University of New South Wales - BEES Home - Molecular Ecology and Conservation Biology Research Group

MOLECULAR ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION BIOLOGY RESEARCH GROUP

Genetic variation provides the raw material underpinning all evolutionary processes. The Molecular Ecology and Conservation Biology group focuses on the study of this genetic variation in a diverse range of research areas including:

Conservation biology:
- Monitoring and managing the genetic component of biodiversity
- Demographic modelling
- Conservation priority setting

Biogeography and phylogeny of wild populations:
- Determining management units, evolutionary significant units and other population genetic boundaries for conservation management.

Genetic determinants of social behaviour

Laboratory and computer simulations:
- Evaluating molecular techniques used for monitoring population processes
- Testing models of population processes

Non-invasive biology:
- Acquiring genetic data from DNA extracted from non-invasive and sub-optimal sources including museum specimens, dried skins, faeces, bones, feathers and other trace samples and ancient tissues.

Species studied include marsupials, cetaceans, birds, rats, flies and trees.

BEES hosts the Molecular Evolution and Ecology Facility, which together with the UNSW Ramaciotti centre, provides a full range of molecular tools for evolutionary biologists.

ACADEMIC STAFF

Dr. Karen Firestone
A/Prof Bill Sherwin

POSTDOCTORAL

Dr. Merel Dalebout

POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS

Maria Cardoso
Celine Frere
Jyoutsna Gupta
Steve Hamilton
Clare Holleley
Lee Ann Rollins
Gianluca Maio

TECHNICAL ASSISTANT

Michael Whitehead

HONOURS STUDENTS

Rachel Musgrave

POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS OFF-CAMPUS

Shaun Barclay
Phil Rhoades
Monica Ruibal
Deirdre Sharkey
Rose Singadon

VISITING RESEARCH FELLOWS

Dr Michael Kruetzen University of Zurich
A/Prof Janet Mann Georgetown University
Prof Richard Connor University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
Prof Richard Nichols University of London, QM College