We examine a broad range of evolutionary research questions from phylogenetic relationships and the evolutionary history to molecular mechanisms of sensory perception of bats and other eutherian mammals.
Research
Emma Teeling graduated with a first class honours Zoology degree from University College Dublin, Ireland where she specialized in field biology and mate choice behaviour of female fallow deer. She then pursued an M.Sc. in animal behaviour at the University of Edinburgh and at the Cochrane Ecological Institute, Canada where she investigated the captive behaviour of the endangered swift fox. Unable to answer evolutionary questions using ecology and behaviour alone she pursued a Ph.D. in molecular phylogenetics at Queen's University of Belfast and at the University of California Riverside, USA. This research examined the interfamilial relationships of bats and other mammals, and was the foundation for her post-doctoral research at the National Cancer Institute, Maryland USA and current research at University College Dublin, Ireland, where Dr. Teeling is currently a tenured lecturer. She runs an active research group, which examines a broad range of evolutionary research questions:
- Phylogenetic relationships and the evolutionary history bats and other eutherian mammals.
- Conservation and population structure of Craseonycteris thonglongyai (bumble-bee bat) in Thailand and Myanmar (See picture taken by Dr. I. Mackie and Dr. S. Puechmaille in Myanmar).
- Molecular mechanisms and evolution of sensory perception in mammals and their implications for visual and auditory diseases.
- Conservation and geographic origin of Irish vertebrates focusing particularly on bats.
These questions are addressed using molecular data and interpreted in light of ecological, physiological, paleontological, behavioural and morphological data. This integrative whole organism approach is essential to uncover the intricacies of evolutionary history both at the phylogenetic and population genetic level.
Students and Researchers involved in the laboratory
Dr. Emma Boston - PostDoctoral researcher working as part of the Centre for Irish Bat Research, a newly established cross border collaboration funded by NPWS, at both University College Dublin and Queen's University Belfast. My primary research focuses on population genetics and phylogeography of Irish bats, in particular our current project examines three of Ireland's rarest Myotis sp. the Whiskered bat, the Brandt's bat and the Natterer's bat. Our group hope to further knowledge and develop a conservation strategy for these bats in Ireland;
Dr. Sebastien Puechmaille - A population genetics and ecological investigation in the conservation and species status of Craseonycteris thonglongyai (bumble-bee bat) in Thailand and Myanmar;
Dr. Jennifer Commins - Positive Selection in Mammals, design of universal primers, bioinformatic support;
Dr. Sara Hayden - A comparative genomic investigation into the evolution of olfaction in mammals;
Serena Dool - A population genetics and ecological investigation into the geographic origin and population structure of Rhinolophus hipposideros (lesser horseshoe bat) in Ireland;
John Kirwan - A comparative genomic study of the molecular evolution of hearing in mammals;
Bruno Fonseca Simoes - A comparative genomic investigation into the evolution of vision in mammals;
Aisling Heffernan - An investigation into the breed status and geographic origin of the Kerry Bog Pony.
Affiliated Organisations
The Centre for Irish Bat Research: A research partnership between University College Dublin and Queen's University Belfast. The Centre for Irish Bat Research (CIBR) was established in May 2008. This is a cross border initiative based at both University College Dublin, in the Republic of Ireland, and Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
[CIBR]
Recent Funding
Science Foundation Ireland, PIYRA - President of Ireland Young Research Award 2006
[UCD news] [SFI news] [SFI gallery]
Science Foundation Ireland, RFP - Research Frontiers Programme 2005
[SFI Funded Women Researchers]
Irish Research Council for Science and Engineering - Postgraduate Awards 2006
[Embark Initiative]
Science Foundation Ireland, UREKA - Undergraduate Research Experience and Knowledge Award 2005-2008
[UREKA]
Doctoral Grant from the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology 2007
[FCT]
