Current and ongoing projects
Phylogenomic investigations of Ribbon Kelp Alaria
Our main focus at the moment is on analysing whole genome sequencing data in species of Alaria, and populations in the Northeast Pacific and North Atlantic for population genomic analyses. This work aims to generate high fidelity SNP datasets to clarify species relationships and recent population dynamics. Applied aspects of this work are being explored in the Gulf of Alaska. So far we have two papers published (Journal of Phycology, Molecular Ecology), with at least one more slated for 2023. Prospective functional genomic investigations are also in development. Work may also expanding into other species, with a particular interest in the Arctic endemic kelp Laminaria solidungula.
Modelling Arctic seaweed community responses under climate change
Temperate marine communities are expected to contract northwards as climate change progresses. This project focuses on responses in the Arctic flora, exploring habitat shifts under RCP scenarios in various species of brown and red seaweeds. In particular, we are concerned with the differential responses of Arctic vs temperate species, and whether a net gain in habitat at high latitudes can be expected under climate change. This work is complete, now published in Global Change Biology.
Whole genome sequencing of seaweed holobionts
Our preliminary work has revealed a rich eukaryotic biota present on our kelp specimens. Using whole-genome sequencing datasets, organellar sequences can be mined and used to characterise the community of organisms that make seaweeds their home. Most recently, we discovered a pathogenic brown alga lacking clear ordinal membership (published in European Journal of Phycology). This work continues through a collaboration with the Melbourne Data Analytics Platform initiating in early 2022. We are set to screen whole genome sequencing datasets across kelp (and now some red algae), representing >200 specimens and >4.6 TB of read data. This analysis is ongoing, with publications slated for 2023.
Mapping and DNA barcoding the brown algal diversity within the orders Ectocarpales, Ralfsiales and Sphacelariales in Norway
Funded by the Norwegian Taxonomy Initiative, this work seeks to document and describe diminutive species of brown algae present in Norwegian waters, while building taxonomic expertise on these overlooked taxa. In addition to DNA barcoding, a whole metegenome sequencing approach will be employed to screen environmental samples from Tjongspollen to assess sampling efficiency and the proportion of “dark” taxa escaping detection. Sampling is completed and samples await processing for late 2022, with publication(s) slated for 2023.
Evolutionary investigations of Australian microalgae
In conjunction with Dr. Wetherbee at the University of Melbourne, we are sequencing algal cultures for taxonomic and phylogenetic work. Using high-throughput sequencing libraries, standard molecular markers are assembled for phylogenetic analysis. Moreover, entire mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes are being assembled for various analyses. This work is ongoing, with two publications in the Journal of Phycology to date.
Your project
What questions do you have about seaweeds, genome evolution, or climate change responses? Let us know!
Genomic investigations of global marine forests 