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
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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.