Miss Karina Pfeiler

Higher Degree by Research Candidate

School of Biological Sciences

College of Science


My PhD aims to introduce ancient DNA (aDNA) analyses to supplement previous historic and bioarchaeological research on human skeletal remains unearthed in cemeteries in St Marys and Gawler, dating back to the establishment of South Australia. By unveiling insights into the demographics, health, and lifestyles of European settlers who arrived during the colonial period, this research can provide an understanding of their origins, familial relationships, and potential genetic predispositions to diseases.

Date Type Title Institution Name Country Amount
2025 Scholarship Hans-Jürgen and Marianne Ohff Research Grant The University of Adelaide Australia $12,000
2025 Award The Hugh Martin Weir Prize The University of Adelaide Australia $2000
2024 Scholarship Research Training Program Scholarship University of Adelaide Australia -
2021 Scholarship School of Biological Sciences Summer Research Scholarship University of Adelaide Australia -

Date Institution name Country Title
2023 - 2023 University of Adelaide Australia Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours)
2020 - 2022 University of Adelaide Australia Bachelor of Science (Advanced)

Year Citation
2025 Davidson, R., Ravishankar, S., Souilmi, Y., Roca-Rada, X., Sobek, C., Taufik, L., . . . Pérez, V. (2025). The necessity for authentication of ancient DNA from archaeological artefacts. Journal of Archaeological Science, 181, 9 pages.
DOI

Practical Demonstrator for Biology I: Molecules, Genes and Cells (BIOLOGY 1101) - Semester 1, 2024

Practical Demonstrator for Biology I: Organisms (BIOLOGY 1202) - Semester 2, 2024

Date Role Membership Country
2025 - ongoing Member Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS) Australia

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