Environmental DNA sampling for Biodiversity and Biosecurity. Bennetts Wallaby at Enkledoovery Korna tame wallaby park, Waimate. Photo credit: Gracie Kroos.
We blend genomics with ecology, population, conservation and evolutionary biology, to examine a range of interesting, and frequently fundamental questions in organisms ranging from invertebrates to mammals.
Our lab also provides research services to key end users in conservation, biosecurity, fisheries and agricultural areas by working on theory based projects through to applied management driven research projects.
Currently our major research projects focus on:
- Exploring the effects of mtDNA mutations on male fertility, and their utility in biocontrol
- Developing new approaches to measure biodiversity
- Investigations into the molecular basis of sex reversal in fish
- Investigating the genetic basis of inbreeding depression using New Zealand birds
- How some parasites can effectively manipulate their hosts behaviour
- The basis and consequences of cryptic female choice in salmon
Our lab also runs the Sanger sequencing and genotyping services at the University of Otago, through the Genetic Analysis Service (GAS).
Among our collaborators are Landcare Research, Department of Conservation, NIWA, Cawthron and AgResearch.
Are you a BSc (Hons), MSc, or PhD students with an interest in molecular biology, evolution and ecology? Check our Research opportunities page, and contact us!
We are based in the Anatomy Department of the University of Otago, and have excellent research staff, facilities and strong international collaborations, offering students excellent opportunities to gain a variety of highly pertinent research and technical skills.
