Dr Nicola Lewis

Nicola is a senior research associate and veterinarian in the Centre for Pathogen Evolution in the Department of Zoology. An alumnus of Wolfson College, Cambridge, her research interests focus on the antigenic and genetic evolution of viral pathogens, particularly influenza A viruses in both wild and domestic animals. She leads several international collaborative projects in a number of developed and developing countries, which focus on both internationally important scientific questions and encourage capacity building in the local animal health sector.

Nicola was educated at Wells Cathedral School from the age of 7, where she was both an academic scholar and in receipt of a specialist provision music award. As an oboist she studied with Robin Canter and Douglas Boyd, performing in masterclasses with Celia Nicklin and Lady Barbirolli and toured extensively throughout Europe and the Far East, including concerto performances in Germany. She began choral singing from 7, performing with all Wells Cathedral School choral ensembles in diverse musical styles, which ranged from musical theatre to Britten’s Noyes Fludde; from Chapel Choir to Rutter’s Gloria conducted by the composer. At the University of London, although training to be a vet she continued her love of music, playing oboe under Stephen Jackson with the University of London Symphony Orchestra, Gilbert and Sullivan pit orchestra work and singing in numerous Cathedrals throughout the United Kingdom with the University of London Chamber Choir. On qualification she continued to dep for weekend services in various London churches including St Martins in the Fields. When she embarked on a PhD at Cambridge in 2006, she joined Wolfson College Choir conducted by Lyn Alcántara and both of her daughters sang in KJV when they were younger.