Hi, I’m Daniel.
I’m a teaching-focused Senior Lecturer in Microbiology at the University of Bristol, with teaching and research interests in mycology, bacteriology and biofilms.
Among my day-to-day teaching, I am also Senior Tutor, Admissions Tutor, and Deputy Programme Director for the Cellular and Molecular Medicine family of programmes.
Lets Get Personal
I was born in September 1986, in Newport, South Wales where I grew up with my parents and two brothers. I moved out to Cwmbran with my partner (now wife) where I’ve lived for about 10 years. I’m very lucky to have two incredibly amazing sons: Ruben and Oliver, along with a cat called Billy, a dog called Woody, and some guinea pigs.
I went to Lliswerry High School from 1998-2005, and was elected as Head Boy in my final year of sixth form. I studies Biology, Chemistry and Physics at A-Level (although didn’t do particularly well), I ended up being successful in getting into university at the University of the West of England in 2006 (deferred entry from 2005 as I wanted to some time off academia!)
I graduated from UWE in 2009 with a 2:1 B.Sc (Hons) Biomedical Science degree with interests primarily in microbiology and also immunology. I was approached shortly after graduation by a recruitment agency who were looking for a laboratory technician to start as an entry level position for a a small biotechnology company; Genesis Biosciences. I quickly progressed and worked as R&D Scientist for a couple of years before leaving to pursue my dream of completing a PhD!
In my spare time, I enjoy playing computer games (with my brothers and solo), particularly sim-racing. I also love riding my motorcycle and enjoy riding trips when I can take them.
Academia
I have worked in a number of disciplines; oral microbiology, specifically Candida virulence and interactions with oral bacteria within biofilms, and the role of the oral microbiome in health and disease; tissue engineering, development and evaluation of a 3D oral mucosal tissue model for biofilm infection analysis. This also encompasses host immunological responses to infection.
I am interested in oral biofilms and microbial interactions, but also wound microbiology – particularly biofilm associated and where biofilms are implicated in chronic wounds and associated with medical devices and subsequent infections.
My experiences during the PhD have built on and developed a number of practical skills, including general microbiology – aerobic/anaerobic culture, adherence/biofilm development and evaluation, microscopy CLSM, SEM, antimicrobial testing, molecular biology (DNA/RNA/qPCR), cell/tissue culture (2D and 3D tissue model), and cell responses, and some experience of dental materials.
So, why not check back every now and then to find out what’s been going on in the crazy world of microbiology research!
And beyond!
I am also co-founder of the public engagement and outreach group Show Me The Science. We exist to promote STEM, and particularly microbiology and healthcare to the general public and schools. We have established relationships with a number of schools across South East Wales, and are always looking to expand our reach. Get in touch if you want to know more!
Follow me!
Twitter; @DanielJMorse
LinkedIn: Daniel Morse
Daniel