Ryan Phillips

Ryan Phillips is a Senior Lecturer at La Trobe University’s Ecological Plant and Animal Sciences department. His research focuses on specialized ecological interactions, particularly pollination biology in orchids and Proteaceae, using tools like population genetics, phylogenetics, and chemical ecology. Current projects include optimizing plant translocations for conservation, studying sexual deception in orchids, and assessing vertebrate pollinators in Banksia woodlands.

• Funded by Australian Research Council, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Asian and Pacific Science Foundation, and National Landcare Program
• Collaborates with Prof. Rod Peakall, Dr. Noushka Reiter, Dr. Gavin Flematti, and Prof. Siegy Krauss

Research Highlights:

• Evolution of sexual deception in orchids
• Conservation translocations for rare plants
• Bushfire recovery strategies for orchids
• Vertebrate pollination systems in old landscapes
• Adaptations to honey possum pollination in Banksia
• Phylogenetic congruence between orchids and fungi

Teaching Activities:

• Lectures in Conservation Biology (WCB2IC) with fieldwork at Wilsons Promontory National Park
• Teaches Molecules, Genes and Cells (BIO1MGC)
• Coordinates field research in Victorian Mallee (ENV3MFC)

Professional Roles:

• Journal Editor for Journal of Ecology (2013–present)
• Journal Editor for Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society (2011–present)