Josephine Paris

Research interests

My main interests are in molecular ecology and conservation genetics, in particular the use of molecular methods to elucidate patterns of genetic diversity to aid conservation efforts.

Previous work
For my final-year undergraduate project, I used 8 microsatellites to investigate the genetic diversity of two Polish populations of the natterjack toad (Bufo calamita), supervised by Professor Trevor Beebee. My results were consistent with previous studies, confirming that B. Calamita survived in an ice-age refugium in Iberia, from which the population dispersed in a leptokurtic fashion, spreading north and east during the last interstadial. 

Current research

The aim of my PhD is to determine if tolerance to metal pollutants in trout (Salmo trutta L.) is genetic (adaptation) or environmental (acclimation), or a mixture of both. In order to identify the potential genetic component of the tolerance to metals observed in some populations of trout, I am identifying genetic markers (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms = SNPs) associated with each behavioural type, metal naive or metal tolerant. This SNP panel will be used to screen a wider range of trout from rivers across the region to better understand patterns of metal tolerance in southwest England, an area with a long history of metal contamination.

 Qualifications

2009-2012    BSc (First, Hons) University of Sussex