Katherine Harrisson

Dr. Katherine Harrisson is a Research Fellow at the School of Ecological Plant and Animal Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne. Her work focuses on applying genetic and genomic approaches to conservation biology, particularly for Australian freshwater ecosystems and threatened species under human-driven environmental change.

Her primary research interests include:

• Conservation Genetics
• Molecular Ecology
• Freshwater Fish Conservation
• Biodiversity Management
• Genomics
• Wildlife Conservation

She investigates dispersal patterns, gene flow, population structure, and adaptive potential to develop management strategies for biodiversity persistence. Current projects address genetic introgression in the Black-eared Miner, genomic applications for native fish conservation, and hatchery breeding protocols for sustainable populations.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2019-2025) reveals a strong emphasis on genomic conservation for Australian freshwater species. Key trends include climate vulnerability assessments, genetic rescue interventions, and connectivity modeling across fragmented landscapes. Her work bridges molecular ecology with practical management, frequently targeting angling species like Murray cod and golden perch.

Dr. Harrisson actively secures competitive funding for conservation initiatives, including:

• 'Towards healthy and sustainable freshwater fish populations' (FRDC grant, 2023-2026) with NSW DPI and Flinders University
• 'Genetic insights into flood impacts' (Victorian Government, 2023-2024)
• Chowilla Icon Site fish monitoring (SARDI, 2023)

Her collaborative network spans government agencies (Victorian DEECA, NSW DPI), research institutes (SARDI), and universities (Flinders), focusing on integrating genomics into real-world conservation for species including Australian grayling, smelt, and alpine lizards.