My role involves the development and application of sets of genetic markers for use in population genetics and behavioural ecology, and in particular the use of enrichment methods to develop microsatellite marker sets. I provide the in-lab assistance and teaching to NBAF-S supported visitors under the guidance of Dr Deborah Dawson and Professor Terry Burke. We are continually developing methodologies for microsatellite isolation and genotyping to keep our training and the Facility at the cutting edge.

Genotyping projects - We are currently assisting several NBAF-S supported projects involving the following species: Mediterranean green turtle, turtle dove, petrel species and hedgehog. This work often involves the creation of multiplex genotyping sets. Development of new microsatellite loci - At the moment several microsatellite libraries are being constructed including the sweat bee and stone curlew. The technique to enrich for microsatellite loci is constantly being updated to make it more efficient. Access to high-throughput sequencing has enabled us to isolate much higher numbers of microsatellite sequences per library than previously possible. Genetic sex-typing of birds - We usually support several projects involving genetic bird sex-typing throughout the year. For more information go to the bird sex-typing webpage. Research & Development - We have recently developed microsatellite markers of the highest cross-species utility currently available for any set of microsatellite markers (see Publications; Dawson et al. 2010, 2013).