Deborah M Leigh
Conservation biologist and bioinformatician
Scientist at WSL
Scientist at WSL
Macrogenetics Large scale multi species genetic studies to determine the drivers and patterns of genetic diversity. Chestnut blightAt WSL I studied the CHV-1 hypovirus. Part of the chestnut blight biocontrol system, CHV-1 has helped mitigate the damage blight has caused in Europe. I explored both intra-host diversity of the virus, as well as how diversity varies over space. |
Oak genomicsI am using landscape genomics and a common garden experiment to map adaptation to drought in white oaks. ALPINE IBEXWithin my PhD I examined the genome-wide consequences of bottlenecks in the Alpine ibex. I also used this system to understand how to distinguish signals of selection from genetic drift. |
Future ProjectsI am using my genomic expertise to address questions at the intersection of Evolutionary biology and Conservation genetics. I am particularly interested in macrogenetic questions, as well as those exploring the adaptive process in complex populations. ARCTIC SEABIRDS At Queens, I studied in local adaptation in Arctic seabird populations. I completed an assembly of the Eider genome and established a collaboration with researchers at the University of Oslo to understand cryptic variation in High Arctic puffins. |