HAIDER Marlene MSc
University of Innsbruck
Institute of Ecology
Research Group: Molecular Ecology
I am interested in how abiotic and biotic ecological factors affect populations, alone and in combination. Furthermore, I am interested in computational biology and in combining various analyses to gain an overall picture.
In my PhD project, I am working with the western capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) and the black grouse (Lyrurus tetrix). The main focus is on the population genetics and genomics, potential interspecific gene flow, and conservation biology. Initiated and coordinated by two units of the Tyrolian government (Nature Conservation and Agriculture/Schooling/Hunting & Fisheries), an extensive monitoring of grouse in Tyrol has been carried out since 2011. For this study, fecal and feather samples will be genotyped, and the effective population size, relatedness, dispersal, and potential introgression will be investigated. Also, the effect of ecological factors on the population will be included. As there is a lack in genomic data for both species, we will conduct a whole-exome sequencing and whole-genome sequencing study. Additionally, we aim to optimize a method of DNA enrichment from grouse fecal samples for downstream NGS applications.
Research Topics:
- Bioinformatics
- Conservation Biology
- Ornithology
- Population genetics and genomics