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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News
27/10/2023
RZSS response to the UK Government’s intention to deprioritise species restoration
I was surprised and dismayed to read about the UK Government’s intention to deprioritise species restoration, which fails to recognise the importance of that vital pillar of biodiversity recovery, as well as flying in the face of recent guidance from the world authority for conservation, the IUCN.
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News
13/10/2023
Critically endangered wildcats now call the Cairngorms National Park home
The first round of wildcat releases in Scotland has been completed by Saving Wildcats, led by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) in partnership with NatureScot, Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS), The Cairngorms National Park Authority, Nordens Ark and Consejería de Sostenibilidad, Medio Ambiente y Economía Azul de la Junta de Andalucía.