BSc (Hons)
PhD Candidate, Griffith School of Environment
Student Member, Environmental Futures Centre
Email: k.pardoe-matthews@griffith.edu.au
Project Title
Biodiversity of symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria in invasive and indigenous legume flora in south-east Queensland.
Project Description
Legumes are among the most serious and damaging invaders of natural ecosystems in Australia. Their capacity to colonise new habitats is greatly enhanced by the ability to form nitrogen-fixing symbioses wth bacteria. Despite this, no research to date has focused on invasive legume species in south-east Queensland, nor the diversity of associated microbial symbionts. This study will focus on the microbial diversity of invasive legumes and local indigenous legume flora, and will attempt to identify the ecological impacts of legume invasion on a microbial scale.
Supervisors
- Dr Dave Welsh (Principal)
- Professor Jane Hughes (Associate)
- Associate Professor Clyde Wild (Associate)
Research Expertise
- Microbial ecology
- Invasive weed ecology
Teaching Areas
- Microbial ecology
- Entomology
- Maths