Personnel & Contacts | Murdoch University ancient DNA research laboratory | Mike

Danielle Giustiniano (WGL)

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 18:11:55 +0900

Honours Project:

Population dynamics of camels in the arid and semi arid rangelands of Australia

This project aims at using modern molecular tools to increase the understanding of feral camel genetic structure focusing primarily on Western Australian camels, but also looking at a small subset of Northern Territory and South Australian camels. The focus will be placed on dispersal dynamics and genetic structure of the camel populations to develop a more effective population control strategy.

Carlo Pacioni (WGL)

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 18:11:55 +0900

PhD Project:

A conservation conundrum: the population and epidemiological dynamics associated with recent decline of woylies (Bettongia penicillata) in Australia.

The woylie conservation genetics project proposes to characterise woylie genetics directly relevant to conservation and recovery of the species, and to relate these findings to the epidemiology and demographics of declining populations. In so doing, this research will inform the priorities for conservation efforts and anticipate the likely consequences for future species recovery and conservation.

We also intend to investigate paternity, social structure, home range and individual’s movements between adjacent populations. In addition to improving the knowledge of the ecology of the species, this information is expected to help define the epidemiology of diseases that may be currently threatening declining populations.

Morten Allentoft (University of Canterbury and aDNA lab)

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 18:11:55 +0900

PhD Project:

Moa ecology in North Canterbury: Isotopes, DNA and morphology

This project aims to study the population structure of the extinct New Zealand moa in North Canterbury. Researchers in New Zealand (lead by Prof Richard Holdaway - University of Canterbury) will be conducting in-depth isotope profiles of moa from bones. The Murdoch ancient DNA lab together with Prof Eske Willerslev (Centre for Ancient Genetics, University of Copenhagen) will be profiling ancient DNA (mitochondrial and nuclear) from approximately 300 specimens from two adjacent swamps. DNA profiling of sediments from the site will also be carried out. The goal of this research is to increase our understanding of moa ecology and the environment which they occupied.

Emma McLay (aDNA lab)

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 18:11:55 +0900

ARC funded Research Assistant and Part time honours student (aDNA lab)

Honours Project:

DNA Extraction and Quantitation of Biological Samples – focusing on wildlife forensics seisures.

Biological samples, such as skin, fluids, bone etc. undergo a variety of treatments during “processing” including drying, crystallisation, and smoking. These treatments will drastically affect the quality and quantity of DNA. If DNA from these kinds of substrates are to be used in forensic casework it is prudent to optimise protocols for DNA recovery. For many of these substrates it is unknown if any DNA still exists. This research will test different extraction and quantitation methods on numerous samples such as Bear bile, Minke whales, bone artefacts and snake skin.

Quantitative PCR will be used to determine amounts of mitochondrial DNA in a sample and which extraction method is optimal for given sample “types”. The recovery of nuclear DNA will also be tested as it may allow amplification of nuclear loci, such as STR’s, to occur.

These protocols will assist laboratories in firstly determining if a sample is suitable for DNA anaylsis and secondly to employ a protocol best suited to recovery and amplification of DNA. The aim is to develop standard operating procedures for DNA profiling of this material with the aim that these techniques may be used in the successful conviction of individuals who import illegal biological into Australia.

former lab members

Tue, 20 Jun 2006 07:01:05 +0800

Amy Singara: (Honours student 2006) Now working at PathWest.

Kellie Male: (Honours student 2006) Now working at PathWest.

Nicole White (WGL)

Thu, 15 Jun 2006 20:36:01 +0800

PhD student:

Conservation, Management and Protection of Black Cockatoos in South-west Australia using DNA profiling technology.

The black cockatoo is an Australian faunal icon under increasing pressure from habitat destruction and poaching. The illegal trade in wildlife is a significant factor in conservation with rare Black Cockatoo species selling for up to AUD$30,000 on the black market. A number of black cockatoo species such as theCalyptorhyncus lathami (Kangaroo Island Glossy Black Cockatoo), Calyptorhyncus banksia naso (Forest Red Tail Black Cockatoo), Calyptorhyncus latirostris (Short Billed White Tail Black Cockatoo) and Calyptorhyncus baudenii (Long billed White Tail Black Cockatoo) are considered Endangered or Threatened. This study will undertake to develop microsatellite DNA markers for Black cockatoos utilising well-established methodology. The microsatellite DNA markers identified will be used to design a DNA profiling tool specifically for Black cockatoos. This DNA profiling tool will useful in combating the poaching of Black cockatoos from the wild. The Black cockatoos traded by individuals posing as breeders will be DNA profiled and the profiles will establish the relatedness of the birds and therefore the validity of the individuals claim that the birds were bred in captivity.

Honours Student 2006:

Thesis title: The conservation significance of island versus mainland populations of the Western Chestnut Mouse (Pseudomys nanus) in WA

list of current and former collaborators:

Thu, 15 Jun 2006 08:06:21 +0800

The multidisciplinary nature of ancient DNA research projects necessitates extensive collaborations - below is a list of people (in no specific order) who have assisted lab members in past and current projects.

- Dr Tom Gilbert

- Prof Eske Willerslev

- Dr Joe Dortch

- Dr Stuart Pearson

- Dr Gavin Prideaux

- Dr Hendrik Poinar

- Prof Dale McCullough

- Dr Matt Phillips

- Prof Richard Holdaway

- Dr Ric How

- Jodi Barta

- James Haile

- Dr Sam Turvey

- Ross Barnett

- Trevor Worthy

- Dr Beth Shapiro

- Dr Tanya Von Hunnius

- Debi Poinar

- Roger Woodgate

- Dr Mike Worobey

- Dr Ian Barnes

- Dr Alexei Drummond

- Marta Szulkin

- Andrew Clack

- Prof Alan Cooper

- Dr Paul Scofield

- Heather Lerner

Links to museums (and their curators) who have assisted in this research and provided samples can be found here.

Dr Peter Spencer (Wildlife Genetics Lab head)

Sat, 10 Jun 2006 07:54:32 +0800

Dr Peter Spencer

Wildlife Genetics Lab (WGL)

School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology

Murdoch University

South Street

Perth

Western Australia

6150 Australia

Em: P.Spencer @ murdoch.edu.au (remove spaces)

Ph: +61 (08) 93602489

Fax: +61 (08) 9360 6303

Molecular ecology, wildlife forensics, social biology & phylogeography

Peter's research has ranged from the development and application of molecular markers (mainly microsatellites) to the study of endangered and threatened species of marsupials - and lots of other animals. He has a broad interest in the molecular ecology of vertebrates including studies of sexual selection, mating, population genetics and taxonomy, with particular emphasis on applied outcomes and focused mainly on Western Australian fauna.

Dr Mike Bunce (aDNA lab head)

Sat, 10 Jun 2006 07:50:44 +0800

Dr Michael Bunce

Ancient DNA Research Laboratory

School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology

Murdoch University

South Street

Perth

Western Australia

6150 Australia

Em: M.Bunce @ murdoch.edu.au (remove spaces)

Ph: +61 (08) 93607649

Fax: +61 (08) 9360 6303

My research interests revolve around using ancient DNA to study evolutionary processes and using ancient DNA profiles to investigate past biodiversity. I have worked on a diverse variety of projects with the common theme of extracting and amplifying degraded DNA, these include studies of New Zealand’s extinct birds and obtaining DNA profiles from ice/sediment cores. The research in this lab are focused around using ancient DNA as a tool to profile past biodiversity and extinction events. Conservation and restoration of biodiversity is best achieved if we understand the past composition and function of the ecosystems we are trying to restore.