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. We are also co-founders of the Wildlife Genetic Management Hub, which provides consultancy and services to wildlife managers.
My research program focuses on applying evolutionary principles to enhance conservation and on-ground management of wildlife populations. As a world-leading expert in conservation genetics and genomics, I collaborate extensively with wildlife managers to translate cutting-edge research into effective policy-making. My work aims to ensure the genetic health and evolutionary resilience of threatened wildlife populations, promoting their long-term well-being. Through these efforts, I strive to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical conservation outcomes. By integrating evolutionary thinking, my research contributes significantly to the sustainability and preservation of biodiversity. This outreach article in Scientia outlines some of our work.
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 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.