Understanding reproductive tract morphology across age in middle-European carnivores (Professor Suzannah Williams)
PROJECT TITLE
Understanding reproductive tract morphology across age in middle-European carnivores
SUPERVISORS
DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT
Through a collaboration with the wildland foundation in Germany (Wildland Stiftung Bayern), we collected reproductive tracts of a number of different species (including fox, racoon, and badger) of middle-European predators in the biosphere reservation Rhön (Biosphärenreservat Rhön). For each species the samples collected stem from animals of varying age (from juvenile to geriatric). For several of these species only little is known about reproductive tract morphology. Understanding reproductive tract morphology can give essential insights that are used for species conservation purposes. In the first part of the project, the student will characterize reproductive tract morphology. Then, the student will analyse how and how it changes over age for each species using histology, immunofluorescence, in situ hybridisation, and scanning electron microscopy. And finally, the student will carry out cross-species comparison to understand the evolutional conversation of reproductive tract morphology across age between the different species.
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
The student will join a highly collaborative environment and be introduced to both traditional physiology as well as innovative species conservation approaches during their project. The training will involve sectioning, epifluorescence and confocal microscopy as well as in situ hybridisation techniques. The student will gain thorough image analysis skills.
Funding Information
The position is not currently funded and therefore the candidate will need to secure funding.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply for this research degree, please click here.