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Dr Katie McDermott

  • Position: Lecturer in Sustainable Livestock Production
  • Areas of expertise: Animal Science; Livestock; Gut Microbiology; Microbiome; Animal Nutrition; Monogastrics; Rumen fermentation
  • Email: K.McDermott@leeds.ac.uk
  • Location: 8.21 Manton
  • Website: Twitter | LinkedIn | ORCID

Profile

I currently work as a lecturer in the School of Biology in Sustainable Livestock Production with a particular interest in improving the sustainability of pig production, with emphasis on the effect of early life. I joined the University in 2018 as a Research Fellow in Animal Nutrition and Physiology in the monogastric nutrition group. I also completed both my PhD (2014-2018) and integrated masters and BSc in Biology (MBiol, BSc 2010-2014) at the University of Leeds, specialising in the microbiology of the ruminant animal.   

Research interests

My broad interest is animal science and nutrition. I have a strong interest in understanding what influences efficient utilisation of feed and how this is influenced by the animal’s resident microbial community. I am interested in the way in which the gut microbiota interact with the host animal in health and disease and in turn, how the microbiota are controlled and selected for by the host. More broadly, I am interested in studying sustainable ways of improving animal health, efficiency and productivity whilst reducing feed waste, minimising land use and decreasing environmental pollution.

<h4>Research projects</h4> <p>Some research projects I'm currently working on, or have worked on, will be listed below. Our list of all <a href="https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/dir/research-projects">research projects</a> allows you to view and search the full list of projects in the faculty.</p>

Qualifications

  • PhD
  • MBiol, BSc (Hons) Biology

Professional memberships

  • British Society of Animal Science

Student education

I am involved with the teaching of animal science modules, tutorials and supervision of both undergraduate and postgraduate students. 

<h4>Postgraduate research opportunities</h4> <p>We welcome enquiries from motivated and qualified applicants from all around the world who are interested in PhD study. Our <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk">research opportunities</a> allow you to search for projects and scholarships.</p>