Evolution of Burkholderia pseudomallei and its disease dynamics

Claire's research focuses on understanding the evolution of the pathogenic bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, a cause of melioidosis, which is an under-studied yet rapidly fatal tropical infectious disease. Claire will use bioinformatics to predict bacterial genetic factors that influence disease outcomes and severity, and validate these candidates in zebrafish infection models. She will work jointly between the laboratories of Professors Sharon Peacock (University of Cambridge), Julian Parkhill and Gordon Dougan (Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute), and Nick Day (Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme in Thailand).