The echidna genome project
The platypus genome was published in 2008 and provided fundamental new information about monotreme biology and mammalian evolution.
The echidna genome has been sequenced and we are part of a small international team helping with the assembly and carrying out analysis on the genome for the Echidna genome publication (which will also feature a much-improved Platypus genome).
This is a great opportunity for honours students to take part in an international collaboration that will provide the first echidna genome assembly and carries out analysis of the echidna genome to better understand the fascinating biology of these animals.
Study genetics, monotreme genomics, evolution and conservation
Our research interest is to understand how genes and genomes have evolved different function and organisation.
We are using species that occupy key evolutionary positions such as monotremes (platypus and echidna) and birds (predominately chicken).
Areas we work in include sex determination, sex chromosome organisation and the evolution of monoallelic gene expression.
We also collaborate with industry partners to develop genetic and genomic application in conservation biology and human disease.
Supervisors
Co-supervisors: Dr Linda Shearwin
Research area: Monotreme genomics, evolution and conservation
Recommended honours enrolment: Honours in Molecular and Biomedical Science