About

My PhD research project aims to investigate the consequences of extreme, rapid population decline using an example of drastic human intervention in which the fish stocks of entire lakes were eradicated and repopulated. Using new and historical samples from a unique “natural” experiment in which a system of lakes (the Fusta catchment in Norway) was treated with broad-spectrum biocide, we will investigate the implications of severe population decline on reintroduced populations of Salmonids. The project combines fish morphological and parasitological data spanning thirteen years with bioinformatic analysis of population genetics and immunogenetics to understand, (i) the impact of extreme bottlenecks on the genome of a species, (ii) how loss of genetic diversity influences immunity to parasites and (iii) the processes by which rapid adaptation occurs in genetically depauperate populations.

By quantifying aspects of health and fitness at the genomic level (inbreeding, immunogenetic diversity and genetic load) and eco-evolutionary level (adaptability and host-parasite co-evolutionary dynamics) across replicated events, we will uncover the impact of human activities on wild populations and their parasites. In so doing, the project will initiate a paradigm shift in predicting how population decline affects the prospects of recovery for individual species and their wider ecosystem.

CV

Education

2021 MRes. Assessment of chronobiology for sustainable aquaculture nutrition and fish health. Bangor University, UK. 

2020 Bsc. (Hons) Marine Biology (2:1). Bangor University, UK.

Career

2023 - PhD researcher. Bangor University, UK.

2022 - 2023 Water quality permitting officer. Natural Resources Wales, UK. 

2021 - 2022 Shellfish Research Project Support Officer. Centre of Applied Marine Science, Bangor University, UK.

2019 - 2021 Research Technician - Phenotypic plasticity and adaptive radiation. Bangor University, UK. 

Population genetics, bioinformatics, sustainable fisheries, and natural resource management.

2024

• PublishedAssessment of wastewater derived pollution using viral monitoring in two estuaries
  Farkas, K., Mannion, F., Sorby, R., Winterbourn, B., Allender, S., Gregory, C. G. M., Holding, P., Thorpe, J. M., Malham, S. K. & Le Vay, L., 1 Mar 2024, In: Marine pollution bulletin. 200, 116081.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review