Dr. Annika Perry

My primary role is to research the extent and significance of intraspecific genetic variation in plants.

The purpose of my role is to address questions such as:

• What is the evolutionary history of this species?
• What is the genetic basis for key adaptive traits?
• Are populations locally adapted?
• Can we use genomic prediction to forecast trait values?

I have been working at UKCEH since 2008, and in this time I have developed a wide breadth of skills, knowledge and experience. 

I manage the Molecular Ecology labs at Edinburgh, with responsibility for generating and analysing sequence data. I induct, train and supervise students, staff and visitors using our facilities. I have contributed to numerous successful proposals (e.g. GAPII, PROTREE, GRIPP, newLEAF) through preparing budgets, designing experiments and background research. I also manage several existing budgets. I am leading a work package in the UKRI funded newLEAF Treescapes project.

I have comprehensive laboratory skills including: sample preparation, DNA and RNA extraction and quantification, PCR (and optimisation) and RFLP; agarose and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; genotyping and analysis of microsatellites using an ABI3500 genetic analyser; development of microsatellite markers; preparation of samples for Sanger/high throughput sequencing; ploidy estimates using a flow cytometer; isolation, culturing and DNA extraction from fungal cultures and spore counting using haemocytometer. 

I have a wide range of analytical skills including: construction of contigs and alignments, sequence analysis including phylogenetic analysis, divergence estimates and submission of sequences to Genbank; transcriptome sequence analysis; analysis of associations between genetic and phenotypic data; development of genomic prediction models.

I also lead and assist a variety of fieldwork, including: leaf/seed/cambium sample collection; phenology, herbivory, growth and disease assessments; chlorophyll fluorescence measurements; pan trapping, sea bird observations, pollinator collections; plant identification; Dothistroma septosporum identification.