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Simon Jeeves

@simonjeeves.bsky.social

27 followers 34 following 18 posts

PhD Candidate, Jardine Lab @OntVetCollege Pathobiology | UoG One Health | disease ecology | birding | 🇨🇦

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Simon Jeeves @simonjeeves.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

On Thursday, I reached the end of my PhD and successfully defended my thesis. I have been extremely fortunate to work in a lab where I am always excited to be seeing what happens next. I have enjoyed my PhD studies immensely. 1/3

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Simon Jeeves @simonjeeves.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

We just published our work on coronaviruses of Southern Ontario wild small mammals. This paper was co-first authored by myself and Dr. Jon Kotwa and has been a long time in the making. Check it out here: doi.org/10.1038/s442... #science 1/4

An image of the manuscript header of our new article titled "Genomic analysis and evolutionary insights of betacoronaviruses in wild Peromyscus mice and other terrestrial small mammals."

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Simon Jeeves @simonjeeves.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

**Attention all seeking PhD positions in disease ecology, especially regarding highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI)!** See the attached document for an exciting PhD position opportunity at the University of Saskatchewan. All details, including how to apply, are included there. 1/3 #science

PhD studentship: University of Saskatchewan
Waterfowl use of farm-adjacent habitats and HPAI risk in Canada
Description: A PhD studentship is available with Dr. Mitch Weegman in the Department of Biology at the University of Saskatchewan, co-supervised by Dr. Jolene Giacinti (Environment and Climate Change Canada), in collaboration with (Ducks Unlimited Inc.).
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) continues to cause outbreaks in wild birds and domestic poultry in Canada, with significant implications for wildlife conservation, agriculture, and One Health.
To better understand the waterfowl–poultry interface and associated transmission risks, the student will investigate how GPS-tracked waterfowl use the immediate surroundings of commercial poultry and dairy farms and how these local interactions may relate to HPAI risk. This is an analysis-focused project using existing datasets; no new field data collection is planned. The work involves sensitive datasets and strict adherence to confidentiality and data-governance protocols will be required. There will be opportunities for field work on related projects across North America for the student to build field experiences during the graduate program.
The student and research team will develop research questions that support a common goal of understanding fine-scale patterns of waterfowl use near farms and implications for HPAI transmission. There is substantial opportunity for the student to lead on development of objectives/manuscripts. Primary objectives for the student will be to:
1.
Quantify local habitat use by tagged waterfowl in the vicinity of poultry and dairy premises.
2.
Assess overlap between waterfowl movements and farm locations, including farms with and without historical HPAI detections, and evaluate how nearby habitat/farm characteristics relate to this overlap.
3.
Synthesize implications for biosecurity, wildlife conservation, and One Health related to HPAI at the wildlife–agriculture interface.

Prerequisites: Ideal candidates will have an MSc in ecology, statistics or a closely related field. Preference will be given to applicants with a quantitative background (e.g., Program R, spatial/movement modelling), experience handling large datasets, and interest in avian movement ecology. Knowledge of disease ecology is beneficial but not mandatory. The successful applicant will be expected to publish in peer-reviewed journals, present at scientific meetings, and communicate findings effectively with government and non-government partners and stakeholders.
Salary and benefits: $35,000 CDN per year plus compensation for tuition and fees.
Start date: September 2026 or January 2027
Last date to apply: 8 May 2026
To be considered for this position, please send the following (preferably as a single PDF) to Dr. Mitch Weegman (mitch.weegman@usask.ca) and Dr. Jolene Giacinti (jolene.giacinti@ec.gc.ca):
1.
Letter of interest summarizing your experience (i.e., cover letter),
2.
Curriculum vitae or résumé,
3.
University transcripts (unofficial are OK),
4.
Contact information for three references.

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Simon Jeeves @simonjeeves.bsky.social · 30/07/2025

Very much enjoyed the chance to present some of my PhD work on Bartonella yesterday at #WDA2025

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Simon Jeeves @simonjeeves.bsky.social · 11/07/2025

New publication - this one has been a long way time in the making, but I am very proud of the work that went into it. Take a peek at our new review article on coronaviruses of wild small mammals: www.microbiologyresearch.org/content/jour...

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Simon Jeeves @simonjeeves.bsky.social · 09/07/2025

Yesterday I presented at the 2025 OVC Grad Student Research Symposium - a preview of the work I’ll be presenting later this month in Victoria BC for WDA 2025

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