Research
The Molecular Ecology Laboratory uses advanced molecular genetic technologies to elucidate complex ecological and evolutionary problems in organisms ranging from marine invertebrates to marine mammals. Our research blends genomics with ecology, population, conservation and evolutionary biology to examine hidden relationships in biology. Our past work ranges from investigating the mating systems and social organisation of a variety of seal species through to identifying sequences associated with recombination. This diverse research base provides a large number of research projects that would suit B.Sc (Hons), M.Sc., or Ph.D students with an interest in molecular biology, ecology, or conservation. Current research ranges from pure, theory based projects through to applied management driven research. The laboratory has world-class research staff, facilities and strong international collaborations, offering students excellent opportunities to gain a variety of highly pertinent research and technical skills.
A Sample of Our Current Research
Population genetic and ecological studies of New Zealand fur seals and sea lions.
The principle aim of this work is to understand the relationships within and among various rookery sites and to determine what seals do during the mating season and where seals go between breeding seasons. This work also has a significant bearing on marine mammal by-catch issues in commercial fisheries (Gemmell, Caudron, Chilvers, Robertson, Boren, Dowell, Negro).
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Do simple sequences evolve simply?
An empirical examination of microsatellite evolution. This project will investigate the processes governing microsatellite evolution by comparing microsatellite sequences derived from the human, mouse, rat and cow genome projects using an combination of bioinformatics and comparative molecular genetics (Gemmell, Bagshaw, Buschiazzo, Merkel, Vargas-Jentzsch). PhD stipends available.
Do mutations in mitochondrial DNA affect population viability?
In collaboration with Professor Fred Allendorf, University of Montana, we are to looking for mtDNA mutations that affect male fertility in naturally occurring populations of chinook salmon and once identified, through a series of controlled breeding experiments, we will determine the influence of these mutations on male reproductive success and population viability. (Gemmell, Allendorf, Rosengrave)
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Hybridisation in the New Zealand Black Stilt, kaki.
NZ black stilts (kaki) are one of the rarest bird species in the world and are rapidly heading towards extinction through hybridisation with a close relative the pied stilt. In this project we will aid Department of Conservation managers by 1) evaluating the extent of hybridisation in kaki, 2) examining paternity in captive kaki and then once the methodology is proven extend this to make inference about parentage in the wild and 3) estimating the levels of inbreeding in the captive kaki population. (Gemmell, Hale, Steeves)
When good molecules go bad: how common are paternal inheritance of mitochondria and mitochondrial recombination?
We are looking for evidence of paternal inheritance, heteroplasmy and recombination of mtDNA in chinook salmon in order to determine how great an influence these phenomena have on population and evolutionary interpretations of mtDNA data. (Gemmell, Wolff)
Molecular aging of natural populations: a key to unlocking life history.
We propose to develop and test new molecular based approaches to age individuals in natural populations, enabling the incorporation of age structure into population models for long-lived species, such as kakapo, transforming our understanding of the population dynamics and life history evolution of long-lived species.
Note that this is not an exhaustive list and students are encouraged to discuss potential projects with the laboratory head Dr. Neil Gemmell.