The Traveller genes team are based at the Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, and led by Prof Jim Wilson. Professor Jim Wilson, Chief Investigator Jim grew up in Orkney and is the Chief investigator of Traveller Genes. He studied genetics in Edinburgh before going to Oxford for a DPhil in human population genetics. He returned to Edinburgh in 2003 after a stint at University College London, to take up a Royal Society University Research Fellowship. He has published over 230 peer-reviewed journal articles, and is a Thomson Reuters Highly Cited Researcher. His scientific interests include the genetic architecture of complex traits, with particular focus on the study of isolated populations. He heads up a team of analysts using population cohort data to better understand the genetic contribution to traits of public health importance. Jim is leading the recruitment of 200 volunteers into Traveller Genes, as part of the Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh. To read more about Jim, visit the links below. Wilson Group Profile Page Dr Shona Kerr, Project Manager Shona works with the Chief Investigator, and the rest of the team, to help implement the Traveller Genes study. She has more than 20 years of experience in the management of scientific research in academic institutions. Shona graduated from King’s College London with a PhD in Biochemistry then carried out postdoctoral research in genetics at the Universities of Cambridge, Oxford and Edinburgh, before moving into project management. To relax, Shona likes gardening and cooking for her family and friends. Dr Edmund Gilbert, Population Geneticist Image Edmund is the research scientist who will primarily be performing the population genetics and ancestry research for Traveller Genes. He studied Biochemistry and Genetics at the University of Nottingham before moving to Dublin to complete his PhD in Population Genetics and Genomics in 2019. He is the first author on several papers which have investigated the genetic ancestry of various Irish Traveller, settled Irish, and British and Scottish ancestries. Edmund has recently been awarded the National University of Ireland Postdoctoral Fellowship in Sciences and Engineering, continuing investigation into the impact of history on the genetics of a population. David Buchanan, Database Manager David joined the team in March 2019. His roles include helping the volunteers with any technical issues and managing the IT systems. David has worked in clinical research for over 15 years as a software developer and data manager working on several large randomised clinical trials. When he's not working David volunteers for Cancer Research UK and enjoys playing the guitar. Rachel Edwards, Communications Manager Image Rachel manages the communications for Traveller Genes and works closely with the Project Manager and Chief Investigator. Her tasks include responsibility for the website, press releases, volunteer communciation and public engagement. Rachel also works as Communications Manager for 'Viking Genes' and Digital Engagement Officer for 'Generation Scotland', a large Scottish biobank. In her spare time, she likes to wakeboard, snowboard and dance ballet and tap. Craig Sinclair, Administrator Craig helps the Traveller Genes team keep on top of the workload. He's been helping us to respond to emails, so he may be the first one you hear from, if you get in touch! Craig has a decade of experience working as an administrator and researcher for citizen science DNA projects such the Clan Sinclair DNA study, and the S28/U152 haplogroup and subclades research project. This article was published on 2022-09-22
