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Dr Alana Alexander

Contact Details

Email
alana.alexander@otago.ac.nz

University Links

Position
Research Fellow
Department
Department of Anatomy
Research summary
Molecular ecology and evolutionary biology

Research

Alana’s research utilises the ‘time-traveling’ ability of population genomics and phylogenomics by combining genomics, advanced computational tools, and behavioural, ecological, and biogeographic data to make inferences about the processes that have impacted populations in the past, and how ongoing threats will impact species into the future.

These inferences range from global spatial and deep temporal scales (e.g. the worldwide impact of climate fluctuations on global sperm whale populations over the last 125,000 years), to regional spatial scales across time scales relevant to local adaptation (e.g. the evolution of MHC immune genes in Hector’s and Māui dolphin populations), to finer spatial and temporal scales (e.g. the movement of a chickadee hybrid zone in Missouri by just a few kilometres over three decades).

Overall, Alana considers herself a molecular ecologist / evolutionary biologist who uses bioinformatic methods to focus on the interplay between pattern and process in genomic data. As a Māori scientist (Ngāpuhi, Te Hikutu) she also maintains a strong interest in ensuring that her research can be used to support kaitiakitanga, mātauranga, and rangatiratanga of resources within the rohe of iwi, hapū and papatipu rūnaka.

Her current projects include:

Publications

Bond, D. M., Ortega-Recalde, O., Laird, M. K., Hayakawa, T., Richardson, K. S., Reese, F. C. B., Kyle, B., McIsaac-Williams, B. E., Robertson, B. C., van Heezik, Y., Adams, A. L., … Gemmell, N. J., Alexander, A., & Hore, T. A. (2023). The admixed brushtail possum genome reveals invasion history in New Zealand and novel imprinted genes. Nature Communications, 14, 6364. doi: 10.1038/s41467-023-41784-8

Foote, A. D., Alexander, A., Ballance, L. T., Constantine, R., Vernazzani Muñoz, B. G., Guinet, C., … Morin, P. A. (2023). “Type D” killer whale genomes reveal long-term small population size and low genetic diversity. Journal of Heredity, 114, 94-109. doi: 10.1093/jhered/esac070

Shakya, S. B., Alexander, A., Lim, H. C., Manthey, J. D., Prawiradilaga, D., Chan, K. O., … Moyle, R. G. (2023). Demographic history of a complex polymorphism in populations of the oriental dwarf kingfisher, Ceyx erithaca/rufidorsa of Southeast Asia. Ibis. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1111/ibi.13207

Bentley, B. P., Carrasco-Valenzuela, T., Ramos, E. K. S., Pawar, H., Arantes, L. S., Alexander, A., … Gemmell, N. J., … Komoroske, L. M. (2023). Divergent sensory and immune gene evolution in sea turtles with contrasting demographic and life histories. PNAS, 120(7), e2201076120. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2201076120

Corre, P. H. C., Alexander, A., Daniel, B. K., & Wibowo, E. (2023). Job prospects and career pathways for human anatomy graduates from the University of Otago: Implications for student support and professional development. Anatomical Sciences Education, 16, 582-599. doi: 10.1002/ase.2243

Bentley, B. P., Carrasco-Valenzuela, T., Ramos, E. K. S., Pawar, H., Arantes, L. S., Alexander, A., … Gemmell, N. J., … Komoroske, L. M. (2023). Divergent sensory and immune gene evolution in sea turtles with contrasting demographic and life histories. PNAS, 120(7), e2201076120. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2201076120

Journal - Research Article

Bond, D. M., Ortega-Recalde, O., Laird, M. K., Hayakawa, T., Richardson, K. S., Reese, F. C. B., Kyle, B., McIsaac-Williams, B. E., Robertson, B. C., van Heezik, Y., Adams, A. L., … Gemmell, N. J., Alexander, A., & Hore, T. A. (2023). The admixed brushtail possum genome reveals invasion history in New Zealand and novel imprinted genes. Nature Communications, 14, 6364. doi: 10.1038/s41467-023-41784-8

Journal - Research Article

Corre, P. H. C., Alexander, A., Daniel, B. K., & Wibowo, E. (2023). Job prospects and career pathways for human anatomy graduates from the University of Otago: Implications for student support and professional development. Anatomical Sciences Education, 16, 582-599. doi: 10.1002/ase.2243

Journal - Research Article

Foote, A. D., Alexander, A., Ballance, L. T., Constantine, R., Vernazzani Muñoz, B. G., Guinet, C., … Morin, P. A. (2023). “Type D” killer whale genomes reveal long-term small population size and low genetic diversity. Journal of Heredity, 114, 94-109. doi: 10.1093/jhered/esac070

Journal - Research Article

Shakya, S. B., Alexander, A., Lim, H. C., Manthey, J. D., Prawiradilaga, D., Chan, K. O., … Moyle, R. G. (2023). Demographic history of a complex polymorphism in populations of the oriental dwarf kingfisher, Ceyx erithaca/rufidorsa of Southeast Asia. Ibis. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1111/ibi.13207

Journal - Research Article

Albertson, G. R., Alexander, A., Archer, F. I., Caballero, S., Martien, K. K., Hemery, L. G., … Baker, C. S. (2022). Worldwide phylogeography of rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) provides evidence for subspecies delimitation. Marine Mammal Science, 38, 1371-1397. doi: 10.1111/mms.12933

Journal - Research Article

Alexander, A., Robbins, M. B., Holmes, J., Moyle, R. G., & Peterson, A. T. (2022). Limited movement of an avian hybrid zone in relation to regional variation in magnitude of climate change. Molecular Ecology, 31, 6634-6648. doi: 10.1111/mec.16727

Journal - Research Article

Girardet, J., Sarano, F., Richard, G., Tixier, P., Guinet, C., Alexander, A., … Jung, J.-L. (2022). Long distance runners in the marine realm: New insights into genetic diversity, kin relationships and social fidelity of Indian Ocean male sperm whales. Frontiers in Marine Science, 9, 815684. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2022.815684

Journal - Research Article

Miller, A. K., Timoshevskaya, N., Smith, J. J., Gillum, J., Sharif, S., Clarke, S., … Gemmell, N. J., & Alexander, A. (2022). Population genomics of New Zealand pouched lamprey (kanakana; piharau; Geotria australis). Journal of Heredity, 113, 380-397. doi: 10.1093/jhered/esac014

Journal - Research Article

Palmer, E., Alexander, A., Liggins, L., Guerra, M., Bury, S. J., Hendriks, H., … Peters, K. J. (2022). A piece of the puzzle: Analyses of recent strandings and historical records reveal new genetic and ecological insights on New Zealand sperm whales. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 690, 201-217. Retrieved from https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v690/p201-217/

Journal - Research Article

Pearman, W. S., Urban, L., & Alexander, A. (2022). Commonly used Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium filtering schemes impact population structure inferences using RADseq data. Molecular Ecology Resources, 22, 2599-2613. doi: 10.1111/1755-0998.13646

Journal - Research Article

Baca, S. M., Gustafson, G. T., Alexander, A. M., Gough, H. M., & Toussaint, E. F. A. (2021). Integrative phylogenomics reveals a Permian origin of Adephaga beetles. Systematic Entomology, 46, 968-990. doi: 10.1111/syen.12506

Journal - Research Article

Foote, A. D., Hooper, R., Alexander, A., Baird, R. W., Baker, C. S., Ballance, L., … Morin, P. A. (2021). Runs of homozygosity in killer whale genomes provide a global record of demographic histories. Molecular Ecology, 30, 6162-6177. doi: 10.1111/mec.16137

Journal - Research Article

Miller, A. K., Baker, C., Kitson, J. C., Yick, J. L., Manquel, P. E. I., Alexander, A., & Gemmell, N. J. (2021). The Southern Hemisphere lampreys (Geotriidae and Mordaciidae). Reviews in Fish Biology & Fisheries, 31, 201-232. doi: 10.1007/s11160-021-09639-x

Journal - Research Article

Gustafson, G. T., Baca, S. M., Alexander, A. M., & Short, A. E. Z. (2020). Phylogenomic analysis of the beetle suborder Adephaga with comparison of tailored and generalized ultraconserved element probe performance. Systematic Entomology, 45, 552-570. doi: 10.1111/syen.12413

Journal - Research Article

Cole, T. L., Dutoit, L., Dussex, N., Hart, T., Alexander, A., Younger, J. L., … Ellenberg, U., … Mattern, T., … Waters, J. M. (2019). Receding ice drove parallel expansions in Southern Ocean penguins. PNAS, 116(52), 26690-26696. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1904048116

Journal - Research Article

Dobelmann, J., Alexander, A., Baty, J. W., Gemmell, N. J., Gruber, M. A. M., Quinn, O., … Lester, P. J. (2019). The association between mitochondrial genetic variation and reduced colony fitness in an invasive wasp. Molecular Ecology, 28, 3324-3338. doi: 10.1111/mec.15159

Journal - Research Article

Gustafson, G. T., Alexander, A., Sproul, J. S., Pflug, J. M., Maddison, D. R., & Short, A. E. Z. (2019). Ultraconserved element (UCE) probe set design: Base genome and initial design parameters critical for optimization. Ecology & Evolution, 9(12), 6933-6948. doi: 10.1002/ece3.5260

Journal - Research Article

Heimeier, D., Alexander, A., Hamner, R. M., Pichler, F., & Baker, C. S. (2018). The influence of selection on MHC DQA and DQB haplotypes in the endemic New Zealand Hector's and Māui Dolphins. Journal of Heredity, 109(7), 744-756. doi: 10.1093/jhered/esy050

Journal - Research Article

Morin, P. A., Foote, A. D., Baker, C. S., Hancock-Hanser, B. L., Kaschner, K., Mate, B. R., … Alexander, A. (2018). Demography or selection on linked cultural traits or genes? Investigating the driver of low mtDNA diversity in the sperm whale using complementary mitochondrial and nuclear genome analyses. Molecular Ecology, 27(11), 2604-2619. doi: 10.1111/mec.14698

Journal - Research Article

Alexander, A. M., Su, Y.-C., Oliveros, C. H., Olson, K. V., Travers, S. L., & Brown, R. M. (2017). Genomic data reveals potential for hybridization, introgression, and incomplete lineage sorting to confound phylogenetic relationships in an adaptive radiation of narrow-mouth frogs. Evolution, 71(2), 475-488. doi: 10.1111/evo.13133

Journal - Research Article

Baca, S. M., Alexander, A., Gustafson, G. T., & Short, A. E. Z. (2017). Ultraconserved elements show utility in phylogenetic inference of Adephaga (Coleoptera) and suggest paraphyly of ‘Hydradephaga’. Systematic Entomology, 42(4), 786-795. doi: 10.1111/syen.12244

Journal - Research Article

Campbell, L. P., & Alexander, A. M. (2017). Landscape genetics of Aedes mcintoshi (Diptera: Culicidae), an important vector of rift valley fever virus in Northeastern Kenya. Journal of Medical Entomology, 54(5), 1258-1265. doi: 10.1093/jme/tjx072

Journal - Research Article

Chan, K. O., Alexander, A. M., Grismer, L. L., Su, Y.-C., Grismer, J. L., Quah, E. S. H., & Brown, R. M. (2017). Species delimitation with gene flow: A methodological comparison and population genomics approach to elucidate cryptic species boundaries in Malaysian Torrent Frogs. Molecular Ecology, 26(20), 5435-5450. doi: 10.1111/mec.14296

Journal - Research Article

Warren, W. C., Kuderna, L., Alexander, A., Catchen, J., Pérez-Silva, J. G., López-Otín, C., … Wise, Sr, J. P. (2017). The novel evolution of the sperm whale genome. Genome Biology & Evolution, 9(12), 3260-3264. doi: 10.1093/gbe/evx187

Journal - Research Article

Alexander, A., Steel, D., Hoekzema, K., Mesnick, S. L., Engelhaupt, D., Kerr, I., … Baker, C. S. (2016). What influences the worldwide genetic structure of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus)? Molecular Ecology, 25(12), 2754-2772. doi: 10.1111/mec.13638

Journal - Research Article

Grismer, J. L., Schulte II, J. A., Alexander, A., Wagner, P., Travers, S. L., Buehler, M. D., … Brown, R. M. (2016). The Eurasian invasion: Phylogenomic data reveal multiple Southeast Asian origins for Indian Dragon Lizards. BMC Evolutionary Biology, 16, 43. doi: 10.1186/s12862-016-0611-6

Journal - Research Article

King, C., Alexander, A., Chubb, T., Cursons, R., Mackay, J., McCormick, H., … Veale, A., & Zhang, H. (2016). What can the geographic distribution of mtDNA haplotypes tell us about the invasion of New Zealand by house mice Mus musculus? Biological Invasions, 18, 1551-1565. doi: 10.1007/s10530-016-1100-y

Journal - Research Article

Carroll, E. L., Rayment, W. J., Alexander, A. M., Baker, C. S., Patenaude, N. J., Steel, D., … Childerhouse, S. (2014). Reestablishment of former wintering grounds by New Zealand southern right whales. Marine Mammal Science, 30(1), 206-220. doi: 10.1111/mms.12031

Journal - Research Article

Alexander, A., Steel, D., Slikas, B., Hoekzema, K., Carraher, C., Parks, M., … Baker, C. S. (2013). Low diversity in the mitogenome of sperm whales revealed by Next-Generation Sequencing. Genome Biology & Evolution, 5(1), 113-129. doi: 10.1093/gbe/evs126

Journal - Research Article

MacKay, J. W. B., Alexander, A., Hauber, M. E., Murphy, E. C., & Clout, M. N. (2013). Does genetic variation among invasive house mice in New Zealand affect eradication success? New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 37(1), 18-25.

Journal - Research Article

Carroll, E. L., Childerhouse, S. J., Christie, M., Lavery, S., Patenaude, N., Alexander, A., … Baker, C. S. (2012). Paternity assignment and demographic closure in the New Zealand southern right whale. Molecular Ecology, 21(16), 3960-3973. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-294X.2012.05676.x

Journal - Research Article

Carroll, E., Patenaude, N., Alexander, A., Steel, D., Harcourt, R., Childerhouse, S., … Baker, C. S. (2011). Population structure and individual movement of southern right whales around New Zealand and Australia. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 432, 257-268. doi: 10.3354/meps09145

Journal - Research Article

Alexander, A., & Dutoit, L. (2020). Roe deer on ice: Selection despite limited effective population size through the Pleistocene. Molecular Ecology, 29, 2765-2767. doi: 10.1111/mec.15511

Journal - Research Other

Morin, P. A., Alexander, A., Blaxter, M., Caballero, S., Fedrigo, O., Fontaine, M. C., … Jarvis, E. D. (2020). Building genomic infrastructure: Sequencing platinum-standard reference-quality genomes of all cetacean species. Marine Mammal Science, 36, 1356-1366. doi: 10.1111/mms.12721

Journal - Research Other

Al-Jiab, R. A., Gillum, J., Alexander, A., Tompkins, D. M., Phillips, C. B., Dearden, P. K., & Gemmell, N. J. (2019). The complete mitogenome sequence of the agricultural pest, clover root weevil: The key to its own demise? [Mitogenome announcement]. Mitochondrial DNA Part B, 4(1), 878-879. doi: 10.1080/23802359.2018.1561218

Journal - Research Other

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