Thermotolerance in the foundation kelp Ecklonia radiata: genetic and microbial mechanisms of resilience.
I am a PhD student at the University of Western Australia with a broad interest in understanding how temperate foundation species respond to climate change. My current research focuses on population-specific resilience in the foundation kelp Ecklonia radiata. By combining in-situ transcriptomic sampling during a natural marine heatwave with experimental heat-stress assays and microbial manipulations, I aim to test whether thermotolerance arises from front-loading of stress-response genes, inducible plasticity, microbial buffering, or a combination of these mechanisms. Overall, this work will help to provide a detailed understanding of how kelp populations vary in their capacity to endure and recover from climatic stress, supporting efforts to protect and restore vulnerable populations.
Supervisors: Thomas Wernberg, Samuel Starko
Qualifications (+ Thesis):
2023: MRes Marine Biology (Distinction), University of Plymouth, United Kingdom. + Research internship at Ifremer, France
Thesis – “Adaptive variation amid high gene flow across a broad latitudinal gradient in the reef-building honeycomb worm Sabellaria alveolata“
2021: BSc (Hons, 1st) Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology, University of Plymouth.
Peer Reviewed Publications:
Smith, K. E., Aubin, M., Burrows, M. T., Filbee-Dexter, K., Hobday, A. J., Holbrook, N. J., … & Smale, D. A. (2024). Global impacts of marine heatwaves on coastal foundation species. Nature Communications, 15(1), 5052. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-49307-9
Other Publications:
Wilson, E., (2021). Spatial variation in epibiont communities on the shells of Patella vulgata along an estuarine gradient. The Plymouth Student Scientist, 14(2), pp.140-159. https://doi.org/10.24382/g8dh-kq82
Achievements and Awards:
– 2025: Recipient of UWA International Research Fee Scholarship, and the Australian Research Council (ARC) HDR Scholarship
– 2022: Recipient of ISblue Mobility Grant
Links:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edcology/
Wernberg & Filbee-Dexter Labs 