David Starns

I have been working in the field of data science and bioinformatics for 11 years, analysing important genomic information in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems.

My work has ranged from studying parasitic eukaryotes, such as the causative agents of sleeping sickness, to examining endosymbiotic prokaryotes like the spirochetes found in the guts of lower and higher termites.

What students can expect to learn and the skills they’ll build

Students will acquire essential skills in analysing and interpreting data sets at their own pace. The curriculum covers modern programming languages, statistics, and contemporary topics in genomic medicine, including applications in cancer, vaccines, and epidemiology.

What inspired you to get into this field?

I have always been fascinated by life and felt a strong desire to make an impact. As a teenager in the 90s, blockbuster movies like Jurassic Park, Species, and Gattaca fuelled my curiosity about biology and genomics. I was captivated by the idea of understanding the fundamentals of how organisms are composed and the diversity of life.

When did you start at the University and what was your academic/career path?

I completed my undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science as a mature student, still undecided about my future career. Sometimes, we never truly know what we want to be when we grow up, even when we get there. I went on to complete a PhD in microbial genomics at the University of Liverpool, in collaboration with Riken in Japan. This research-intensive experience involved interactions with students and opportunities to guide them, which continued into my postdoctoral work. Ultimately, I chose to pursue teaching.

What makes this area so important?

Genomic medicine, or personalized medicine, has been a promising field for some time. It offers the ability to treat patients based on their genetic makeup and analyse large amounts of data efficiently. Advances in targeted high-throughput genomic sequencing and CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing are making this economically feasible.

Despite the devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the virus presented numerous challenges that were met with significant investments in developing novel vaccines and delivery methods. This surge of innovation is now paving the way to address existing medical conditions more effectively.

How can prospective students use the skills/learnings in their careers?

The skills and knowledge gained from this programme are invaluable to both public and private healthcare institutions and companies. Whether it's designing drugs to combat cancers with specific marker profiles or developing vaccines to prevent future epidemics, the ability to analyse big data can provide novel insights into multifactorial conditions, improving quality of life for many. Healthcare providers can also use these skills to tailor preventative advice to individuals, potentially reducing treatment costs in the long run.