Staff profile: Dr Rebecca Johnson
Rebecca Johnson with sea eagle
Sue Lindsay
© Australian Museum
- Position title:
- Head, Australian Centre for Wildlife Genomics
- Section:
- DNA Laboratory
- Branch:
- Research
- Division:
- Research & Collections
- Phone:
- +612 9320 6297
- Email:
- Contact Rebecca Johnson using the form below
Profile
I Manage the Wildlife Genetics and Microscopy unit and I am also head of the Australian Centre for Wildlife Genomics
My research career began in the fascinating field of Queensland fruit fly genetics (Bactrocera sp.). I then studied and worked for several years in the incredible world of social insect genetics where I studied molecular systems of ants, honey bees and wasps.
My research at the Australian Museum mainly involves collaborative projects such as:
- conservation genetics of endangered birds,
- mammals,
- phylogenetics of other endemic and exotic species of polychaetes,
- molecular investigations into native Australian bees
- Wildlife Forensics investigations
One of my major areas of interest is Wildlife Forensics. In our laboratory we have worked on cases for many government agencies involving:
- DNA Identification of shark fins and other seized fish parts
- Dried animal body parts and skins
- Bones and horns
- Bird embryos
- ‘Birdstrikes’: DNA identification of animals that hit aeroplanes/airplanes for Australian Airports.
Qualifications
BSc (Hons) University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia 1995
PhD Molecular Evolutionary Genetics LaTrobe University, Melbourne, Australia 1999
Professional Memberships
Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS)
Genetics Society of Australia (GSA)
Society for Wildlife Forensic Science (SWFS)
International Society for Forensic Genetics (ISFG)
Research Projects
- The taxonomy of the Christmas Island shrew
- Conservation of the White-fronted Chat, a declining species from threatened saltmarsh habitat
- Are some fan-worms (Sabellidae: Polychaeta) cryptic or introduced species?
