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

• Saving seagrass from climate change. ARC Discovery Grant (2021-24)
• 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

Sinclair EA, Edgeloe JM, Anthony JM, Statton J, Breed MF and Kendrick GA (2020) Variation in reproductive effort, genetic diversity and mating systems across Posidonia australis seagrass meadows in Western Australia. AoB PLANTS 12: plaa038

Tan YM, Dalby O, Kendrick GA, Statton J, Sinclair EA, Fraser MW, Macreadie PI, Gillies C, Waycott M, van Dijk K-J, Vergés A, Ross JD, Campbell ML, Matheson FE, Jackson EL, Irving AD, Govers LL, Connolly RM, McLeod IM, Rasheed MA, Kirkman H, Flindt MR, Lange T, Miller AD and Sherman CDH (2020) Seagrass restoration is possible: Insights and lessons from Australia and New Zealand. Frontiers in Marine Science 7: 617

Kendrick GA, Nowicki RJ, Olsen YS, Strydom S, Fraser MW, Sinclair EA, Statton J, Hovey RK, Thomson JA, Burkholder DA, McMahon K, Kilminster K, Hetzel Y, Fourqurean JW, Heithaus MR and Orth RJ (2019) Advances in understanding marine heatwaves and their impacts. A systematic review of how multiple stressors from an extreme event drove ecosystem-wide loss of resilience in an iconic seagrass community. Frontiers in Marine Science 6: 455

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.

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.