Helen graduated with a BSc in Medical Genetics from the University of Huddersfield. During her undergraduate studies she undertook a year-long research placement investigating metabolic pathways in choanoflagellates using computational techniques to mine transcriptomes. Following this she pursued a computational undergraduate thesis, calculating sequence divergence and divergence times in Apodemus, based on whole-genome high-density genotyping data from RADSeq. She continues to focus on evolution and development and chose to return to looking at early animals, using a combination of in silico and in vitro/in vivo techniques. In her spare-time she enjoys rock climbing and refereeing roller derby internationally.
