Tamlyn Gangiah

I am a PhD student in the Soil Biology research group. Through integrated molecular biology, microbiology, and bioinformatics methods, I investigate how fungal communities respond to various disturbances in Swedish boreal forests (e.g., clearcutting, fire, and bark beetle infestation). My research also focuses on the nitrogen cycling related traits of fungi in in northern boreal ecosystems, using metatranscriptomic markers. 

We established a long-term experiment in a low-productivity pine forest in northern Sweden to examine the effects of tree retention on fungal communities and nutrient cycling. The experiment had four different retention levels: complete clear-cutting (0% retention), moderate retention (30% and 60% evenly distributed trees), and unlogged controls (100% retention). 

 After twelve years, we revisited plots, and our analyses focused on fungal community composition, soil nutrient stocks, tree growth, and the expression of key extracellular enzymes (proteases and chitinases) involved in nutrient acquisition. 

We also investigate the long-term impacts of clearcutting on fungal diversity and composition.The study includes two forest types: secondary forests established after historical clear-cutting (~60 years ago), continuous-cover forests managed through selective logging. This approach allows us to assess legacy impacts of past management decisions. This research provides insights into how forestry practices influence fungal community structure and biogeochemical processes.

Carbon and Nitrogen cycling practical - Soil biology and biogeochemical cycles - MSc course BI1322 (15 credits)

Soil Biology practical (markbiologi) - Soil sciences (Markvetenskap) - BSc course MV0219 (15 credits)

DNA Practical - Molecular and Microbial Ecology  - BSc course - BI1438 
Educational credentials

Master of Science in Medicine, specialising in Bioinformatics, from University of Cape Town, South Africa. 2022

Bachelor of Science in Genetics (Honours), from University of Pretoria, South Africa. 2018

Bachelor of Science in Genetics and Biochemistry, from University of Cape Town, South Africa. 2017