Liz is an evolutionary biologist. Her research focuses on patterns of genetic diversity and connectivity at different spatial scales in temperate Australian seagrasses (Posidonia spp.), from clonal diversity, mating systems, population genetics, long distance dispersal and recruitment. Genetic patterns are interpreted using a multidisciplinary approach – oceanography, regional hydrodynamic spatial modelling, and life history traits (pollen and seed dispersal and recruitment), with implication for seagrass restoration. Her current research focuses on understanding genomic diversity, gene expression and adaptation in changing marine environmental conditions for Shark Bay’s large temperate seagrasses.  

Research themes

• Marine genetics and genomics
• Climate change
• Restoration genetics
• Molecular ecology
• Plant mating systems
• Seed dispersal

Major projects

• Assisting restoration of ecosystem engineers through seed-based and shoot- based programs in the Shark Bay World Heritage Site’ National Environmental Science Program - Marine Biodiversity Hub (2019-21)
• Seagrass adaptation and acclimation responses to extreme climatic events. ARC Discovery Grant (2018-21)
• Healing Old wounds: restoring Posidonia australis is boat mooring scars. Environment Trust, New South Wales (2018-20)

Visit the Conservation Genetics section to learn more about the current and past projects.

Selected publications

McMahon K, Sinclair EA, Sherman CDH, van Dijk JK, Hernawan U, Verduin J and Waycott M (2018) Genetic Connectivity in tropical and temperate Australian seagrass species. In 'Seagrasses of Australia: Structure, ecology and conservation'. (Eds AWD Larkum, P Ralph and GA Kendrick). Springer Publishing pp155-194.

Sinclair EA, Ruiz Montoya L, Krauss, SL, Anthony JM, Lowe R and Kendrick GA (2018) Seeds in motion: tracking dispersal through hydrodynamic modelling and genetic assignment. Molecular Ecology 27: 5019-5034.

Statton J, Dixon KW, Irving AD, Jackson EL, Kendrick GA, Orth RJ and Sinclair EA (2018) Decline and restoration ecology of Australian seagrasses. In 'Seagrasses of Australia: Structure, ecology and conservation'. (Eds AWD Larkum, P Ralph and GA Kendrick). Springer Publishing pp 665-704.

Kendrick GA, Orth RJ, Statton J, Hovey R, Ruiz Montoya L, Lowe R, Krauss SL and Sinclair EA (2017) Demographic and genetic connectivity: the role and consequences of reproduction, dispersal and recruitment in seagrasses. Biological Reviews 92: 921–938.

Sinclair EA, Anthony JM, Greer D, Ruiz-Montoya L, Evans SE, Krauss SL and Kendrick GA (2016) Genetic signatures of Bassian glacial refugia and contemporary connectivity in a marine foundation species. Journal of Biogeography 43: 2209-2222.

Kendrick GA, Waycott M, Carruthers T, Cambridge ML, Hovey R, Krauss SL, Lavery P, Les D, Lowe R, Mascaró O, Ooi Lea Sim J, Orth RJ, Rivers D, Ruiz-Montoya L, Sinclair EA, Statton J, Van Dijk K and Verduin J (2012) The central role of dispersal in the maintenance and persistence of seagrass populations. BioScience 62: 56-65.