Liz Heap
Senior Lab Technician
Research interests
Liz has worked on developing and implementing various genetic approaches to answer ecological, evolutionary and behavioural questions. With a background in cutting edge DNA sequencing and conservation genetics she is interested in bringing the two together to discover and adapt new molecular techniques to support the conversation projects at RZSS.
Background
MSc (University of Wales, Bangor) Ecology
BSc (University of St Andrews) Environmental and Behavioural Biology
Other positions
Research and development sequencing technician at Edinburgh Genomics, University of Edinburgh. Using a variety of methods to produce next generation sequencing data for researchers. Working on a wide range of library preparation methods and sequencing platforms.
Research assistant at the University of Edinburgh. Working on many projects including the evolutionary ecology of sticklebacks, hybridisation of red and sika deer, soay sheep projects, and looking at morphological traits in response to pedigree and life history traits in blue tits. Involving field work, aquarium work and genetic work.
Previous work at RZSS monitoring active breeding territories of Golden Eagles within the UK; using moulted feathers to produce individual genetic tags and looking at turnover at nesting sites.
Research technician at wildlife DNA services working on conservation genetics including population genetics, species identification for illegal trade and wildlife forensics.
Publications
Latest News
-
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.
-
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.