Jessica Brocklebank

(she/her)

MBiol

Publication

• Date
• Type

Research

I am a PhD researcher within the OneZoo Centre for Doctoral Training at Cardiff University. My doctoral project, “Detecting Schistosoma in Bornean Water Buffalo and the Implications of Environmental Variables for Zoonotic Transmission in the Context of Climate Change,” investigates schistosomiasis in Bornean water buffalo and associated aquatic environments. My research aims to determine the prevalence and geographic distribution of Schistosoma japonicum, evaluate potential human exposure, and model future patterns of parasite distribution under changing climatic conditions. I am supervised by Dr Pablo Orozco-terWengel, with co-supervision from Prof. Benoit Goossens, Dr Laura Braun and Dr Michael Arribas-Ayllon, and collaborate with the Danau Girang Field Centre and Universiti Malaysia Sabah.

I completed my Integrated Master’s degree in Biological Sciences at Cardiff University, where my research focused on the conservation genetics of the critically endangered Madagascan Ploughshare tortoise (Astrochelys yniphora). This work involved molecular and analytical techniques, including DNA extraction, microsatellite PCRs, electrophoresis, and statistical and bioinformatic analysis, and contributed to the development of the most extensive genetic dataset produced for a living species.

My academic and professional background has fostered a strong interest in molecular genetics, zoonotic disease, conservation, and the impacts of environmental change on human and animal health. I am committed to interdisciplinary research that enhances our understanding of disease transmission dynamics and supports evidence-based approaches to global health challenges.

Biography

Education:

2024 - Current: PhD Researcher, Cardiff University

• Thesis entitled: Detecting Schistosoma in Bornean Water Buffalo and implications of environmental variables for zoonotic transmission in the context of climate change

2016 - 2020: Integrated Masters in Biological Sciences (MBiol.), Cardiff University

• Master's thesis entitled: The Conservation & Genetics of the World's Most Endangered Tortoise: The Madagascan Ploughshare (Astrochelys yniphora)

Professional Experience: 

2022 - 2024: Genetic Technologist (Rare Diseases), All-Wales Medical Genomics Service

• Sanger sequencing and qPCR primer design for Rare Diseases, Neonatal Services, Developmental Disorders, and Core Rare Disease Services.
• Sanger analysis on Mutation Surveyor, identifying variants in patients with a range of diseases and illnesses e.g., SERPING1
• QC Reporting on a range of patient samples, liaising with clinicians over the uk to ensure the best patient care possible.
• QF-PCR analysis on amniotic fluids, solid tissues, chorionic villus samples, fetal bloods and neonatal bloods to detect autosomal (Chr13, 18 and 21) and sex chromosome aneuploidies .
• Familial Hypercholesterolaemia integrative genomics viewer analysis and Sanger confirmation.
• Mutation Screen Set-Up for Non-syndromic Sensorineural Hearing Loss (DFNB1) and Amonoglycoside Induced Hearing Loss (AIHL)
• Prenatal Cultured Cell Checks on amniotic fluids and CVS samples for neonatal services.

2021 - 2024: Mental Health First-Aider, All-Wales Medical Genomics Service

• Certified AJUDA Mental Health First-Aider experienced in providing support and crisis intervention for colleagues, including suicide prevention, grief management, self-image improvement, addiction awareness, and harm reduction.
• Skilled in signposting clients to appropriate services, recognizing when additional support is needed, and confidently handling difficult conversations about mental and physical health and safeguarding.

2020 - 2022: Associate Practitioner (Specialist Extraction), All-Wales Medical Genomics Service

• FFPE RNA, FFPE DNA, and haematological RNA extraction using Promega’s RSC Maxwell
• Facilitating Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing by performing Cell-Free DNA extractions using the Illumina Veriseq Solution v2
• Performing Cell-Free DNA Extractions using QiaVac apparatus to facilitate circulating tumour sequencing
• Working within a small team, leasing with Haematology, Solid Tumour, Familial Cancer, Single Gene and others to ensure quality results at a fast pace for patients
• Writing SOPs and ensuring they are up to date, allowing a continuous quality service
• Batch testing of reagents to allow traceability and troubleshooting

2019 - 2024: Biology & Chemistry Tutor (GCSE & A-Level), Freelance

• Tutored students of varying ages and abilities in Maths, English, and Science at GCSE level, as well as Chemistry and Biology at A Level, tailoring lessons to individual learning needs.
• Strong presentation, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to adapt teaching methods to suit each student.

Professional memberships

• British Society for Parasitology
• Society for Tropical Ecology