I am a Ph.D. student part of the Molecular Ecology Group. We study the genetics and ecology of wild vertebrate populations using molecular methods. My current focal species are ungulates and their browsing behavior. To study these populations I use DNA that has been left in the environment, as saliva on browsed twigs and in droppings. The results will provide answers to who browses what and how much in multi-species systems. Additionally, the genetic data can be used to estimate population size, inbreeding, sex, and relatedness. With my work, I hope further develop non-invasive genetic methods of data collection to decrease the need for disturbing animals to study their ecology.
My doctoral project is a collaboration between SLU and North Carolina State University (NCSU), USA, where I spend part of my time. My current projects as part of my Ph.D. research include:
- Browsing patterns in Yellowstone’s Northern range by barcoding of eDNA
- An evaluation of ascertainment bias in cross-species amplification and development of SNPs for individual identification within nine cervids using a bovine assay
- Estimating the population size of an isolated moose population combining two sources of non-invasively collected DNA
- Browsing patterns of a Scandinavian ungulate community revealed by a non-invasive sampling
