[PhD] PhD Opportunity with research focus on bee diversities in Singapore and the region [by 31 Jan 2019]

The Insect Diversity Lab at the Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, is in search of an enthusiastic PhD student with a strong academic background and interest in accomplishing a research project focused on bee diversities in Singapore and the region.

This student should have interests in entomology, taxonomy, and conservation biology, and will design and implement question-based research based on assembled integrative taxonomic resources, which includes DNA barcodes and image databases. This student will generate and analyse DNA barcodes, and apply existing analytical tools to assess faunal overlap, rate of discovery of new species, turnover of faunas across ecological gradients, and other phenomena of importance to conservation and management.

We are looking for a student that is capable of developing and testing original hypotheses to increase the scope and applicability of these taxonomic resources, especially in the areas of conservation and management. Prior experience with molecular taxonomy, especially in DNA barcoding and molecular diagnostics, is essential. Familiarity with NGS barcoding techniques, statistical analyses with R programming, and excellent writing skills would be ideal.

Application

Interested students should submit

• their CV specifying their research experience,
• a short write-up about how this positon may contribute to their long term goals,
• a sample of their academic writing and
• two referees.

Please submit these documents to Dr John Ascher (dbsajs@nus.edu.sg) and Miss Ong Xin Rui (dbsoxr@nus.edu.sg) by 31 Jan 2019. Short-listed applicants will be notified for an interview by mid-February 2019.

Assistant Professor John Stoskopf Ascher
Department of Biological Sciences
National University of Singapore

Tue 08 May 2018: 10.00am [PhD Defense] – Helen Nash on “The Ecology, Genetics and Conservation of Pangolins”

PhD Defense Seminar cum Oral Examination
Department of Biological Sciences, NUS

“The Ecology, Genetics and Conservation of Pangolins”

Helen Catherine Nash
Graduate Student, Dept. of Biological Sciences, NUS
Tuesday 8th May 2018: 10.00am
At the DBS Conference Room (S3-05)
Supervisor: Asst Prof Rheindt, Frank Erwin

Abstract – Globally, pangolins are one of the most heavily trafficked mammals in the illegal trade of wildlife. Chinese and Sunda pangolins are particularly threatened and their populations have rapidly declined, yet research is lacking to inform effective conservation management and action plans for these species. In this PhD I have helped to build the evidence base for effective conservation action at local, regional and global scales, based on the research priorities stated in the IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group’s global conservation action plan.

In Chapter One, I demonstrate the value of using large-scale systematic surveys of local ecological knowledge to understand the status and threats of pangolins, with the example of Chinese pangolins across protected areas in Hainan. In Chapter Two, I applied a large number of genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to investigate the population genetic structure of Southeast Asian Sunda pangolins and to trace the origin of illegally traded pangolins. In Chapter Three, I initiated a post-release monitoring programme for rescued, rehabilitated and released Sunda pangolins in Singapore to better understand their post-release ecology and behaviour, with a particular focus on their dispersal movement, habitat selection and urban ecology in relation to their ontogenesis.

My doctoral research has contributed towards an evidence base to inform effective conservation management and action for pangolins. Many of my methods and analyses could also be applied to other endangered or cryptic species.

All are welcome

Mon 30 Apr 2018: 2.00pm [QE] – Choi Jihea on “Personality of Ooceraea biroi (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Dorylinae) and its effect on ant fitness”

Department of Biological Sciences, NUS
Qualifying Examination

“Personality of Ooceraea biroi (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Dorylinae) and its effect on ant fitness”

Speaker: Choi Jihea
(Graduate Student, Dept. of Biological Sciences, NUS)
Monday, 30th April 2018: 2.00pm
At DBS Conference room (S3 Level 5)
Supervisor: Assoc Prof Li Daiqin

Abstract – The field of animal personality has boomed in the last two decades, with current research interests focused on not only quantifying personality for each species, but also to investigate the evolutionary significance of personality.

Using the eusocial and thelytokous ants, Ooceraea biroi, my project aims to investigate the presence of personality in individuals and colonies of these clonal ants, and the impact of personality on individual and group fitness. Furthermore, the project will test whether colony personalities can be influenced by external stress, and test if the individual’s past foraging experiences can shape its personality and effect the expression of the foraging gene

All are welcome.

Wed 02 May 2018: 4.00pm [QE] – Darren Sim on “Phytoplankton-Regulation by Macrophytes in Tropical Lakes”

Department of Biological Sciences, NUS
Qualifying Examination

Phytoplankton-Regulation by Macrophytes in Tropical Lakes

Speaker:             Sim Zong Han Darren (Graduate Student, Dept. of Biological Sciences, NUS)
Date:                   2 May 2018, Wednesday
Time:                   4pm
Venue:                DBS Conference Room (S3 Level 5)
Supervisor:        Asst Prof Darren Yeo Chong Jinn
 

Abstract: – Ecological restoration can be a sustainable strategy to manage nuisance phytoplankton in Singapore reservoirs. Macrophytes are vital for restoring degraded lakes due to their involvement in ecological processes, especially their role in maintaining the clear water stable state in lakes. This is attributed to their ability to regulate phytoplankton communities through a combination of physical and biological mechanisms such as attenuation of wave energy, resource competition, and allelopathy. Allelopathy is suspected to be a major mechanism by which macrophytes inhibit phytoplankton, but current evidence supporting this is inconclusive. Present understanding of lake restoration is largely based on temperate studies, which may have limited transferability to the tropics due to trophic and climatic differences.

This study uses various approaches to investigate the ability of macrophytes to improve the ecological state of turbid tropical lakes. Field mesocosm experiments will be used to evaluate (i) the effects of macrophytes on phytoplankton communities and (ii) the potential restorative capability of macrophytes in a turbid reservoir. Lab experiments will be conducted to evaluate the importance of allelopathy as a mechanism to control phytoplankton and the role of light in influencing its effectiveness. Findings will not only improve our understanding of macrophyte-phytoplankton interactions, but also inform lake management decisions using macrophyte restoration as a sustainable tool to control phytoplankton blooms.

All are welcome

Thu 26 Apr 2018: 3.00pm [QE] – Pratibha Baveja on “Implication of differential gene flow on species and subspecies integrity of SEA birds”

Department of Biological Sciences, NUS
Qualifying Examination

Implication of Differential Gene Flow on Species and Subspecies Integrity of Birds in South-east Asia

Speaker:             Pratibha Baveja (Graduate Student, Dept. of Biological Sciences, NUS)
Date:                   26 April 2018, Thursday
Time:                   3pm
Venue:                DBS Conference room II (S1, Level 3, mezzanine)
Supervisor:        Asst Prof Rheindt, Frank Erwin
 

Abstract: – Strength of gene flow determines the evolutionary trajectory of a species. Inter-specific gene flow or genetic leakage could threaten the genetic integrity of the species or could sometimes lead to hybrid speciation. Birds of Southeast Asia experience such unusual gene flow dynamics because of the unique evolutionary and human cultural history of the region.

In my thesis, I study: 1) Supertramp gene flow dynamics:  Supertramps are highly dispersive forms found on small islands that are closely related to distinct species on mainland with little overwater gene flow capability. It is suggested that small islands in Southeast Asian archipelago might be inhabited by forms that follow very different gene flow patterns than expected. 2) Introgression in captivity of terminally endangered species with potential for reintroduction into the wild. As human-mediated habitat changes may lead to increased instances of secondary contact between previously isolated taxa, such a study becomes relevant in better understanding of gene flow dynamics in birds of Southeast Asia.

All are welcome

Wed 25 April 2018: 3.00pm [QE] – Louise Neo on “Centers of plant generic endemism in Borneo and their significance for biogeography and conservation”

Department of Biological Sciences, NUS
Qualifying Examination

Centers of plant generic endemism in Borneo and their significance for biogeography and conservation

Speaker:              Louise Neo (Graduate Student, Dept. of Biological Sciences, NUS)
Date:                   25 April 2018, Wednesday
Time:                   3.00pm
Venue:                Seminar Room 2 (S2 Level 4, #04-15)
Supervisor:         Assoc Prof Hugh Tan T W
Co-Supervisor:  Dr Wong Khoon Meng (Principal Researcher, Singapore Botanic Gardens)

 Abstract: – The narrow geographical ranges of endemic plants that make them regionally or globally rare, render them of special interest for biogeographic research and conservation. Endemic genera can be unique evolutionary lineages. Centers of generic endemism, where these are concentrated, can indicate special environments, or could be areas of active speciation or refugia. The highly biodiverse rainforests of Borneo have been a major source of speciation and dispersal for plant lineages in Southeast Asia since the pre-Miocene, but they are hypothesized to be in a refugial state at present and, therefore, highly threatened. Centers of plant generic endemism have never been examined, although they can highlight priority areas for biogeographic research and conservation.

I use a taxonomy-informed approach to gather the known occurrences of the endemic and near-endemic plant genera of Borneo from critically identified herbarium specimens, with the aims of (1) mapping distribution patterns of the genera, (2) identifying centers of generic endemism and their environmental correlates, (3) understanding distribution patterns and centers of generic endemism within the historical biogeography context of Borneo, and (4) assessing conservation exigencies for these genera.

All are welcome

Thu 26 April 2018: 10.00am [QE] – Kenny Chua on “Freshwater fish diversity and ecosystem functioning in Southeast Asia”

Department of Biological Sciences, NUS
Qualifying Examination

Freshwater fish diversity and ecosystem functioning in Southeast Asia

Speaker:    Kenny Chua Wei Jie (Graduate Student, Dept. of Biological Sciences, NUS)
Date:            26 April 2018, Thursday
Time:              10am
Venue:             DBS Conference Room  (S3 Level 5, #05-01)
Supervisor:     Asst Prof Darren Yeo Chong Jinn

Abstract: – The highly diverse ichthyofaunas of Southeast Asian fresh waters are threatened by land-use change, resulting in declines in species richness. Given the ecological importance of freshwater fishes, the loss of their diversity is expected to alter ecosystem functioning—i.e., pools and fluxes of biogeochemical resources—but these potential impacts remain poorly understood in Southeast Asia. To address this knowledge gap, I aim to elucidate the relationship between freshwater fish diversity, ecosystem functioning and land-use change in Southeast Asia.

By characterising and analysing the variation in functional traits of freshwater fishes, my work will investigate mechanistic links between freshwater fish diversity and the ecosystem functions mediated by them. I will also conduct both cross-sectional and longitudinal field studies across Southeast Asia to quantify the impacts of land-use driven fish diversity losses on the functioning of flowing fresh waters in the region. Since ecosystem functions ultimately underpin ecosystem services that are essential for human well-being, knowledge gained from this study will help illuminate the potentially far-reaching and reflexive consequences of anthropogenic biodiversity loss.

All are welcome

Mon 23 April 2018: 11.00am [QE] – Lionel Ng on “Functional characterisation of coral species for enhancing reef restoration”

Department of Biological Sciences, NUS
Qualifying Examination

Functional characterisation of coral species for enhancing reef restoration

Speaker:              Ng Chin Soon Lionel (Graduate Student, Dept. of Biological Sciences, NUS)
Date:                   23 April 2018, Monday
Time:                   11am
Venue:                DBS Conference room  (S3 Level 5)
Supervisor:        Asst Prof Huang Danwei
Co-Supervisor:  Prof Chou Loke Ming

Abstract: – The global decline of coral reefs has necessitated active management strategies in the form of restoration and rehabilitation. Despite the emphasis on reinstating taxonomic diversity on degraded reefs, there is limited understanding on how such actions and the species used collectively contribute to reef ecosystem functioning. This could be addressed by adopting a trait-based approach to reef restoration, but this is hampered by a general paucity of available information on coral traits.

My thesis focuses on characterising the functional traits of reef stony corals to prioritise species for the rehabilitation of Singapore’s degraded reefs. Broadly, I aim to: 1) establish species distributions across Singapore’s coral habitats, 2) investigate species responses to bleaching, 3) quantify coral growth rate and skeletal density, and 4) examine stakeholder inputs towards reef restoration. The data obtained will be incorporated into a decision-making framework so that relevant and effective restoration strategies can be formulated.

The research is expected to enhance coral reef management in Singapore, and is applicable to other coastal cities seeking to optimise their habitat rehabilitation strategies.

All are welcome

Fri 20 Apr 2018: 2.00pm [QE] – Jenny on “Competitive interactions between scleractinian corals and macroalgae on heavily impacted reefs”

Department of Biological Sciences, NUS
Qualifying Examination

Competitive interactions between scleractinian corals and macroalgae on heavily impacted reefs

Speaker:              Jenny (Graduate Student, Dept. of Biological Sciences, NUS)
Date:                    20 April 2018, Friday
Time:                    2pm
Venue:                 DBS Conference Room II (S1, Level 3, mezzanine
Supervisor:          Assoc Prof  Peter A. Todd
Co-Supervisor:   A/P Suresh Valiyaveettil

Abstract: – Coral reef ecosystems are in global decline with macroalgae commonly replacing many scleractinian corals. On heavily impacted coral reefs where nutrients are elevated and herbivory is low, high levels of competitive interactions between corals and macroalgae are predicted. Macroalgae are able to suppress coral survival, growth, and reproduction, which can potentially lead to phase-shifts from coral- to algae-dominated reefs. The dynamics of coral–macroalgal interactions and the mechanisms involved, however, remain poorly understood.

My PhD thesis aims to (1) assess the spatial–temporal patterns of coral–macroalgal interactions on Singapore’s reefs, (2) examine the effects of macroalgal competition on coral physiology and microbiomes across various coral–macroalgal pairings, and (3) investigate the allelopathic effects of macroalgae as the potential mechanism mediating coral–macroalgal competition. My research will help improve our understanding on processes regulating coral–macroalgal competition and hence the long-term benthic community structure on impacted coral reef ecosystems.

All are welcome

Thu 12 Apr 2018: 3.00pm [QE] – Wong Boon Hui on “The evolution of enlarged chelicerae in the ant-mimicking jumping spiders”

Department of Biological Sciences, NUS
Qualifying Examination

The evolution of enlarged chelicerae in the ant-mimicking jumping spiders

Speaker:            Wong Boon Hui
Date:                  12 April 2018, Thursday
Time:                 Time: 3pm
Venue:               S3-05 DBS Conference Room
Supervisor:      Assoc Prof Li Daiqin

Abstract: – Exaggerated weapons have persisted through the animal evolutionary tree, having evolved on multiple occasions. This study is to examine the evolution of weapons, which are the enlarged chelicerae, in the ant-mimicking jumping spiders, Myrmarachne spp., through the analysis of its allometry, trade-off, compensation, and selection mode across the phylogeny, with focus on the family Salticidae, followed by the genera Myrmarachne. As we established the evolutionary history, I will proceed to evaluate the cost and benefit of developing and carrying such weapon. Food resources and moulting behaviour are proposed as the cost while sexual selection, comprising male-male competition and female mate choice, is proposed as the benefit.

As to verify enlarged chelicerae being an honest signal, which is limited by cost, I will conduct experiment to show that nutritional level of the spider diet will affect the size of the chelicerae. As the spiders only carry weapons after their final moult, I will also investigate whether weapon size affects moulting duration, as moulting is known to be an energetically costly process.

As for the benefit, male-male competition is tested by pairing size-matched males against each other in contest experiments to test whether chelicera size affect contest outcome. Pairs of males will then be presented to females to see if female spiders have a preference over males with different chelicera sizes. These two experiments will indicate whether enlarged chelicerae are employed as honest signal for resource holding potential (RHP) and/or as mate potential.

All are welcome