The Team

Following on from Ulla’s PhD research on developing novel molecular tools for biosecurity purposes, Ulla continues that work and now leads the DETECT component. In the programme, Ulla is focusing on developing a whole genome database of key invasive species and their native counterparts and contributing to optimization of sampling techniques for molecular surveillance.

Xavier is an expert in applying molecular techniques for environmental monitoring, design of molecular sampling devices and large-scale citizen science programmes. Xavier is leading the citizen science component of the programme and is working with other DETECT team members on designing and optimizing molecular tools for biosecurity applications.

Jo is an expert in High Throughput Sequencing technologies and molecular diagnostics. In the programme she is developing molecular tools for point-of-need applications (in situ detection of marine pests by non-expert users).

Neil is a geneticist with interests in the development and deployment of new molecular tools for a variety of applications in biosecurity and conservation. He is working on fit-for-purpose molecular assay systems for rapid biosecurity surveillance.

Gert-Jan is a Post-doctoral Research Fellow with research interest in spatial and temporal resolution aquatic environmental DNA (eDNA) in the marine environment and innovative methodologies for eDNA sampling and biodiversity detection. In the programme, Gert-Jan works on designing and validating primer sets for marine pests’ detection.

Anastasija has broad expertise in aquatic ecology, and the development and assessment of molecular tools for monitoring and surveillance. Anastasija has co-led the programme in 2019-2023 and oversaw the DETECT work stream. Although she has recently left the Cawthron Institute and opened her own sequencing facility “Sequench“, Anastasija continues to be involved in the programme’s research activities contributing to the critical outputs.

Ross’ research focuses on physical  oceanographic modelling: using particle tracking to predict areas where eDNA from source populations can be detected. Modelling is used to design eDNA field sampling plans and to  predict where non-indigenous populations might be once the eDNA analysis is completed.

Jackson is a research technician with a background in clinical laboratory science and molecular biology. He has been working on point-of-need applications of molecular pest detection tools for use in a variety of settings.

Jonika is a PhD student at the University of Otago, interested in developing eDNA-based point of need molecular detection techniques for biosecurity. Her project will be focused on optimizing such techniques for use by non-professionals in parallel with the development and implementation of a framework to empower citizen science.

Michelle is a PhD student based at the Cawthron Institute working in the DETECT theme of the Marine Biosecurity Toolbox. Her research focuses on optimizing sampling approaches and design of molecular tools for marine biosecurity surveillance. This research will help to answer questions regarding environmental DNA/RNA (eDNA/eRNA) distribution in coastal waters and where, when, and how to sample eDNA/eRNA to increase efficiency of marine pest detection and surveillance.

Ben is a PhD student based at the University of Otago. His research is focused on the establishment and optimization of CRISPR/Cas technologies for the detection of marine bioinvasive species, for lab-based and in situ applications.

Ian specializes on basic and applied research on marine biosecurity and the drivers and impacts of anthropogenic change in marine ecosystems. His is leading the MANAGE & RESPOND team and is also highly involved in the PROTECT component, working on invasion prevention, transport pathways, and biosecurity management.

Eric specialises in network analysis, spatial and dynamic modelling, and seascape ecology. In this programme he has a lead role in the maritime transport model development and network-based pathway analysis to develop optimised prevention and incursion response strategies in the MANAGE & RESPOND research theme.

Oli’s research focuses on biofouling management, urban ecology and developing measures to limit the spread and impacts of marine pests. Oli has co-led the programme in 2019-2023 but has recently left Cawthron and joint LWP. He is still critically involved in the toolbox project outcomes.

Simone is a post-doc in the Marine Spatial Ecology and Conservation Lab, led by Eric Treml. Her research focuses on the development of quantitative tools for conservation decision-making, in particular indicators and models, as well as on international biodiversity policy. Her role in the program is to contribute to the development of the maritime transport model and analysis to further inform invasive species management decisions.

Kyle is a PhD student at Deakin University, within the Marine Spatial Ecology and Conservation lab, led by Eric Treml.  His research focuses on New Zealand’s domestic recreational vessel network, natural dispersal of invasive species, optimal management for invasive networks and the invasion process, based upon expertise in invasive species ecology, numerical and quantitative approaches.

Jess is an Honours student based at Deakin University in Geelong with an interest in marine spatial ecology and conservation. She is currently in the final stages of her research project that is focussed on assessing the risk of non-indigenous species spread via marine vessels and how these risks may change under future climate change scenarios.

Cal is an Honours student from the Marine Spatial Ecology and Conservation Lab, led by Eric Treml. His Honours thesis is quantifying network dynamics and associated biosecurity risk of domestic recreational vessel movements, with a particular focus on recent marine pest incursions at Great Barrier Island, an iconic high-value area in northern New Zealand. He is also looking at how specific life history traits impact spread.