Rhys' research interests are in microbial genomics – specifically phylogenomics, evolution, & characterisation of mobile genetic elements of uropathogens using bioinformatics. Rhys is a member of the Beatson Group & works with a number of sequencing datasets (including Illumina short-read & Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing). Rhys' projects focus on phylogenomic analysis, & in-depth characterisation of antibiotic resistance & mobile genetic elements, of global pandemic multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli. Rhys has developed a broad range of skills/knowledge in bioinformatics & a variety of field work methods, offering great insight across the full spectrum of research design & implementation.
Complementing his specific expertise in microbial genomics, Rhys has also developed a portfolio of practical experience in other areas of infectious disease research. The MONKEYBAR project involved relocating to Malaysia to carry out in-field research into the biomedical, environmental, and social risk factors for human infection with Plasmodium knowlesi – in collaboration with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Health in Borneo. Rhys’ time at the BARC project, under CRIPES at Cardiff University assisted research into the prevalence of common soil parasites across the United Kingdom, particularly Toxocara spp.