Alexandra (Sasha) Pavlova
About me
I am an evolutionary biologist passionate about biodiversity conservation. I work as a Senior Research Fellow at the School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Monash University.
Since 2005 I work in close collaboration with Prof Paul Sunnucks, with whom I co-lead the Wildlife Genetic Management Group.
My research program is aimed at understanding how populations of wildlife operate and persist in natural situations and in the face of human impacts. I work with wildlife management agencies to apply this knowledge to improve conservation management outcomes. A key focus is on managing for genetic health of wildlife and the evolutionary ability of their populations. This outreach article in Scientia outlines our current research.
Contact me
School of Biological Sciences
25 Rainforest walk, Clayton campus
Monash University
3800 Victoria
Australia
Qualifications
PhD in Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour
at the University of Minnesota, 2004
MSc in Zoology at Moscow State University, 1994
Current projects
I currently lead a major Australian Research Council (ARC) research project co-funded by several partner organizations, Upscaling genetic management of wildlife populations. This project aims to develop, automate, implement and showcase genomic approaches that restore population health. I also engage in contracts with wildlife management agencies working on particular research questions, as part of the development of the Wildlife Genetic Management Hub. The Hub works with wildlife managers to co-develop and implement innovative ecosystem restoration processes that rescue biodiversity at scale. It provides evidence-based solutions and services to conservation practitioners for strengthening genetic health of wildlife species and species communities and improving their resilience to environmental change.
Wildlife Genetic Management Hub
Coral reef community
Our current project builds on three earlier ARC projects co-funded by many partner organizations (see links below). Visit my Research page to learn more about my research and Publications page to see the list of my publications with links to the papers.
Eastern Yellow Robin photo by Geoff Park
I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing traditions and connection to land, waters and culture. I pay my respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.