Dr Lara Cassidy

CONTACT DETAILS:

E-mail : cassidl1[at] tcd [dot] ie
Tel : +353-(0)1-896-1265
Fax : +353-(0)1-679-8558

MODERN DNA LABORATORY ADDRESS:

Molecular Population Genetics
Smurfit Institute of Genetics
Trinity College Dublin
Dublin 2
Ireland

ANCIENT DNA LABORATORY ADDRESS (for archaeological samples):

Archaeological Genetics
Smurfit Institute of Genetics
Trinity College Dublin
Dublin 2
Ireland

RESEARCH INTEREST:

Population Genomics and Irish Prehistory: Until recently the human genetic past has largely been inferred from models based on geographical patterns of modern-day genetic variation. However, with the advent of powerful next generation sequencing technologies ancient patterns of genetic variation can now be directly observed through the use of archaeological samples. This new field of paleogenomics allows us to map changes in human genetic variation not only through space but through time, giving us a much richer picture of human genetic history. This approach has so far been used to glean insight into major prehistoric events, such as the peopling of the Americas and the Neolithic transition in Europe. An understanding of ancient genomic variation in Ireland has much to offer the emerging field. As an island on the fringe of Western Europe, Ireland's insular and extreme location makes it a compelling case study for how a population's genomic architecture can change over time. The sequencing of ancient Irish genomes will provide completely novel information about the peopling, migrations, selection pressures and population structure of Ireland's prehistory and will also contribute greatly to the emerging narrative of European genetic prehistory.

EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE:

2018- to date: Research Assistant, Trinity College Dublin
Ancient Genomics and the Atlantic Burden

June 2012 - August 2012: Ecological Genetics Lab, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan. Supervisor: Prof Jun Kitano. Project: Investigating the phylogeography of Japanese threespine sticklebacks using microsatellite markers.

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS:

2013-2018: Ph.D. Genetics, Trinity College Dublin

2009-2013: B.A Human Genetics, Trinity College Dublin; First Class Honours
Thesis title :Genetic diversity and origins of Irish feral goat populations
Supervisor: Prof Dan Bradley

OTHER MERITS:
Best Postdoctoral Oral presentation ISHG Dublin (2018)
Gold Medal for Degree Examinations, Trinity College Dublin (2013)
Overall winner in the Life Sciences category of the 2013 Undergraduate Awards.
The Leslie Bloomer Prize in Human Genetics, Trinity College Dublin (2012)