معرفی
Dr. Andreanna Welch is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biosciences at Durham University, leading the Welch Lab. Her research focuses on molecular ecology, evolution, and phylogenomics, integrating genetic and genomic approaches with ecological and environmental data. She investigates biodiversity dynamics across time and space, including responses to environmental change, ecological niche partitioning, and conservation strategies in marine and terrestrial systems. Welch emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and temporal perspectives using ancient DNA to address critical ecological and evolutionary questions.
Her work spans diverse species such as seals, seabirds, dolphins, and plants, with a particular interest in balancing biodiversity with human agricultural needs. She actively promotes diversity in her lab, encouraging applications from international and underrepresented groups. Welch collaborates on projects like the postglacial recolonization of elephant seals and the population history of the Hawaiian petrel. She supervises PhD students (e.g., Dr. Alma Liss Sanchez Quinones, Beth Jetson, Carolina Gomez Ramirez) and offers placement opportunities for undergraduates. Contact details include a.j.welch@durham.ac.uk.
Research highlights include resolving rapid radiations in seabirds through genomic integration and studying urban impacts on species like the blue tit. Welch’s lab also explores management incentives for tropical agroforestry systems to enhance both biodiversity and farmer income, leveraging economic theory alongside ecological data.
Despite no explicit mention of scientific awards, her research has been highlighted in Science and the National Science Foundation website. Current grants and fellowships include NERC, BBSRC, and Durham Addison Wheeler fellowships. She mentors postdocs and students in applying for competitive funding and collaborates with institutions like Glasgow University on urban ecology projects.