Rate My Professor Alana Alexander

Alexander's research expertise lies in molecular ecology, evolutionary biology, population genomics, and phylogenomics, focusing on conservation applications for marine mammals including whales and dolphins. Utilizing bioinformatics and genomic analyses combined with ecological and biogeographic data, she elucidates historical demographic events and predicts future threats such as fisheries impacts, disease susceptibility like toxoplasmosis, and climate change effects on taonga species. Notable projects encompass the development of 'science pūrākau' for translating genomics into Māori narratives, Ruatau for empowering Māori genomic scientists, and regional studies on sperm whales. Her key publications include "What influences the worldwide genetic structure of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus)?" (Molecular Ecology, 2016), "The admixed brushtail possum genome reveals invasion history in New Zealand and novel imprinted genes" (Nature Communications, 2023), and "Leveraging synteny to generate reference genomes for conservation: Assembling the genomes of Hector’s and Māui dolphins" (2024). Among her honors are the International Fulbright Science and Technology Award, University of Otago Kaupapa Māori Award, and the Māori Early Career Award for distinction in research. Alexander also serves as Senior Editor for Molecular Ecology Resources starting in 2026 and engages in public wānanga and committee roles advancing Indigenous leadership in molecular ecology.