Emma Whittington

Dr Emma Whittington is a Leverhulme Early Career Fellow at the University of St Andrews, based in the School of Biology. Her research focuses on reproductive biology, evolutionary genomics, and molecular interactions within reproductive systems. She investigates topics such as avian sperm morphology preservation, Drosophila reproductive tract proteomics, and postmating molecular responses.

Her work combines comparative biology with advanced molecular techniques, exploring questions related to sexual selection, reproductive isolation, and evolutionary adaptations. Key projects include studies on fixative effects on sperm morphology and proteomic changes following mating events.

Whittington's research has been supported by a £95k Leverhulme Trust Fellowship (2024-2026) investigating reproductive -omics divergence in populations. She collaborates internationally with institutions like the Norwegian University of Life Sciences and Cornell University.

Her publications span journals such as Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and Molecular Reproduction and Development, focusing on interdisciplinary approaches to understanding reproductive mechanisms across species.