
Ayla Van Loenen
Higher Degree by Research Candidate
School of Biological Sciences
Faculty of Sciences
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.
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Appointments
Date Position Institution name 2014 - 2015 Research Assistant University of Canterbury 2013 - 2015 Research Assistant University of Otago -
Awards and Achievements
Date Type Title Institution Name Country Amount 2016 Award Registration reimbursement award Society for Molecular Biology & Evolution — — 2015 Scholarship Faculty of Sciences PhD Scholarship University of Adelaide — — 2012 Award UC Internation Mobility Outbound Exchange Award University of Canterbury — — -
Language Competencies
Language Competency Dutch; Flemish Can read, speak and understand spoken English Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review -
Education
Date Institution name Country Title 2013 - 2013 University of Canterbury New Zealand BSc with Honours (First Class): Evolutionary Biology 2012 - 2013 University of Leicester United Kingdom Full Year Exchange - 3rd year BSc (Genetics) 2010 - 2013 University of Canterbury New Zealand BSc: Biological Sciences
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Journals
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Conference Items
Year Citation 2017 Perry, T. J. (2017). Ancient DNA from the North American flat-headed peccary reveals it’s phylogenetic position and a genetically diverse population prior to extinction. Poster session presented at the meeting of 12th International Mammological Congress. Perth, WA.
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Memberships
Date Role Membership Country 2016 - ongoing Member Society for Molecular Biology & Evolution —
Connect With Me
External Profiles