Schärer Group
Evolutionary Biology
Zoological Institute
University of Basel
Vesalgasse 1
CH-4051 Basel
Switzerland

Jack Mitchell

email: j.mitchell-at-unibas.ch

I am a Master student in the Schärer at the University of Basel, with a focus on RNA sequencing of three species of Macrostomum.

Current research

For my MSc research I aim to expand the molecular data present for three species within the free-living flatworm genus Macrostomum. Recent insights into the RNA expression of M. lignano different positional body regions and in different social and other conditions has resulted in a desire for similar datasets in the related species M. cliftonensis and M. hystrix. This would enable the identification of genes of interest for future research, greater comparisons between the species for answering evolutionary questions, and would facilitate a trial of single cell sequencing within this group of organisms.
Moreover, recent single cell sequencing has proven successful in the Planarian flatworm Schmidtea mediterranea, leading to the question of whether this would be possible and/or beneficial in Macrostomum.
The aims of my research are therefore to generate positional, social, and possibly also single cell RNA-seq data for M. cliftonensis and M. hystrix, as well as complete the repertoire of RNA-seq data for M. lignano.

Former research

My BSc dissertation at the University of Strathclyde aimed to improve student interest, confidence and understanding of STEM subjects at High School level. This was achieved via the creation of a practical workshop delivered in schools across Scotland, in which students experienced an opportunity to carry out laboratory experiments prior to University level.

Publications

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