Dr Alice Risely
School of Science, Engineering & Environment
Current positions
Research Fellow
Areas of Research
I'm a molecular ecologist studying host-microbe interactions with a focus on how environmental change impacts microbial ecology and evolution, and the consequences for AMR and pathogen emergence. My current study system is large gulls in the UK, which are highly adapted to urban and agricultural environments and therefore act as an ideal model system to understand the down stream consequences of land-use change on bacterial communities.
My academic journey began with a fascination of bird migration, with my PhD research focusing on host-microbe interactions in long-distance migratory shorebirds. I therefore also have a long-standing interest in how migrants transport microbes and pathogens, and how animal movements in general contribute to microbial and pathogen transmission.
Whilst my focus is largely on vertebrate hosts, part of my current research delves into the mechanisms shaping microbial ecology and evolution by investigating whether plasmids (mobile genetic elements that horizontally transfer genes between bacteria) that carry antimicrobial resistance genes confer fitness advantages to bacteria and thereby shape microbial network structure.
Lastly, I am interested in partcipatory science and engaging public audiences in scientific research. I have a citizen science project called Gulls Eating Stuff where members of the public submit photos pf gulls eating stuff to better understand gull diet and ecology.
I mostly teach quantitative skills, including ecological statistics and coding in R. I contribute to the following modules:
Research Skills (L5)
Biological Research Skills (L5)
Bird Biology and Conservation (L6)
Research Skills and Designs in Conservation Science (L7)
Qualifications
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PhD in Wildlife Disease Ecology
2014 - 2019 -
MSc Applied Ecology and Conservation
2011 - 2012 -
BSc Zoology
2003 - 2006
Recognitions
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Associate Editor for Journal of Animal Ecology