Anastasia Unitt

In my research I apply large genetic datasets to investigate bacterial pathogens, predominantly Neisseria gonorrhoeae. I’m interested in exploring how genetics can reveal the distribution of traits of interest across bacterial populations – for example antimicrobial resistance genes, or vaccine antigen variants. Using this population genetics approach, I examine DNA sequence variation across thousands of isolates.

My research interests also include horizontal gene transfer, strain taxonomy, commensal Neisseria species, and the application of evolutionary theory to explain observed patterns in genotypes.

I previously studied at the University of Oxford for both my undergraduate (BA Hons Biological sciences, 1st class) and postgraduate (DPhil) qualifications. I have also gained experience through several internships, including writing for science communication with the citizen science project Zooniverse. Furthermore, I am an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA).