Dr Matthew Campbell1, Professor Morten Allentoft1
1Trend Lab, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
Biography:
Matt is a post-doctoral researcher investigating the potential of ancient sedimentary DNA as a tool for reconstructing Southwest Australia’s (SWA) paleoecology and paleoclimate during the late Quaternary period. In 2021, he earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Curtin University, studying modern microbial mat communities using metatranscriptomics and organic geochemical techniques. Post-Ph.D., Matt joined the TrEnD Lab as a research technician facilitating laboratory operations and working on a variety of eDNA projects. In 2023, he become a post-doctoral researcher under the supervision of Prof Morten E. Allentoft. He is currently working on extracting DNA from sediment cores sourced from lakes and wetlands in the SWA region and applying high-throughput sequencing techniques to identify past plant and animal communities. Matt is a strong advocate for the use of interdisciplinary approaches to address complex environmental challenges and believes that ancient DNA has great potential for informing conservation and management strategies in the face of global environmental change.
Abstract:
In recent years, the study of sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA) has enhanced our understanding of historical ecosystems by enabling the reconstruction of past biodiversity, climate dynamics, and human-induced environmental changes. Despite its potential, the application of sedaDNA analysis in Australia is still nascent, hindered by the continent's unique and often harsh environmental conditions, which present substantial obstacles, particularly in terms of DNA preservation and degradation. This research presents a series of case studies from Western Australia, examining both the promise and challenges of using sedaDNA to uncover the region's historical ecology. These studies reveal the unique insights that sedaDNA can offer, such as detecting shifts in vegetation patterns over time, which are critical for understanding the long-term impacts of climate change and human activities. Additionally, this research addresses the technical and methodological challenges encountered in environments where rapid DNA degradation is common, highlighting the need for innovative approaches to sample collection, processing, and analysis. By tackling these challenges, the research aims to develop strategies that mitigate the limitations posed by the harsh and variable conditions. These findings will contribute to the effectiveness of future sedaDNA studies in Australia but also establish a framework for applying sedaDNA analysis in other challenging environments, ultimately expanding our understanding of past ecosystems and guiding future conservation efforts.