- Position:
- PhD Candidate
- Phone:
- (+61 8) 9480 3673
- Fax:
- (+61 8) 9480 3641
- Email:
- This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
RESEARCH THEMES:
- Conservation genetics,
- ecophysiology
BACKGROUND:
Completed Bachelor of Science majoring in Botany and Zoology in 2004. In 2005 completed honours with a project entitled Genetic erosion and its consequences in the translocated population of Grevillea scapigera. In 2006 was awarded a UPA scholarship and commenced my PhD.
PROJECT:
Title: Genetic structure and gene flow in the naturally fragmented species Banksia ilicifolia.
University: University of Western Australia,
Supervisors: Siegy Krauss and Hans Lambers
Description: Many species in the southwest Western Australia are naturally fragmented. However, with the increase of urban and agricultural development these fragments are becoming increasingly fragmented and isolated. This unnatural isolation may have an effect on pollinator behaviour and hence pollen flow and outcrossing rates. My project investigates these issues using Banksia ilicifolia as a model species. B. ilicifolia is a naturally fragmented species that occurs from Albany to Kalbarri. This species also occurs in the Perth metro area where it is under pressure from urban development.
I will aim to quantify genetic structure over its entire range, establishing ecological significant units for this species, as well as defining fine scale genetic structure within populations. I will also aim to quantify gene flow through examining pollen flow and defining pollen contribution from various pollen vectors. Optimum outcrossing rates will be established through manipulated pollinations and fitness measurements. To examine the effects of genetic isolation in urban fragments fitness of progeny will be examined by measuring vigour in the seedlings as well as taking various physiological measurements. This project will make a significant contribution to conservation by examining the effects of urbanisation and fragmentation not only on genetic diversity and differentiation on populations but the genetic processes maintaining that diversity.