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PhD candidateRoom 10, Building 20
Molecular Genetics Laboratory James Cook University Townsville QLD 4811 Australia Phone: +61 7 4781 5395 Email: katemarie.quigley@my.jcu.edu.au |
PhD Project |
Genetic and environmental basis for Symbiodinium specificity in the coral-dinoflagellate association
My PhD aims to quantify the extent to which the coral host determines the community structure of their photosymbiont community (Symbiodinium sp.) in the early life stages of corals. I also assess the contribution that environmental availability of different Symbiodinium types has on the composition of Symbiodinium communities established in coral juveniles. Quantitative genetics, Next-Generation Sequencing and RNA-sequencing allow for an in-depth look at Symbiodinium community structure and the genetic architecture that underpins this symbiosis. Results will evaluate the flexibility and specificity of the Symbiodinium-coral association and the biological feasibility of changes in symbiont types for rapid acclimation to environmental change. Therefore, Symbiodinium community changes may provide an avenue for corals to acclimatize and adapt to a changing climate. |
Qualifications |
MSc in Marine Biology, James Cook University (Australia)
BSc. in Biology, The University of Texas at Austin (USA) |
Publications |
1. Quigley, KM., et al. 2014. Deep-sequencing method for quantifying background abundances of Symbiodinium types: exploring the rare Symbiodinium biosphere in reef-building corals. PloS One 9.4: e94297.
2. Bauer, KK, Abbott, JC & Quigley, KM. 2010. Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu) in Bastrop County, Texas. The Southwestern Naturalist 55.1: 138-139. |
