The genomes of two key bumblebee species with primitive eusocial organization
Sadd, Ben M, et al. (2015). "The genomes of two key bumblebee species with primitive eusocial organization." Genome Biology. 16(76).
CV
Education
- BSc (Hons I) Genetics, University of Otago, New Zealand, 2012
- PhD, University of Innsbruck, Austria (current)
Publications
Surprisingly complex genomes: uncovering the causes of genome size variation in a cryptic species complex via comparative genomics
Blommaert J., Riss S., Heacox-Lea B., Mark-Welch D., Stelzer CP. (in prep). "Genome size variation in a species complex: the interplay of polyploidy, selfish DNA, and speciation." in prep
Genomic causes of large intraspecific genome size variation in a species of rotifer
Blommaert J., Riss S., Heacox-Lea B., Mark-Welch D., Stelzer CP. (in prep). "Genomic causes of large intraspecific genome size variation in a species of rotifer." in prep
Awards and Scholarships
Conference Travel awards
Scholarships
- 2009-2012 Studylink Step up Scholarship
- 2009 University of Otago Dux Scholarship
Skills
- Molecular Biology Lab skills
- PCR and qPCR
- Cloning
- Microinjection
- In situ hybridisation
- Karyology
- Animal culture
- Brachionus plicatilis (rotifers)
- Nematostella vectensis (sea anemone)
- Bioinformatics
- Phylogenetics
- de Novo genome assembly
- Comparative genomics
Talks
Genome size variation and chromosomal architecture in Brachionus plicatilis spp.
Poster at University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
Anterior-posterior axis patterning in the rotifer, Brachionus plicatilis
Poster at 6th meeting of the European Society for Evolutionary Developmental Biology, Uppsala, Sweden
Genomic causes of large intraspecific genome size variation in a species of rotifer-
Talk at 5th meeting of Fresh Blood for FreshWater, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
Intraspecific Genome Size Variation: If it’s not transposable elements, what is it?
Poster at Martiniplaza, Groningen, Netherlands
Genome size variation in a species of rotifer: is it trasponsons or genome duplication?
Talk at SIL Austria - LimnoAlp, University of Innsbruck, Austria
Teaching
Work experience
- November 2012-February 2013: Summer Intern
- Laboratory for Evolution and Development, University of Otago
- Duties included: Molecular biology and bioinformatics
- Supervisors: Peter Dearden and Elizabeth Duncan
- November 2011-Februray 2012: Summer Intern
- AgResearch, Invermay Campus
- Duties included: Bioinformatics and genomics
- Supervisor: John McEwan
Service and leadership
- 2012-2013 Social Officer, University of Otago Tramping Club
- 2011-2012 Membership Officer, University of Otago Tramping Club
- 2011-2013 Events Volunteer, University of Otago Students’ Association
- 2008-2011 Volunteer, Spirit of Adventure Trust