O'Connell, Callum — The Scottish Association for Marine Science

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Callum O'Connell

Callum O'Connel with red hard hat working aboard a vessel harvesting seaweed

Molecular and Microbial Biology Support Scientist

I joined SAMS in April 2019 to support the delivery of the GenialG and GlobalSeaweedStar projects.

In particular, I am working on experiments linked to the isolation, bio-banking, genetic characterisation and phenotyping of algae (Saccharina lattisima, Ulva spp. and Bangia spp.) and their pathogens.

Contact details:

Callum.O’Connell@sams.ac.uk
+44 (0)1631 559 304

About Callum

My job at SAMS

In order to help with the delivery of both the GenialG and GlobalSeaweedSTAR projects, my responsibilities vary constantly. However, my key functions are to:

>Isolate, cultivate and manage large Latissima and Ulva spp. culture collections
>Implement novel cryopreservation techniques for European Ulva strains
>Assess the resistance of Latissima strains to disease using established plate reader assays
>Help characterise disease development in seaweed farm algae using various molecular tools (PCR/qPCR), which involves visiting sites, harvesting and processing algal biomass
>As of September 2019, I manage the algal laboratory at SAMS

Qualifications

2019 MPhil Marine Science. Newcastle University

2016 BSc (Hons) Marine Biology. Newcastle University

Training courses

2016 Introduction to Bioinformatics Course. Bioinformatics Support Unit. Newcastle University

2015 Sea Survival Course. South Tyneside College

2011 PADI Advanced Open Water & Nitrox Diver