Ayla Van Loenen

Ayla's research focuses on using a variety of molecular and bioinformatics techniques to understand population genetics and evolutionary patterns and processes of species over time. Her current research project based at the University of Adelaide (Australia) investigating the evolutionary history of European bison (Bison bonasus), involves working on an integrated approach which combines ancient DNA data from samples across a broad geographical and temporal range with other available associated sample metadata (including historical climate and environmental data, modern DNA data, isotope analysis and radiocarbon dating). This project aims to provide information on a detailed view of population history as a species (almost) becomes extinct, and answer key questions about the response of megafaunal populations to periods of rapid environmental and climatic changes.