The EMRU utilises a range of molecular ecology techniques for environmental research.
• Investigating genetic variability in remnant populations of Saxifraga hirculus
Project in collaboration with Plantlife and Natural England investigating genetic variability in populations of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan species Saxifraga hirculus from Musary Reserve, Caithness.
• The decline of the white-faced darter
The use of metagenomics and Flow Injection Analysis to look for evidence of fecal contamination at Thursley National Nature Reserve, Surrey.
• Investigating cloud bacteria
Bacteria are abundant in clouds and rain and may play an important role in cloud droplet and rain drop formation. The study is investigating the diversity and activity of bacteria in clouds and screening for ice-nucleating genes.
• Analysis of bacterial diversity in filtered air samples
Collaboration with the Vienna University of Technology. Analysing bacterial diversity of filtered air samples from the city centre and outskirts of Vienna to compare their bacterial composition and its potential health implications.
• Investigating the spatial dynamics and effective population sizes of UK Biodiversity Action Plan bumblebees
Funded by the Cleanaway Canvey and Pitsea Marshes Trust. Using microsatellite DNA analysis to investigate the foraging flight distances and colony number of Bombus sylvarum and Bombus humilis in South Essex. Results are being fed into a ten-year programme of habitat management for the bees at Hadleigh Castle Country Park, South Benfleet, Essex.
• Preservation of genetic diversity in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan species Dianthus armeria
In partnership with Plantlife. Analysis of sequence variation in non-coding regions of chloroplast DNA to measure intraspecific diversity of Dianthus armeria.
The EMRU has facilities for DNA extraction, PCR and quantitative PCR, genotyping and sequencing.
The EMRU has worked, or is working, in partnership with:
Essex County Council
Cleanaway Canvey and Pitsea Marshes Trust
Buglife – the Invertebrate Conservation Trust
Hadleigh Castle Country Park
Essex Wildlife Trust
Plantlife International
Vienna University of Technology
Senior Lecturer: Dr Elizabeth Westhead
Research Fellow: Dr Stuart Connop
Research Assistant : Jamie Freeman
Research Assistant: Melissa Marr
We are based in UEL’s Stratford campus which has excellent public transport links. Please click here to view a map.
General inquiries to the Environmental Microbiology Research Unit can be made to: s.p.connop@uel.ac.uk
© 2008
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