BSc Biological Science (Hons) UNSW

 

 

My honours thesis was carried out in conjunction with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney and examined population structure in the native tree Elaeocarpus reticulatus or Blueberry Ash. Using variable microsatellite loci I assessed genetic variation between and within populations of E. reticulatus over most of its NSW range.

 

The outcome of my honours research fostered in me a specific interest in seed dispersal and pollination biology. I am especially interested in examining animal-mediated seed dispersal and pollination within and between populations and species to elucidate how these processes in plant reproduction influence genetic diversity and gene flow on a range of scales.

 

I find this area fascinating because the mechanics of gene flow play a significant role in speciation and the ecological importance of Angiosperms makes their biology relevant to entire communities and ecosystems.

 

I now hold a dual position at BEES as research assistant with Clare Holleley on Drosophila population genetics and technical assistant for the Molecular Ecology and Evolution Facility (MEEF).