PhD Student (2023 - ) with Julia Jones lab (lead supervisor)

I have background in agriculture, apiculture, and molecular genetics, and interest in host-microbial interactions, ecology and evolution, wildlife conservation and biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture. My bachelor’s thesis looked at applying marker-assisted selection (MAS) to select male guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) based on genetic variability, with the aim of reducing inbreeding in the population. This project was pioneering in its application of MAS in guinea pigs, not only in Ecuador - my home country – but also globally. I studied my Masters at the Catholic University of Portugal and moved to Ireland to performe my thesis in collaboration with University College Dublin (UCD) and the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Marine (DAFM). I determine stressors in honey and pollen using high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) and gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GCMS). I further modified the analytical method by adapting it for smaller sample sizes, reducing solvent volumes.
Currently, I am investigating honey bee health and bee-gut microbial interactions to contribute to bee fitness and to prevent pollinators decline. This project aims to determine the impact of key environmental factors, pesticides and pathogens, on the honey bee gut microbiome.

Hannah Magee

PhD Student (2025 - )

I obtained my BSc in Wildlife Conservation at Liverpool John Moore’s University in 2024, ending the degree with a UK-wide meta-analysis investigating Odonata as ideal bioindicators of organic pollution in rivers and streams. Following this, I completed my MSc in Wildlife Conservation in 2025 at the same university. During my MSc my focus switched to eDNA, with another meta-analysis, this time focused on the novel ‘natural sampler DNA’ (nsDNA) metabarcoding method using Porifera from global research.
I am now working with UCD as a PhD student within the Area52 lab and a part of the Co-Centre for Climate + Biodiversity + Water project, a nationwide attempt to inform deployment of monitoring and restoration measures to achieve water quality and biodiversity restoration improvements. My specific role within the project is to identify ecological indicators of success for biodiversity assessment using eDNA. Alongside my project-related research, I am also continuing collaboration on projects with nsDNA in marine environments and exploring the use of a hydridised framework of neural implicit models and classic species distribution models for range shift forecasting under various climate scenarios.

Current MSc & Undergraduate Students

MSc Students

Lomond A. (taught MSc)

4th year Students

Flood A.
Stringer A.

ALUMNI 2012 -

Past Post Docs/Research Scientists/Technicians

Tighe A. Post Doc. 2021 - 2024. Revive and Restore: Developing non-invasive DNA sampling methods in African savannah elephants. UCD.
Farrell ED. Research Fellow. 2015 - 2020. EASME/EMFF/Herring in Divisions 6.a, 7.b and 7.c: Scientific Assessment of the Identity of the Southern and Northern Stocks through Genetic and Morphometric Analysis. UCD.
Gargan L. Post Doc. 2018-2020. Marine Institute Beyond 2020 Burrishole Ecosystem Observatory Network/EPA ReConnect. Assessment of the extent and impact of barriers on freshwater hydromorphology and connectivity. ECOSTRUCTURE: climate change adaptation through ecologically sensitive coastal infrastructure. UCD.
Ball B. Research Scientist. 2016 - 2019. Marine Institute Beyond 2020 Burrishole Ecosystem Observatory Network/EPA ReConnect. Assessment of the extent and impact of barriers on freshwater hydromorphology and connectivity in Ireland. UCD.
Bracken F. Post Doc. 2016 - 2018. Irish Research Council. Exploration of an interdisciplinary methodological tool to assess the status of low density species in aquatic systems. UCD.
Collins PC. Post Doc. 2013 – 2015. Science Foundation Ireland. Taxonomy and connectivity of animal species at the Moytirra hydrothermal vent field. UCD.
Farrell ED. Post Doc. 2013 – 2015. Irish Research Council. Population structure, phlyogeography and stock expansion of the boarfish, Capros aper in Atlantic and Mediterranean waters. UCD.
Prado M. Post Doc. 2013 – 2015 & 2018. Marie Curie. Summer disease in Crassotrea gigas. UCC/UCD.

Past Graduate Students

Byrne JA. 2023. Investigating the potential of non-invasive avian predator scat sampling (PhD, UCD)
Collins C. 2023. Availability, perceived barriers, and usage of environmental DNA techniques for aquatic biomonitoring: a comparison of Canada and Sweden (Taught MSc, UCD).
de Vos E. 2023. Spatial and temporal variations in the diet of mackerel icefish (Champsocephalus gunnari) in the waters around South Georgia (Taught MSc, UCD).
Dolan E. 2023. Detecting the rare freshwater stonefly Protonemura praecox using eDNA and traditional techniques (Research MSc, UCD Co-supervisor).
Hintikka S. 2022. Tropical marine biodiversity through a molecular lens: eDNA metabarcoding across oceans, habitats, and time (PhD, UCD).
Tighe A. 2021. Investigating the potential of genomics in aquatic pathogen diagnostics (PhD, UCD).
Atkinson S. 2019. Causes and Consequences of River Fragmentation in Ireland (PhD, UCD Co -supervisor).
Byrne JA. 2019. Environmental DNA – Future Potential for Crime Scene Investigation (Research MSc, UCD).
O'Flaherty C. 2019. Evaluating the short-term effectiveness of a resort-managed no-take fishing zone (Taught MSc, UCD).
Gallagher J. 2018. Investigating the genetic structure of Dublin Bay Prawn Nephrops norvegicus across its distribution (PhD, UCD).
Gargan L. 2018. Environmental (e)DNA in ecology and evolution: potentials and pitfalls (PhD, UCD).
Overby S. 2017. Non-invasive genetic sampling methods for giraffe faeces (Taught MSc, UCD).
Thurman K. 2017. Non-invasive DNA collection of Aepyceros melampus melampus (common impala) faeces using the novel swabbing method in the Galana Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya (Taught MSc, UCD).
Tighe A. 2017. Collection, extraction and sequencing of environmental DNA derived from African Savannah elephant scat (Taught MSc, UCD).
Gilbert C. 2016. A non-invasive sampling technique for Equus quagga and Giraffa camelopardalis using eDNA (Taught MSc, UCD).
Vartia S. 2016. The development and application of molecular tools on Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua, from farmed and wild stocks (PhD with NUIG, UCD Co-supervisor).
Coughlan K. 2015. eDNA in water and scat (Taught MSc, UCD).
Fereira DG. 2015. Visiting Sandwich Scholar, PhD candidate, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Paraná State, Brazil, six months visit (UCD).
Bréchon A. 2013. A systematic, multi-country comparison of cod mislabeling in European and non-European nations (Research MSc, UCD).
Gustavson M. 2013. Short interval sampling of environmental DNA monitors presence and relative abundance of the Irish Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) in the Mulkear River: A method and protocol (Taught MSc, UCD).

Past 4th year Students

Byrne E. 2024. The dietary analysis of Dublin zoo’s Nubian giraffes using DNA metabarcoding.
Higgins S. 2024. eDNA is the next step in conservation - Optimising detection of southern white rhinoceros through eDNA samples from footprints.
Killeen E. 2024. Invisible life in urban farms: exploring pollinator and biodiversity detection in urban farms through eDNA metabarcoding.
Korucu I. 2024. Escapee or Native: The use of genetic analysis to uncover the origin of an unknown sturgeon found in County Tipperary.
De Hora A. 2023. Analysing elephant diet using DNA metabarcoding.
Delaney L. 2023. Aquatic metabarcoding.
Garcia-Verdugo O. 2023. Developing non-invasive sampling protocols for white rhinos.
Connell M. 2022. Optimising non-invasive DNA sampling for southern white and Indian rhinoceros.
Foy D. 2022. Genetic analyses of Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) using non-invasive sampling methods.
Dagg H. 2021- Pink salmon and eDNA.
Griffin K. 2021 - DNA barcoding for identification of biodiversity in Kenya.
Jones M. 2021 - Kenyan antelope genetic diversity.
Browne L. 2020 - Exploring evolutionary history of Tsavo lions in the Galana Wildlife Conservancy (Kenya)
Dempsey J. 2020 - Using mitochondrial DNA to examine the species identity of dikdiks south of the Galana River
Grayson S. 2020 - Molecular characterisation of fish species in the Galana River
Jessen L. 2020 - Using mitochondrial DNA to examine the species identity of dikdiks north of the Galana River
Kelly L. 2020 - Molecular characterisation of freshwater invertebrates found in the Galana River
O’Connor A. 2020 - Using DNA barcodes to uncover the species of rays and skates present in the Irish Sea
Barry N. 2019. Terrestrial invertebrate barcodes of the Galana Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya.
Crowley D. 2019. Identification of species diversity of elasmobranchs in the Irish Sea.
Mc’Govern D. 2019. The use of scat samples for genetic studies of African elephants.
Daly O. 2018. Madagascan Leaf-tail gecko genetics.
Hussah A. 2018. Smooth newt barcoding.
Lawless A. 2018. Environmental DNA detection in a natural river system.
Rafter L. 2018. Irish Mayfly Barcode.
Brennan A. 2017. Shedding light on the museums - DNA extraction from formalin-fixed boarfish tissues.
Tanner L. 2017. The development of a human DNA blocking primer.
Alsultan D. 2016. Taxonomic identification versus metabarcoding: Detection of marine biodiversity of plankton in Malahide Marina.
Maguire S. 2016. Detection of Salmonid environmental DNA in lake sediment cores from the Burrishoole Catchment Area.
Gallagher J. 2014. A study of polychaetes scaleworm and a bythograeidae crab from a newly discovered hydrothermal vent field.
Moore K. 2014. Resolving the phylogenetic relationships of shrimp and fish species found at deep-sea hydrothermal vents.
Ruane A. 2014. Resolving the phylogenetic relationship of a population of shrimp from the Moytirra hydrothermal vent field.
Smeaton A. 2014. Population genetic parameters and evolutionary history of the hydrothermal vent endemic snail, Peltospira smaragdina.

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