Emily Pascoe

Data scientist with 8+ years' international experience integrating multi-scale field, laboratory, and environmental data through quantitative modelling to identify spatial and temporal patterns. Expertise spanning biodiversity and disease ecology, with a focus on degraded and recovering ecosystems. Collaborative and interdisciplinary, with experience in translating analyses into actionable insights for policy.

Scientific Researcher at University of Pisa (2025-01 – Present)

• Optimised metabarcoding methodologies for parasite biodiversity assessment objectives
• Delivered high-throughput sample processing for sequencing
• Established in-house laboratory infrastructure, workflows, and expertise in metabarcoding, enabling independent sample processing within a multi-partner project

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellow at Fondazione Edmund Mach (2023-01 – 2025-12)

• Secured funding to lead an independent research project, managing objectives, activities, and budget
• Implemented non-invasive (eDNA) approaches to assess endangered amphibian and pathogen diversity across environmental gradients
• Integrated multi-source and multi-scale datasets (microbiota, genetic, environmental) to analyse host–pathogen–environment interactions in degraded and recovering ecosystems
• Coordinated an international network (8 countries) to develop a sample and data repository, implemented as a FAIR-compliant SQL database
• Communicated findings to conservation NGOs, informing improved field practices and disease monitoring

Postdoctoral Researcher at Wageningen University & Research (2021-01 – 2023-12)

• Adapted molecular detection methods to novel sample types (ear tissue) to detect tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in wildlife using non-destructive sampling approaches
• Demonstrated circulation of TBEV across a broader habitat range than previously recognised through integrated ecological and molecular analyses
• Contributed to an interdisciplinary research project at the chemistry–ecology interface, resulting in a Nature Chemistry publication and university award
• Collaborated with the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) to support national TBEV surveillance and risk assessment
• Contributed to evidence underpinning the introduction of mandatory Category C reporting for TBE in the Netherlands

Postdoctoral Researcher at University of California Davis (2017-01 – 2021-12)

• Investigated ecological and social drivers of pathogen circulation (with a focus on degraded and recovering ecosystems) through integrated analyses of field, laboratory and environmental data
• Applied statistical and spatial analyses (e.g., species distribution and mixed-effects modelling) to identify host–vector–pathogen interactions across space and time, including under projected climate change
• Derived satellite-based indices to quantify environmental changes (e.g., following wildfire) and subsequent impacts on pathogen systems
• Collaborated with state and federal public health authorities to support vector-borne disease surveillance and risk assessment

PhD in Biological Sciences – Cardiff University (2014-01 – 2017-12)

BSc Hons in Biology – Cardiff University (2008-01 – 2011-12)