I completed a BSc. (Hons) degree in Biology at Keele university followed by an MSc. and PhD degree in Aquatic Pathobiology at the University of Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture. Following initial work on marker vaccination for fish during my PhD, I have gone on to explore innovative vaccinology approaches targeting a range of fish species and their disease challenges. Targeted diseases range from the notifiable Koi herpes virus infection of carp, to bacterial diseases affecting tilapia, salmonids and cleaner fish species cohabited with farmed salmon to remove parasites. Through the use of sophisticated antigen delivery systems for oral vaccines and comparison of vaccination regimes (immersion, oral and injection prime-boost strategies), greater understanding of mucosal immunity has highlighted the potential for immunising against more complex fish pathogens. Working with interdisciplinary collaborators over this period has facilitated advances in the molecular analytical toolbox (e.g. single cell / spatial transcriptomics), which have enhanced antigen discovery and improved understanding of host immune responses for complex pathogens. More recently, by combining improved knowledge of mucosal immunity with novel vaccine biotech approaches (e.g. nanoparticle / antigen delivery platforms), I have sought to develop vaccines targeting sea lice, copepod crustacean ectoparasites of fish, particularly those associated with cultured salmonids such as Atlantic salmon. This work has incorporated novel molecular antigen discovery approaches, antigen production/display platforms and administration routes. Recent multi-partner interdisciplinary projects using gene editing technology (CRISPR-Cas9) has further provided a new means by which to characterise the protective immunity associated with selected gene targets. By comparing key molecular signatures of immune pathways employed by sea louse resistant species (e.g. coho salmon) that are lacking in sea louse susceptible species (e.g. Atlantic salmon) we have begun to identify novel vaccine candidates involved in modulating potentially protective host responses. I continue to explore new ways to unravel fish host-pathogen interactions and improve vaccine design and application.