Thomas Nelson Harvey

I am a researcher at the Centre for Integrative Genetics (CIGENE), where I work on functional genomics in domesticated animals and microorganisms.

I use genome-wide pooled CRISPR screens to find the genes that matter for a given trait: switching off every gene in a population of cells and measuring which knockouts change how the cells grow or respond to infection. Our group has developed screening platforms for pig and cattle cells, and in the PetriFish project we are bringing the approach to Atlantic salmon, with the aim of finding disease-resistance genes without relying on challenge testing in fish.

I also work with microorganisms, from engineering microalgae and fungi to produce omega-3 fatty acids to sequencing the large genome of the dinoflagellate Crypthecodinium cohnii.

I am course responsible for BIO200 Molecular genetics in eukaryotes, BIO302 Introduction course for master’s students and BIO322 Advanced topics in genomics, lecture in BIO325 CRISPR genome editing, and supervise master’s and PhD students.

Find out more about my research, publications and students on my research page.