Tyler Dornan

Tyler Dornan

Higher Degree by Research Candidate

School of Biological Sciences

Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology

I completed my Bachelor's degree with honours in 2020, where my research focused on dendrochronology and carbon accumulation in Blue pine (Pinus wallichiana) in the Bhutanese Himalayas. This research contributed to our understanding of how environmental factors influence tree growth, carbon sequestration, and climate change in the region.

In addition to my work in dendrochronology, I have also researched the impact of flows and inundation on the abundance and diversity of zooplankton in the Lower River Murray. The results aimed to help understand the ecological effects of water management practices on aquatic ecosystems, providing valuable information for conservation efforts and maintaining the health of these ecosystems.

Currently, my research is centred around investigating the distribution and ecology of the Freshwater sawfish (Pristis pristis) in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. This project will use genetic tools to characterise the distribution, diet, and microbiome of one of Australia's most charismatic and threatened native animals, informing and improving conservation efforts. 

  • Journals
    Year Citation
    2023 Nava, V., Chandra, S., Aherne, J., Alfonso, M. B., Antão-Geraldes, A. M., Attermeyer, K., . . . Leoni, B. (2023). Plastic debris in lakes and reservoirs. Nature, 619(7969), 317-322.
    DOI Scopus3
    2023 Brookes, J. D., Busch, B., Cassey, P., Chilton, D., Dittmann, S., Dornan, T., . . . Gibbs, M. (2023). How well is the basin plan meeting its objectives? From the perspective of the Coorong, a sentinel of change in the Murray-Darling Basin. Australian Journal of Water Resources, 1-18.
    DOI

  • Report for External Bodies
    Year Citation
    2022 Onley, I., Segaran, R., Abbasnejad, E., Prowse, T., Liu, L., Jackson, M., . . . Brookes, J. (2022). Innovation Sweep: Technological Insights for the Murray–Darling Basin Authority.
    2021 Dornan, T. N., Mills, J. G., Shiel, R., Keneally, C., Dorji, T., Deane, D., . . . Brookes, J. D. (2021). Monitoring microinvertebrate response to environmental watering events in the SA River Murray in 2020.

  • Theses
    Year Citation
    2020 Dornan, T. (2020). Accumulating Carbon at Altitude: Blue Pine and Climate in the Bhutanese Himalaya. (The University of Adelaide).

Sawfish Conservation Society - Small Research Grant 2023

  • Other Supervision Activities
    Date Role Research Topic Location Program Supervision Type Student Load Student Name
    2019 - 2019 Principal Supervisor How Diatoms Influence Ancient DNA Preservation in Antarctic Sediments The University of Adelaide Principles and Practice of Research III Other Part Time Tyler Dornan
Connect With Me
External Profiles