About me
A passionate Conservation and Evolutionary Biologist, I am using genomics and my bioinformatic skills
to understand evolutionary processes in small or threatened populations.
Arctic SeabirdsFor my Postdoc at Queen's University I am investigating the demographic history, the presence of local adaptation, and the vulnerability to climate change of Arctic seabird populations. |
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. |
TEaching&outreachA keen teacher, I have supervised honours students, lectured to undergraduates, and taught on field courses. I am also passionate about conservation and scientific outreach. |
publications
Leigh DM, Lischer HEL, Grossen C, and Keller LF. (2018) Batch effects in a multi-year sequencing study: False biological trends due to changes in read lengths. Molecular ecology resources.
Biebach I, Leigh DM, Sluzek K, and Keller LF. (2016) Genetic Issues in Reintroduction. In: Reintroduction of Fish and Wildlife populations. USA: UC Press
Leigh DM, and Smallegange I. (2014) Effects of variation in nutrition on male morph development in the bulb mite Rhizoglyphus robini. Experimental and Applied Acarology. 64(2):159-170
Maenpaa M, Andrews C, Collette D, Leigh DM, and Smiseth P. (2014) Burying Beetle Larvae Discriminate Between Individual Parents and Between Some Classes of Adults. Ethology. 121:395-402
Leigh DM, and Smiseth PT. (2012) Parent–Offspring Conflict over the Transition to Independence in Nicrophorus vespilloides: Parental Chemical Cues and Offspring Begging. Ethology. 118(5):460-465
Leigh DM, Lischer HEL, Grossen C, and Keller LF. (2018) Batch effects in a multi-year sequencing study: False biological trends due to changes in read lengths. Molecular ecology resources.
Biebach I, Leigh DM, Sluzek K, and Keller LF. (2016) Genetic Issues in Reintroduction. In: Reintroduction of Fish and Wildlife populations. USA: UC Press
Leigh DM, and Smallegange I. (2014) Effects of variation in nutrition on male morph development in the bulb mite Rhizoglyphus robini. Experimental and Applied Acarology. 64(2):159-170
Maenpaa M, Andrews C, Collette D, Leigh DM, and Smiseth P. (2014) Burying Beetle Larvae Discriminate Between Individual Parents and Between Some Classes of Adults. Ethology. 121:395-402
Leigh DM, and Smiseth PT. (2012) Parent–Offspring Conflict over the Transition to Independence in Nicrophorus vespilloides: Parental Chemical Cues and Offspring Begging. Ethology. 118(5):460-465
Funding&PrizesQueen's SSE Postdoc Travel Award $1000
2018 Hamilton Award Finalist $500 ESF Short Visit Grant €1000 Best Talk ConGenomics 2018 3 Funded workshops places ICL Bursary £1000 2011 Ashworth Prize £200 2010 Turner Prize £200 |
SKillsNavigating and working in unix
Bash, R, and Python scripting NGS library prep Experienced in the field Wilderness medical trained Scientific writing Project management and supervision |
My studentsMary Kathleen-Hickox 2017-2018
Samantha McCaul 2017-2018 |
OUtreachKingston Science Fair judge 2018
Dispatches From the Field writer 2018 Supervising 2 articles for Frontiers for Young Minds FLS's Women in Science podcast Soapbox for Science volunteer |
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my Goal
I am keen to understand what helps and what hinders adaptation, so we can better manage vulnerable species in our changing climate.