Chelsea Davis

PhD

2014- 2019 | PhD in Biological Sciences

My PhD thesis was titled ‘Functional characterisation of extracellular vesicles (EVs) from Fasciola hepatica’. My research included optimising methodologies for EV isolation and characterisation, and investigating the interactions between F. hepatica EVs and macrophages. I also characterised EVs following treatment of F. hepatica with the anthelmintic triclabendazole and its metabolites. 

2018-2020 | Precision agriculture - PreciseAg project (HEFCW funded) 

I collected and analysed environmental samples from farms (e.g. eDNA), and managed precision monitoring technologies to assess livestock behaviour. I analysed data to identify patterns for predicting animal health and supporting precision livestock management. https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/news/archive/2018/12/title-219057-en.html

2020-2023  | Establishment of Centre of Excellence for Bovine Tuberculosis (CBTB) (Sêr Cymru II and Welsh government funded)

I was the first post-doctoral researcher of CBTB, where I contributed to the establishment of the centre and conducted initial experiments in newly commissioned CL2 laboratories. I accustomed newly appointed staff to the laboratory environment and developed a project investigating bovine macrophage responses to Mycobacteria bovis BCG and their EVs, advancing understanding of early host–pathogen interactions. https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/news/archive/2018/10/title-216974-en.html

2023-2026 | Precision solutions for controlling fasciolosis in sheep - FLUKEMAP project (BBSRC funded) 

I investigated precision control strategies for fasciolosis by developing and deploying farm-level environmental DNA and proteomic tools to identify environmental risk areas. I also assisted management of a trial with Ridgeway Research Ltd. to identify F. hepatica infection indicators from animal-based performance and behaviour measures using precision monitoring technologies. I directly engaged and collaborated with farmers to explore novel practice-based approaches for fasciolosis control and treatment. https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/rbi/research/research-in-action/helping-farmers-to-fight-liver-fluke/

2024-2025 Population genetic structure of Galba truncatula on commercial sheep farms in Wales (Joy Welch funded) 

I led this project to identify the genotypes of G. truncatula (intermediate host of F. hepatica) occurring in habitats on commercial farms in Wales. Findings provided insight into the G. truncatula population demographics, which will aid the development of sustainable F. hepatica control strategies for livestock.  

2026-2029 Trained immunity – improving immune health of livestock (UKRI funded)

In this project, I will characterise and exploit BCG induced trained immunity in cattle to improve animal health, productivity and welfare. https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/news/archive/2025/09/title-284234-en.html