Daniel Faulkner

Master of Science in Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics (Distinction).

• Dissertation: “Development of a LINE1 antisense genomic region database and an example analysis of LINE1 retrotransposon activity in colon cancer patients”

Bachelors of Science in Biological Sciences (2:1).

• Dissertation: "Investigation into the suitability of roadside conservation areas for bumblebee populations"

For more information into my previous research experience check out the Research Projects page.

Student Ambassador:

• Work in public facing roles interacting with visitors and potential students.

• Responding to questions both online and in person. In a variety of environments from open days, job fairs and induction events.

• Providing tours of university facilities.

ICT Technician (in a secondary school environment):

• Providing technical support for users

• Training users on new software.

• Maintenance and development of the network infrastructure.

• Working as part of a small team, often with extended periods of independent work and the need to prioritise tasks.

• Experience with a wide variety of software both on the desktop and server.

Community Computer Centre (volunteer):

• Producing training materials for members of the public.

• One to one or small group tutoring.

Temp agency warehouse work:

• Experience of shift work.

Technical skills:

• Experience of producing and implementing custom software solutions where no commercial solution was available.

• Maintenance and repair work on a wide range of ICT equipment.

• Delivery of end user training and documentation.

• Familiarity with a range of office packages, operating systems and development environments.

• Experience in a range of programming languages including, Python, Java and PHP.

Laboratory skills:

• Developed a range of general academic, fieldwork and laboratory skills through the undergraduate course, with a focus on Genetic and Zoology modules.

• Increased understanding of molecular genetic techniques through the Masters course. Including experience with common genetics software and statistics tools, such as R.

Workplace skills:

• Prioritisation of tasks within a small team based on severity and impact.

• Contributing to department decision making, and following up on projects from planning to implementation.

• Communicating with members of the public, through ICT training sessions and by representing the university at open days as a Student Ambassador.

• Liaison and supervision of external contractors.

• Working in a variety of environments including laboratory, office and public facing.

Climbing

• Occasional bouldering and roped climbing as a form of physical exercise.

Programming

• I had an interest in programming from a young age which was further stimulated when I discovered Linux and open source software around the age of 14.

• Much of my early interest was in trying to replicate those tools which already existed to gain a better understanding of how they work.

• During my employment as an IT Technician I used this interest in programming to create small programs to solve technical issues and make the maintenance of the network easier. Including writing scripts to automate the auditing of computer hardware and an internal web front end to a commercial printer credit system.

• During the later part of my university education I have attempted to bring together my understanding of Biology and Computing through a course in Bioinformatics. Which enabled me to work on writing software to interact with large datasets to solve real research problems.

Sailing

• Past hobby (with I would like to return to) requiring both patience and technical understanding of the boat and weather.

• A pleasant way to observe nature on calmer days, a challenge of skill on windy days.

Language learning

• I have tried learning multiple languages from French as a child and German during my first year of university. Unfortunately I have not been able to practice sufficiently to retain those languages.

• Over the past couple of years I have been studying Italian and spent some time in Italy, enjoying the challenge of learning the culture and language. While far from fluent I can introduce myself and form basic sentences to communicate with Italian friends and family.

Classic car restoration

• The restoration of classic cars is an interest I have gained from my parents and is an opportunity to develop multiple skills.

• Use of mechanical tools, often outside and in awkward positions.

• Logical problem solving and methodical approach to planning and performing the restoration.