Dr Heather Ritchie-Parker
WildGenes Research Scientist
Research Interests
Heather has a background in molecular ecology and evolution. Her previous work has focused on using genetic tools to investigate patterns of adaptation, population connectivity, phylogenetic relationships, and species identification of deep-sea animals. Now, working as a research scientist within RZSS WildGenes, Heather will be applying these skills and experiences to a variety of projects including studies on Northern rockhopper penguins and beavers.
Heather is also very passionate about science communication and public outreach. She wants to share her love for the natural environment and to make science accessible for all. She is also a big advocate for promoting the conservation of lesser known species.
Background
PhD (University of Aberdeen, UK) Biological Sciences
MRes (University of Aberdeen, UK) Applied Marine and Fisheries Ecology
BSc (University of Aberdeen, UK) Marine Biology
Previous Positions
Young Research Fellow at the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) studying the deepest living vertebrate species – the snailfishes.
Research Fellow at the University of Aberdeen, UK investigating how deep-sea amphipod species have adapted to survive the crushing hydrostatic pressure of the hadal zone.
Aquarium Guide at the Macduff Marine Aquarium, UK sharing knowledge of the local marine flora and fauna with the public.
Publications
For all of Heather’s publications, please visit her Google Scholar page. (https://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?hl=en&user=10A8UFMAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate)
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THE ROYAL ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND
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Blog
11/05/2022
A GIANT update
Our charity has worked with Arnaud and his team at the Wildlife Conservation Institute (ICAS) in Brazil for over a decade to safeguard endangered giant armadillos, giant anteaters and their threatened habitat.
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Blog
28/04/2022
The new scientific techniques saving an ancient species
Capercaillie (Capall coille in Scots Gaelic, meaning ‘horse of the woods’) are such rare and elusive birds in the UK that few of us nowadays would be lucky enough to see one. In this guest blog by Jocasta Mann, communications officer at the Cairngorms Capercaillie Project, find out more about the largest grouse in the world and discover how the Cairngorms Capercaillie Project is working with a wide range of partners, including scientists at RZSS WildGenes, to improve the long-term fortune of this iconic Scottish species.