George Adams

A recent graduate from University College London (UCL) with experience in data handling and phylogenetic analysis. Used haplotype data to explore the possibility of a novel genetic marker as a measurement of sex bias in ancient Eurasian migrations. Led and worked in event project teams for a UK-wide student organisation. 

Education: 

My degree has focused predominantly on ecology, evolution and population genetics, and I have experience with various forms of data analysis using R including multi-variable analysis and phylogenetics. My experience in R includes multivariate analysis, logistic regression, various statistical tests, statistical graphic creation, phylogenetic tree building using various models and methods (ML, parsimony, UPGMA...), and analysing of mutation rates from complex datasets. On top of this, I have a strong background knowledge of the interactions between organisms in an environment and how this may shape their evolution. I am also familiar with several bioinformatic tools and databases.

During the final year of my degree, I was the first person to apply a recently discovered genetic marker that is present across the genome of affected populations to test the possibility of sex-biased migrations in the ancestors of modern Europeans and South Asians. My project expanded on Dr Leo Speidel’s 2021 paper quantifying a genome-wide mutation shift in different global populations. My project compared the net amplitudes and mutation rates of these signals between the X chromosomes and autosomes of selected populations and sampled individuals from different geographical regions. This marker was first identified by Harris (2017) and was dated by Speidel in 2021, although it had never previously been used to infer population history events prior to the conducting of my research project. I identified strong signals in the X chromosomes of modern Europeans and surprisingly weak signals throughout the genomes of South Asians, although sample limitations may have affected the latter.

Extra-curricular: 

I was part of the national committee of the National Hindu Students’ Forum (UK), which equips and empowers students and young people to explore their cultural roots. As an organisation, we support Hindu students in various ways such as connecting university Hindu societies to external organisations, creating resources, training leadership and team-building skills, and helping them to plan and deliver educational events. During my time in the organisation, I have substantially developed my confidence and overcome social anxiety through public speaking, group work and meditating on compassion. Since joining, I have delivered online events to Hindu students, led and worked in various project teams (during which we have often experienced last-minute setbacks) and presented a talk on Indian history to dozens of young people. I have a strong interest in inspiring young people and helping them to develop in similar ways.

In January 2023, I was invited to deliver a talk at the Nagaon Girls’ College in Assam about my experiences in yogic practice. Rather than relaxation and Mindfulness, which are currently widely promoted, I emphasised the importance of exploring more profound states of consciousness, which are beyond ordinary experiences but can nonetheless be discovered and integrated into everyday experience. I also discussed the harms of ideological dogma and its tendency to limit our ability to grasp beneficial ideas and alternative points of view. Finally, I stressed the importance of testing our beliefs and experiences empirically and approaching these from psychological and positivistic perspectives.

During the Summer of 2016, I took part in a Nuffield Scheme research project in collaboration with the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, measuring the effects of habitat cover on butterfly distribution in cultivated parts of the Low Wield. The Nuffield Scheme provides sixth-form students with the opportunity to gain experience in research projects in STEM fields. My project analysed different habitat types at two sites on multiple occasions and was presented with a poster and written report that was presented at the University of Brighton. We concluded that leaving areas of wild, uncultivated land in built-up areas has a strong positive impact on butterfly biodiversity. These findings may be applicable to other types of small animals as well. I was awarded a CREST Gold Award for this project.

I previously volunteered at the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath in two different wards. On some occasions, I had to respond quickly to situations where patients I looked after put themselves in dangerous situations, which tended to occur when patients suffered from dementia. This was my first exposure to handling urgent and minor emergency situations. Though this put me out of my depth, it certainly helped me to respond to unexpected situations spontaneously and calmly. My role also meant that I interacted with many patients and families from various backgrounds, which helped me to appreciate the complexities of each person's experiences and be able to communicate effectively with others regardless of their background or walk of life.

Current engagements: 

I am currently starting a part-time voluntary position in the startup 10zyme where I will be undertaking statistical and genomic analyses of experimental data in R and Python. The findings will be used to shape decisions about a novel treatment for diagnosing HPV.

Biological Sciences (MSci) – UCL 

A-levels (Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology) – Brighton Hove and Sussex VI-form College