CV

Dr Anna J MacDonald - Curriculum Vitae

EDUCATION

PhD in Applied Science, Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Australia, graduated December 2008
“Sex chromosome microsatellite markers from an Australian marsupial: development, application and evolution”
BSc (Honours) in Zoology and Genetics, University of Sheffield, England, graduated July 1999
Included a laboratory-based research project using genetics to sex hatchlings of the great tit (Parus major).

CAREER HISTORY

Senior Research Scientist, Australian Antarctic Division, 2021-current
Projects Manager, Oz Mammals Genomics Initiative, The Australian National University, 2017-2020
Adjunct Professional Associate, Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, 2017-2020 (Honorary)
Fisheries Scientist, ABARES, Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, 2016-2017
Curator: Frozen Tissue and Associated Collections, Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, 2016
Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Conservation and Population Genetics, Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, 2008-2016
Laboratory Manager, Trace DNA Laboratory, Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, 2010-2012
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Research School of Biological Sciences, The Australian National University, 2008
Associate Lecturer, Faculty of Science, University of Canberra, 2008
Research Assistant, Wildlife Genetics Laboratory, Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, 2007-2008
Visiting Fellow, Comparative Genomics Group, Research School of Biological Sciences, The Australian National University, 2005 (Honorary)
Tutor (laboratory and field classes), University of Canberra, 2003-2007
Technical Officer, Food and Nutritional Sciences group, CSIRO Plant Industry, 2002
Laboratory Technician, Molecular Genetics Group, John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, 2000-2002
Volunteer and Research Assistant, Australian National Insect Collection, CSIRO, 1999-2000

RESEARCH OVERVIEW
I use genetic and genomic approaches, including environmental DNA (eDNA) and conservation genetics, to contribute to wildlife conservation and management. I ask questions like:

how is biodiversity distributed and how can we delimit that biodiversity (into species, populations, ESUs, management units etc.)?
how can we reliably detect and monitor wildlife, and understand how species or populations respond to threats and disturbance?
how can we improve the way genetic information is used in wildlife research, management and policy?
how can we evaluate the success of conservation/ management actions and improve future decision-making?

PUBLICATIONS

Please see my Publications page or find me on Google Scholar and ResearchGate.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND SERVICE

Member of Genetics Society of AustralAsia (GSA), Australian Mammal Society, Ecological Society of Australia, Society for Conservation Biology, Southern eDNA Society, Oz Mammals Taxonomy Consortium
Co-chair, GEO BON Genetic Composition Working Group since 2018
Member, GEO BON Implementation Committee since 2018
Member, IUCN-SSC Conservation Genetics Specialist Group since 2017

Member, Genetics Society of Australasia committee since 2013
(Tasmania representative since 2023, Secretary 2017-2023, ACT representative 2013-2017)
Member, Australian Biosciences Data Capability expert group, digital infrastructure for conservation genomics, 2018
Member, EMBL-ABR Open Science Special Interest Group, 2017
Reviewer for journals including: Animal Biotechnology; Australian Journal of Zoology; Australian Mammalogy; Biological Conservation; Conservation Genetics, Conservation Genetics Resources; Ecology and Evolution; Environmental DNA; Forensic Science Medicine and Pathology; Journal of Heredity; Methods in Ecology and Evolution; Molecular Ecology Resources; PLoS One; Scientific Reports; and Wildlife Research. Guest co-editor, Genes special issue on “Marsupial genetics and genomics”. See my Publons profile.
Reviewer for grants and awards: e.g. GEO BON / Microsoft grants 2020; Genetics Society of AustralAsia Awards; Genetics Society of AustralAsia student grants.

RESEARCH STUDENTS SUPERVISED

Elodie Modave (PhD 2013-2017)
Identification, distribution and diet of Tasmanian predators inferred by scat DNA
Catriona Campbell (PhD 2013-2017)
Molecular approaches define the interactions and impacts of Tasmania’s native, introduced and invasive marsupials

Nur Iylani Ramlee (Honours 2016)
Developing DNA markers for the individual identification of mammalian predators: a case study of red fox in Australia
Emma Carlson (Honours 2013)
Inferring conservation units for an endangered Australian dragon Tympanocryptis pinguicolla: a perspective based on microsatellite DNA analysis

AWARDS

Vice Chancellor’s Award for Applied Research "making an early and important difference to the world around us”, Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, 2015
Early Career Award for "excellence in scientific and research output", Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, 2010
Student Travel Award, Society for the Study of Evolution, 2007
Student Travel Award, Genetics Society of Australasia, 2006
Vice Chancellor’s Prize, University of Canberra Postgraduate Students’ Research Seminar Competition, 2006
Runner-up, Student Talk Prize, Genetics Society of Australasia conference, 2005

CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

MacDonald AJ, Byrne M, Deakin J, Eldridge M, Gilbert A, Johnson R, Palmer S, Young A, Moritz C, and the Oz Mammals Genomics Consortium (2020). Genomic resources for Australian mammal conservation: The Oz Mammals Genomics initiative. GEOBON Open Science Conference, online.
Cooper SJB, Ottewell K, MacDonald AJ, Banks S, Bertozzi T, Byrne M, Eldridge M, Travouillon K, and Moritz C (2019). Conservation genomics and taxonomic resolution of southern brown and golden bandicoots. Genetics Society of Australasia Conference, Melbourne.
MacDonald AJ, Byrne M, Deakin J, Eldridge M, Fitzgerald A, Johnson R, Palmer S, Young A, Moritz C and the Oz Mammal Genomes Consortium (2018). The Oz Mammals Genomics initiative: mammal genomics, evolution and conservation at a continental scale. Genetics Society of Australasia Conference, Canberra.
MacDonald AJ, Byrne M, Deakin J, Eldridge M, Fitzgerald A, Johnson R, Palmer S, Young A, Moritz C and the Oz Mammal Genomes Consortium (2018). The Oz Mammals Genomics initiative: developing genomic resources for mammal conservation at a continental scale. 5th European Congress of Conservation Biology, Jyväskylä, Finland.
MacDonald AJ, Byrne M, Deakin J, Eldridge M, Fitzgerald A, Johnson R, Palmer S, Young A, Moritz C and the Oz Mammal Genomes Consortium (2017). The Oz Mammals Genomics initiative: mammal genomics, evolution and conservation at a continental scale. Australasian Genomic Technologies Association conference, Hobart.
MacDonald AJ, Byrne M, Deakin J, Eldridge M, Fitzgerald A, Johnson R, Palmer S, Young A, Moritz C and the Oz Mammal Genomes Consortium (2017). The Oz Mammals Genomics initiative: mammal genomics, evolution and conservation at a continental scale. Genomics and Collections: Adaptation to Macroevolution conference, Australian National University, Canberra.
MacDonald AJ, Byrne M, Deakin J, Eldridge M, Fitzgerald A, Johnson R, Palmer S, Young A, Moritz C and the Oz Mammal Genomes Consortium (2017). The Oz Mammals Genomics initiative: mammal genomics, evolution and conservation at a continental scale. International Mammalogical Congress, Perth (POSTER).
MacDonald AJ, Adamack A, Campbell CD, Dewar EF, Gruber B, Modave E, Qasim S, Ramlee NI and Sarre SD (2017). From faeces to foxes: using genetics to manage an invasive predator for wildlife conservation. Australian Vertebrate Pest Conference, Canberra.
MacDonald AJ, Adamack A, Campbell CD, Dewar EF, Gruber B, Modave E, Qasim S and Sarre SD (2016). From faeces to foxes: using genetics to manage an invasive predator for wildlife conservation. Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution / Genetics Society of AustralAsia conference, Gold Coast.
MacDonald AJ and Sarre SD (2015). Evaluating the accuracy of DNA tests for specimen identification: a bandicoot case study. Genetics Society of Australasia Conference (POSTER)
MacDonald AJ and Sarre SD (2015). Species from faeces: using DNA metabarcoding to detect predators and their prey in Tasmania. Invasive Animals CRC Research Review
MacDonald AJ, Gleeson D and Sarre SD (2014). Species from faeces: predator scat metabarcoding in Tasmania. Genetics Society of Australasia Conference
MacDonald AJ, Gleeson D, Bunce M and Sarre SD (2013). Species from faeces: metabarcoding to detect vertebrate prey from predator scats. Genetics Society of Australasia Conference
MacDonald AJ, Gleeson D, Bunce M and Sarre SD (2013). Species from faeces: metabarcoding to detect vertebrate prey from predator scats. Biodiversity Genomics Conference (POSTER + speed talk)
MacDonald AJ and Sarre SD (2012). A new PCR test to detect bandicoot DNA from predator scats. Genetics Society of Australasia Conference (POSTER)
MacDonald AJ, Berry O and Sarre SD (2011). Detection and monitoring of an introduced predator and its impacts on native wildlife using DNA species identification: the case of the fox in Tasmania. Fourth International Barcode of Life Conference
MacDonald AJ, Berry O, Barclay C, Brown B and Sarre SD (2011). Finding foxes in Tasmania: non-invasive genetic analyses illuminate the distribution, population genetic variation and limitations to detection of an introduced predator. Genetics Society of Australasia Conference (POSTER)
MacDonald AJ, Sarre SD and Berry O (2010). Finding foxes in Tasmania: faecal DNA analysis reveals widespread distribution of an elusive introduced predator. Genetics Society of Australasia Conference
MacDonald AJ, Rodgers H and Cavanaugh J (2009). Frequencies of iminoglycinuria-associated alleles in healthy Australians. GeneMappers 2009: 7th Australian Human Gene Mapping Conference (POSTER)
MacDonald AJ (2007). Testing models of microsatellite mutation: a cross-chromosomal comparison in the tammar wallaby. Evolution Conference
MacDonald AJ (2007). Reduced microsatellite variation on a marsupial Y chromosome. Genetics Society of Australasia Conference
MacDonald AJ, Sarre SD and FitzSimmons NN (2006). Sex chromosome microsatellite markers: New tools for macropod population ecology. Australian Mammal Society Conference - Macropod Symposium, Sydney
MacDonald AJ, Sarre SD and FitzSimmons NN (2006). Microsatellite DNA evolution: A cross-chromosomal comparison in the tammar wallaby. International Congress of Human Genetics / Genetics Society of Australasia conference, Brisbane
MacDonald AJ, Sarre SD and FitzSimmons NN (2005). The evolution of microsatellite DNA: Testing models of mutation in an Australian marsupial. Molecular Biology and Evolution Conference, New Zealand
MacDonald AJ (2005). Microsatellite mutations and the tammar wallaby Y chromosome. Marsupial Genetics and Immunology Meeting, Sydney
MacDonald AJ, Sarre SD and FitzSimmons NN (2003). A Y-chromosome specific microsatellite library for the Australian brushtail possum: Implications for wildlife management. International Wildlife Management Congress, New Zealand
MacDonald AJ, Sarre SD and FitzSimmons NN (2003). Evolution of microsatellite DNA: Testing models of mutation in the brushtail possum. New Zealand Molecular Ecology Meeting
MacDonald AJ, Sarre SD and FitzSimmons NN (2003). Microsatellite DNA Evolution: Testing models of mutation in the Australian brushtail possum. International Congress of Genetics (POSTER)

WORKSHOPS, SEMINARS AND PUBLIC TALKS

MacDonald AJ, Hunter M, and Hoban S (2020). Conservation genetics and global biodiversity strategies. Talk at Centre for Conservation Ecology and Genetics lab meeting, University of Canberra.
MacDonald AJ (2020) Genetic and genomic tools for management and conservation of Australian mammals. Invited seminar, University of Wollongong, cancelled because of COVID-19 travel restrictions.
MacDonald AJ, Gruber B, Berry O and Sarre SD (2019). Founder effect and little genetic structure across the Australian continent in introduced red foxes. Lightning talk at Centre for Biodiversity Analysis Landscape Genomics workshop, Canberra.
MacDonald AJ (2019) The wildlife genomics toolbox: harnessing genetics and genomics to inform wildlife management. Seminar at the University of Queensland.
MacDonald AJ (2019) Oz Mammals Genomics Science / Fiction. A hybrid public outreach talk / pub quiz for Science in the Pub.
MacDonald AJ (2018) Using genetics and genomics for mammal conservation. Guest seminar to high school students, Australian National University extension course in Biodiversity.
MacDonald AJ Byrne M, Deakin J, Eldridge M, Fitzgerald A, Johnson R, Palmer S, Young A, Moritz C and the Oz Mammal Genomes Consortium (2018). The Oz Mammals Genomics initiative. Seminar at The Earlham Institute, Norwich, UK.
MacDonald AJ (2018) Managing and participating in large collaborative research initiatives – examples from the Oz Mammals Genomics Initiative. Institute for Applied Ecology postgrad workshop, University of Canberra.
MacDonald AJ (2018) Wildlife genetics for the management of invasive species. Guest seminar to high school students, Australian National University extension course in Biodiversity.
MacDonald AJ (2017) Conserving Australia's vanishing vertebrates: bridging the gap between genomes, collections, and wildlife management. Seminar at Griffith University.
MacDonald AJ (2016). DNA metabarcoding 101: a genetic tool for biodiversity assessment from environmental samples. Institute for Applied Ecology Water Science seminar series, University of Canberra.
MacDonald AJ (2016). Using Twitter for science communication and networking. Institute for Applied Ecology Skills and Generalisations in Ecology series, University of Canberra.
MacDonald AJ (2015). An introduction to wildlife genetics. Seminar to high school biology students at Lake Ginninderra College, Canberra
MacDonald AJ, Gruber B, Gleeson D, Campbell CD, Modave E, and Sarre SD (2014). Species from faeces: metabarcoding to detect predators and their prey. Invited lab meeting seminar at the Fenner School, Australian National University
MacDonald AJ (2014). Species from faeces: using DNA metabarcoding to study predators and their prey. Institute for Applied Ecology Seminar Series, University of Canberra
MacDonald AJ (2014). Species from faeces: DNA detection of predators and prey from scats. Seminar, Tasmanian Department of Primary Industry Parks Wildlife and the Environment
MacDonald AJ (2014). Species from faeces: DNA detection of predators and prey from scats. Seminar, NRM North Landcare, Tasmania
MacDonald AJ, Sarre S, Gleeson D, Campbell C, Modave E and Gruber B (2014). Species from faeces: metabarcoding to detect predators and their prey. Incursions Theme Meeting, Invasive Animals CRC.
MacDonald AJ (2013). Ecological insights from DNA analysis of predator scats. Seminar, University of Tasmania
MacDonald AJ (2012). Species from faeces: next generation sequencing from faeces to identify prey species. Genomic Technologies and the Future of Molecular Ecology Workshop, University of Canberra
MacDonald AJ (2012). Species from faeces: DNA detection of introduced red foxes and their prey. Institute for Applied Ecology Seminar Series, University of Canberra
MacDonald AJ (2012). Species from faeces: DNA detection of foxes and their prey. Invasive Animals CRC Roadshow, Campbelltown, Tasmania (public talk)
MacDonald AJ (2011). Trace DNA from predator poo and what it can tell us about the distribution, population dynamics and diet of foxes in Tasmania. Invasive Animals CRC Science Writers’ Workshop
MacDonald AJ (2006). Microsatellites from the tammar wallaby X and Y chromosomes. 3rd ARC Centre for Kangaroo Genomics workshop, Melbourne
MacDonald AJ (2006). Genetic markers and evolution: lessons from an Australian wallaby. Public seminar, Australian Science Festival
MacDonald AJ (2005). The evolution of microsatellite DNA: Testing models of mutation in an Australian marsupial. 2nd ARC Centre for Kangaroo Genomics workshop, Canberra
MacDonald AJ (2005). The evolution of microsatellite DNA: Testing models of mutation in an Australian marsupial. 1st ARC Centre for Kangaroo Genomics workshop, Canberra

SELECTED CO-AUTHORED CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS (presenter name in bold)

Hunter ME, Archer FI, Bertola L, Bragg J, Breed M, Bruford MW, Coleman M, Ekblom R, Funk WC, Grueber C, Hand BK, Jaffé R, Jensen E, Johnson J, Kershaw F, Liggins L, MacDonald AJ, Mergeay J, Miller J, Muller-Karger F, O'Brien D, Paz-Vinas I, Pearson SK, Potter KM, Razgour O, Vernesi C, and Hoban S (2020). Developing Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) for the GEO BON Genetic Composition Working Group. GEOBON Open Science Conference, online.
Hoban S, Campbell CD, da Silva J, Ekblom R, Funk WC, Garner BA, Godoy JA, Kershaw F, MacDonald AJ, Mergeay J, Minter M, O’Brien D, Paz Vinas I, Pearson SK, Pérez-Espona S, Potter KM, Russo IRM, Segelbacher G, Vernesi C, Hunter ME (2020). A review of National Reports to the Convention on Biological Diversity- genetic diversity and Aichi Target 13. GEOBON Open Science Conference, online.
Eldridge MDB, Deakin JE, MacDonald AJ, Byrne M, Fitzgerald A, Johnsonn RN, Moritz C, Palmer S, Young A (2018). The Oz Mammals Genomics (OMG) initiative: developing genomic resources for mammal conservation at a continental scale. Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales Scientific Forum, Sydney.
Hunter A, Bowland G, Chang S, Szabo T, Napier K, Lum M, MacDonald AJ, Koval J, Fitzgerald A, Bellgard M (2018). The Bioplatforms Australia Data Portal. eResearch Australasia conference.
Sarre SD, MacDonald AJ, Adamack A, Gruber B, Berry O (2017). DNA detection and population genetics of the red fox in Australia. International Mammalogical Congress, Perth
Sarre SD, MacDonald AJ, Modave E and Campbell CD (2017). Reference DNA databases for wildlife identification: value for robust primer design and metabarcoding. Society for Wildlife Forensic Science conference, Edinburgh
Campbell CD, Gruber B, MacDonald AJ, Cowan P and Sarre SD (2017). The hybridisation of Australian common brushtail possums in New Zealand: Implications for management. Australian Vertebrate Pest Conference, Canberra
Campbell CD, Stojanovic D, MacDonald AJ, Gruber B, Medlock K, Harris S, Sarre SD and Holleley C (2016). When is a native species invasive? Defining the incursion of a predatory Australian marsupial using molecular and historical data. Australasian Wildlife Management Society conference, Auckland.
Cooper SJB, Ottewell K, MacDonald AJ, Cremona T and Carthew SM (2016). Implications of uncertain taxonomy for conservation management: case studies on bandicoots and gliders. South Australian NRM Science Conference, Adelaide.
Modave E, MacDonald AJ, Campbell CD and Sarre SD (2016). A genetic mini-barcode to identify Australian mammal predators from environmental DNA samples. Australian Mammal Society conference, Alice Springs.
Campbell CD, Stojanovic D, MacDonald AJ, Gruber B, Harris S, Sarre SD and Holleley C (2015). Sugar gliders in Tasmania: an introduced predator or an elusive native? Genetics Society of AustralAsia conference, Adelaide (POSTER).
Adamack A, Carlson E, MacDonald AJ, Gruber B, Doucette LI, Osborne WS and Sarre SD (2014). Determining population structure of the grassland earless dragon (Tympanocrypts pinguicolla) in the ACT and NSW. Ecological Society of Australia conference.
Campbell CD, Dewar EF, Modave E, MacDonald AJ, Gruber B, Harris S and Sarre SD (2014). The Great Poo Hunt: A comprehensive DNA-based predator scat survey conducted in Tasmania, Australia. Australian Mammal Society conference, Melbourne (POSTER).
Modave E, Campbell CD, MacDonald AJ, Gruber B, Harris S, Dewar EF and Sarre SD (2014). Who is eating who from poo? Predator-prey interactions in Tasmania inferred using next-generation sequencing of predator scats. Australian Mammal Society conference (POSTER).
Campbell CD, MacDonald AJ, Gruber B, Harris S and Sarre SD (2013). Are Tasmanian Macropodiformes diagnostically distinct from their mainland counterparts? Genetics Society of AustralAsia conference, Sydney (POSTER).
Sarre SD, Aitken NC, Quinn AE, MacDonald AJ, Adamack A, Gruber B and Cowan P (2013). Landscape level microsatellite DNA analysis reveals substantial cryptic genetic structure in feral possums in New Zealand. Genetics Society of AustralAsia conference, Sydney.
Sarre SD, Aitken NC, Quinn AE, MacDonald AJ, Adamack A, Gruber B and Cowan P (2013). Landscape level microsatellite DNA anlalysis reveals substantial cryptic genetic structure in feral possums in New Zealand. EcoTas13: 5th joint conference of New Zealand Ecological Society and Ecological Society of Australia.
Sarre SD, MacDonald AJ, Barclay C and Ramsey D (2012). Finding foxes in Tasmania: Faecal DNA analysis reveals widespread distribution of an elusive introduced predator. Vertebrate Pest Conference. Monterey, USA: University of California.