Associate Professor Libby Liggins PhD, MSc, BSc

Contact details

• Location: 5.06, 5
  Campus: Ōtehā Rohe

Qualifications

• Doctor of Philosophy - University of Queensland (2014)
• Master of Science - Victoria University (2008)
• Bachelor of Science - Victoria University (2005)

Prizes and Awards

• Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution Postdoctoral Research Fellowship - Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution (2014)
• National Evolutionary Synthesis Center Graduate Fellowship - National Evolutionary Synthesis Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America (2014)

Research Interests

I am an evolutionary ecologist who addresses fundamental questions in the population ecology, biogeography, and community ecology of marine systems. I use genetic/genomic, morphological, and phylogenetic data in combination with novel analytical methods to understand the physical, environmental, and biotic processes that generate, maintain, and erode biodiversity. My research spans global gradients, down to the demographic and adaptive settings of individuals and populations. I have a strong focus on research relevant to global change, sustainable resource use, and human well-being. My research is conducted in collaboration with, and often motivated by, local and Indigenous communities. I am active in developing and sharing best-practices and tools in support of the FAIR principles in research, and in recognition of Indigenous/Māori rights.

My students and I participate in several international research consortia and working groups intended to advance both theoretical and applied molecular ecology via interdisciplinary collaboration. Accordingly, I lead Aotearoa New Zealand’s participation in the "Diversity of the Indo-Pacific Network"(www.diversityindopacific.net/) and the "Biodiversity Observation Network Genetic Composition Working Group" (www.geobon.org/ebvs/working-groups/genetic-composition). We lead citizen science projects (e.g. "WhatsThatFishNZ" https://www.facebook.com/WhatsThatFishNZ/) and I lead the "Ira Moana – Genes of the Sea – Project" (www.massey.ac.nz/iramoana/) developing a database for genetic data of New Zealand marine organisms. Within New Zealand, I participate in several projects within "Genomics Aotearoa" (https://www.genomics-aotearoa.org.nz/) and collaborate closely with the Auckland Museum and Te Papa Tongarewa. I am also on the Scientific Committee of the International Science Councils World Data System.

Broadly, my work addresses the origins of native and invasive taxa, biodiversity gradients, the assembly of marine communities, and population connectivity among regions, at local and global scales. My current research focuses on characterising species range dynamics in response to climate change and edge-of-species-range dynamics, characterising the potential for range expansion based on dispersal potential, population demography, and the genetic characteristics of populations (see "Supervision" for more information).

Research Opportunities

• PhD: Comparative seascape genomics of urchins in Northeast New Zealand under climate change  (01/01/2022) This project would suit a student interested in population genomics and climate change impacts, with an aptitude for quantitative biology, bioinformatics, and collaboration.
• MSc/PhD: Beta-genetic-diversity measures to inform species edge-of-range dynamics  (01/01/2022) This project would suit a student interested in species range dynamics, good organisation skills, and an aptitude for quantitative biology, genetics, or statistics.
• MSc/PhD: Genetics of corals and their symbionts (in collaboration with Pim Bongaerts, California Academy of Sciences)  (01/01/2022) These projects would suit students interested in reefscape and seascape genomics, and working within a larger team. Ideal students will have good organisation and quantitative skills.
• PhD: Citizen science to detect range-shifting species (in collaboration with Irene Middleton, NIWA)  (01/01/2022) This would suit a student interested in climate change and in gaining experience working with a range of people/organisations. An ideal candidate will have good organisation and communication skills.
• MSc: Characterising the genetic contribution of Niue's Large Marine Protected Area (in collaboration with Brendon Pasisi)  (01/01/2022) This project would suit a student interested in marine conservation and genetic diversity monitoring.
• MSc/PhD: eDNA surveillance and monitoring of newly established and range-shifting fishes (in collaboration with Irene Middleton, NIWA)  (01/01/2022) This would suit a student interested in environmental DNA, biosecurity, and climate change. The ideal candidate would be organised in the lab, and have an aptitude for data organisation and coding.
• MSc/PhD: Automating the detection of new, and range-shifting, fishes in Aotearoa New Zealand (in collaboration with Kristin Stock, Massey)  (01/01/2022) This project would suit a student interested in computer science solutions to biological and environmental issues. The ideal candidate would have a background or interest in computer science.
• MSc/PhD: Sequencing the genome of the long-spined urchin, Centrostephanus rodgersii (in collaboration with Genomics Aotearoa; Olin Silander, Massey; and Nikki Freed, Auckland Genomics)  (01/01/2022) This project would suit a student interested in genomics, sequencing technologies, and bioinformatics. For a PhD student, this would be one component of a larger thesis.
• MSc/PhD: Interactions among newly co-occurring fishes in Aotearoa New Zealand  (01/01/2022) This project would suit a student interested in the impact of range-shifting species, animal behaviour, and co-existence theory.
• MSc/PhD: Genetic diversity and connectivity of macroalgae (Ecklonia radiata) in Northeastern New Zealand (in collaboration with David Aguirre, Massey)  (01/01/2022) This project would suit a student interested in population genetics, seascape genomics, conservation and restoration of shallow marine ecosystems.

Area of Expertise

Field of research codes
Animal Systematics and Taxonomy (060301): Biogeography and Phylogeography (060302): Biological Sciences (060000): Community Ecology (060202): Ecology (060200): Evolutionary Biology (060300): Evolutionary Impacts of Climate Change (060306): Genetics (060400): Genomics (060408): Marine and Estuarine Ecology (incl. Marine Ichthyology) (060205): Population Ecology (060207): Population, Ecological and Evolutionary Genetics (060411)

Keywords

Biogeography; Citizen science; Climate change; Community ecology; Data sovereignty; Data stewardship; Evolutionary biology; Evolutionary impacts of climate change; Functional ecology; Genetics; Genomics; Marine ecology; Marine fishes; Molluscs; Phylogenetics; Phylogeography; Population ecology; Population, ecological and evolutionary genetics; Macroecology; Macrogenetics; Systematics; Urchins

Current Projects

Completed Projects

Teaching Statement

As a Rutherford Discovery Fellow, most of my time is dedicated to research and Postgraduate supervison. I teach into only a limited number of Undergraduate courses. 

Graduate Supervision Statement

I enjoy supervising the thesis research of MSc and PhD candidates. My students conduct field research (including boating and diving), laboratory research, molecular genetics, as well as community-based and desk-based research. Topics of research include: population genomics and connectivity of marine organisms; range shifts of marine species in Aotearoa New Zealand; climate change impacts of marine species ranges and adaptation; genetic and phylogenetic diversity of different species groups and regions; functional diversity of different species groups and regions; macrogenetics, macroecology, and community assembly; and citizen science. We work on several different taxonomic groups including coral, fishes, algae, molluscs, and urchins, found within Aotearoa New Zealand and the broader Indo-Pacific region. My students gain experience and practical skills in designing research, conducting field/laboratory work, teamwork and collaboration, robust and quantitative analysis of data, scientific writing, and the ability to critically evaluate scientfic research. For more information about current projects available in my lab see "Research Opportunities" under "Research Expertise".

Current Doctoral Supervision

Main Supervisor of:

• Andre Samayoa - Doctor of Philosophy
  Historical biogeography of marine ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii) of the Southwest Pacific

Co-supervisor of:

• Pragyan Das - Doctor of Philosophy
  Developing Methods to Georeference New Zealand’s Biota from Text
• Hayden Pye - Doctor of Philosophy
  The roles of habitat, introduced species and predator control on avian abundance, species richness, phylo-diversity and colour elaboration
• Hochang Yoo - Doctor of Philosophy
  Development of cultivation methods for New Zealand brown algae.

Completed Doctoral Supervision

Main Supervisor of:

• 2022 - Irene Middleton - Doctor of Philosophy
  Range shifts and the population dynamics of tropical, subtropical, and rare fishes in New Zealand

Co-supervisor of:

• 2020 - Elisabeth Myers - Doctor of Philosophy
  Functional biodiversity of New Zealand's marine fishes versus depth and latitude

Other Links

• Google Scholar profile
• Ira Moana - Genes of the Sea - Project - Project Coordinator - Dr. Libby Liggins