Dr Katrina Morris

Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Roslin based)

My research interests are on animal genetics and genomics, particularly relating to disease resistance and animal health. I studied animal science at The University of Sydney, specialising in animal genetics, during which I completed a final year honours project studying the genetics of domestic and wild cat species. Following my graduation in 2008 I continued my studies at the University of Sydney carrying out a PhD where I studied the genetics and immunology of a transmissible cancer in Tasmanian devils. During my time in Sydney I also studied the genetics and genomics of platypus, koala and bandicoot.

In 2015 I came to the Roslin Institute on a research fellowship, following which I continued to work at Roslin as a postdoctoral fellow. During my time at Roslin I have worked on several RNA-seq projects including studies examining the response of different bird species to H5N1 influenza infection, the response of chickens to Eimeria and to pathogeneic E. coli. In addition I have worked on the quail genome project, as well as projects to identify and analyse key immune genes in chickens, quails and other domestic birds.

In 2020 I joined the group of Georgios Banos, and will be working to identify genes involved in production traits, health and survival in Ethiopian chickens.