Daniel Weir Email & Phone Number

Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

My PhD research on influenza A viruses is looking at how infection can spread directly between cells independent of cell free virus particles. Firstly, I have established in vitro assays that allow us to visualise and quantify direct cell-to-cell spread of different IAV strains. I am also investigating the cellular and molecular basis behind the induction of intercellular membranous connections referred to as tunnelling nanotubes (TNT's) following IAV infection. TNT's can facilitate infection spread and reassortment, therefore, necessitating a better understand of their involvement in trafficking infection in different contexts. This has involved using super resolution confocal microscopy to visualise TNT connections with work being done both in vitro and in vivo.

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

Masters research project hosted by the VMDL of AFBI where I developed an optimised sample preparation pipeline for the metagenomic detection of epizootic viruses originating from a number of complex, meat based products via next generation sequencing. In this project I also assessed the quality and value of this approach in comparison and in combination with conventional molecular diagnostics. Overall this work aimed to improve and broaden current surveillance capability by detecting viral sequences within illegally imported foodstuff using advancements in high throughput sequencing platforms.

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

Honours project investigating the role of a histone methyltransferase on the pathogenicity of the yeast Candida glabrata. This project utilised gene modifying approaches namely CRISPR-Cas9, requiring plasmid design and electropration.

Professional studies placement within the Virological Molecular Diagnostic Lab of the Veterinary Science Division where I worked to support diagnostic testing as well as provide surveillance for animal viruses, e.g. L/HPAIV, PRRSV & BTV.Furthermore, I was involved in multiple research projects including the establishment of an RT-qPCR diagnostic test implementing a universal influenza A virus primer set.

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Virology

Master Of Science - Ms, Biochemistry, First Class