Jim Willis Studentships 2011–2012

The National Herbarium of Victoria, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, invites applications for vacation studentships honouring the late Dr James Hamlyn Willis, distinguished former senior member of staff at the National Herbarium of Victoria. The studentships allow students in the third or fourth year of a Science degree to participate, under supervision, in one of the research programs at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.

There are two studentships available and each is awarded for an eight-week period between December and February, and remuneration is $1569.91 gross per fortnight.

The following projects are offered for 2011–2012:

Molecular investigation of Pimelea spinescens, Spiny Riceflower, and its south-eastern Australian relatives

Investigate phylogenetic position and genetic lineages of this iconic grassland species using DNA sequences. Pimelea spinescens consists of two subspecies, one of which occurs in only two populations and was thought extinct until it was rediscovered in 2006. Changes in land use have severely fragmented the distribution of P. spinescens, making it vulnerable to further population loss. By comparing sequence variation among south-eastern Australian Pimelea species, and within the two subspecies of P. spinescens, you will identify genetic relationships within and between these species. This knowledge will aid the extensive conservation effort that is currently underway in Victoria.

Supervisor: Elizabeth James (+613 9252 2378, elizabeth.james)

Taxonomy and affinities of the genus Hysterogaster

Two species of Hysterogaster have been described from Australia, but preliminary morphological data suggests there might be three or four species. Hysterogaster has been thought to have affinities to the Cortinariaceae, based on morphology; however, it is not known where genus sits within the family. This project involves scoring morphological data for the species and writing draft descriptions. A selection of specimens will be sequenced to provide support for species delimitation and to determine affinities of the genus. Techniques used in this project include light microscopy, descriptive morphology, and DNA extraction and analysis.

Supervisor: Teresa Lebel (+613 9252 2361, teresa.lebel)

Intriguing interactions – gall midges and fungi

Recent work on galls on Sarcocornia quinqueflora (Beaded Glasswort) and Sclerostegia arbuscula has shown three very different gall morphologies, which are the work of three different species of Asphondylia gall midge. When fresh galls are sectioned, a layer of fungal mycelium lining the larval chamber can be seen. Using light microscopy, descriptive morphology, and DNA sequencing, this project will investigate: i) if the fungus associated with each of the Asphondylia species is the same taxon; and ii) whether the fungus is the same or different from geographically distant sites. This project will involve some fieldwork.

Supervisor: Teresa Lebel (+613 9252 2361, teresa.lebel)

Lactarius eucalypti – single species or several cryptic species?

The ectomycorrhizal species, Lactarius eucalypti, is widely distributed across Australia. Although some morphological variation has been noted in fruit-body stature and colour, no attempt has been made to determine if more than one taxon is present. This project will use morphological characters and sequencing to examine specimens from different geographic regions to gain an overview of the variation in Lactarius eucalypti.

Supervisor: Teresa Lebel (+613 9252 2361, teresa.lebel)

For general information on the studentships contact Frank Udovicic (+613 9252 2313, frank.udovicic).

Applications should include a curriculum vitae (including university transcript), two referees, and a brief covering letter explaining how the applicant would benefit from the Peate Studentship, and how they can contribute to research at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne and to this project. Hard copies of applications should be forwarded to Dr Frank Udovicic, Plant Sciences Manager, National Herbarium of Victoria, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Private Bag 2000, South Yarra, Victoria 3141, by 7 October 2011.