Aim The primary aim of this research is to investigate the potential of ultra violet radiation as a catalyst for unlocking phenotypic plasticity in Chlorella vulgaris, a common freshwater green algae. Furthermore, the project aims to explore the underlying mechanisms of these changes, hypothesized to be driven by epigenetic modifications as stress responses. The duration of these induced changes will be observed for future research considerations. This study seeks to advance our understanding of phenotypic plasticity in microalgae and the role low intensity UV stress in this process, with implications for evolutionary biology, ecology, and algal biotechnology.

Colaborators: Dr. Nature Poddar, Professor Peter Ralph

Aim: To make a large interspecies comparison of diatom phenomes. The project is carried out in colaboration with the 100 Diatom Genomes consortia and will apply high-throughput phenotyping technology to 100 newly sequenced diatomes. Phenotyping is done using a combination of fluorometry, flow cytometry, spectroscopy and robotics. 

Colaborators: Professor Tomas Mock; Lilian Hoch (PhD student); Professor Peter Ralph

Sister project: 100 diatom genomes 

Aim: Phenotype corals living in mangrove ecosystems to evaluate their thermal resiliance compared to corals from the inner reef of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). The project is part of a larger effort to characterise coral systems that could be translocated to the wider GBR to suport increased resiliance of the reef ecosystem in response to climate change. 

Colaborators: Dr. Emma Camp; Hadley Englan (PhD student); Christine Roper (PhD student); Dr. David J. Suggett;

Location: Pord Douglas - Low Isles