Dr Andrea Taylor
Molecular Ecology and Conservation Genetics
Telephone: 9905 5623
Email: andrea.taylor@sci.monash.edu.au
I am one of the two leaders of the Molecular Ecology Research Group (further information of projects and personnel). The MERG conducts research on a wide range of vertebrate and invertebrate animal species, applying a combination of field biology and molecular ecology to address questions about the functioning of animal populations, usually with applications in conservation planning and management.
The research in my laboratory involves the use of genetic markers to address issues in conservation biology and ecology of Australian mammal populations. We use hypervariable markers, such as microsatellites, to (1) identify parentage (allowing inferences to be made about mating systems), (2) infer dispersal patterns directly and indirectly, (3) census populations by identifying individuals from remotely-collected hair and faecal samples, as well as in more traditional population genetics applications. Much of our work is done in collaboration with State wildlife protection agencies such as the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment, and the Queensland Environmental Protection Agency. My Honours students undertake research on a wide variety of topics within these areas, and I am open to discussing any ideas potential students may have.
* Three of the six Honours students I have supervised to date have published their research findings in international journals. Most have found employment as Research Assistants in University research laboratories, or in industry. Sam Banks went on to do a PhD in my lab and is currently a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Macquarie University.
