Anna Kardailsky

Environmental DNA (eDNA) researcher with experience across marine and terrestrial systems. Most recently, I worked at the OceanOmics Centre at the University of Western Australia, facilitating large-scale eDNA research—processing thousands of samples from extraction through sequencing—and contributing to reference genome generation by extracting RNA from fish tissues and supporting bioinformatic genome assembly. 

In October 2025, I began a PhD focused on airborne eDNA detection for forest biodiversity monitoring, with a focus on detecting lichens and bryophytes as a measure for wider forest 'health'.

My background includes a Master’s in Zoology from the University of Otago in New Zealand, where I developed CRISPR-Cas enrichment techniques for freshwater ecosystem monitoring. I'm passionate about applying molecular tools like eDNA, RNA sequencing, and CRISPR to conservation and biodiversity research.

Literature seminar teacher - 2026

Forest Conservation Science BI1462 

Junior Demonstrator Jan 2021 - May 2023
STAT115 (Introduction to Biostatistics), BIOL112 (Animal Biology), CELS191 (Cell and molecular biology) and ZOOL221 (Animal designs for living)

• This included leading tutorials, dissections, and zoom sessions with students over different covid alert levels and teaching situations.
• This included leading tutorials, dissections, and zoom sessions with students over different covid alert levels and teaching situations.

University of Otago

Master's degree, Zoology Jan 2021 - May 2023
Grade: A average
Developing a freshwater biomonitoring method using DNA techniques to allow for real-time water health information using CRISPR-Cas enrichment and freshwater macroinvertebrates.

• Involved cutting edge technology in PC1 and PC2 labs and field work.
• Supervised by Dr Eddy Dowle, Dr Neil Gemmell and Dr Christoph Matthaei
• I attempted to make a DNA-based health monitoring technique of freshwater streams using CRISPR-Cas enrichment which would allow for much faster real-time information about the current health of New Zealand freshwater waterways.

Bachelor of Science - BS, Genetics Jan 2018 - Dec 2020
Grade: B average

• Performed genome assembly using online resources and bioinformatic analysis of sequence and ChIP-seq data
• General molecular biology skills such as gel electrophoresis and PCR amplification.
• Animal handling and dissection skills for a range of model and non-model organisms.
• Creating video media to explain scientific concepts.