Eva Paulus

Eva is a PhD researcher investigating the genomics, population structure and demographic history of dugongs (Dugong dugon) across Australia. Her research uses whole-genome sequencing and population genomic approaches to understand how dugong populations have changed through time, how they are connected across their range, and what this means for their long-term conservation.

Eva is particularly interested in connecting genomic research with conservation practice and the knowledge of people who have longstanding cultural and professional relationships with dugongs. Her work involves collaboration with researchers, conservation practitioners and Traditional Owners across Australia, with the aim of making genomic information useful for dugong management both within Australia and internationally.

Research

Eva's PhD research spans the Australian dugong range, from Shark Bay in Western Australia to Moreton Bay in Queensland. She uses high-coverage whole-genome sequencing to investigate genetic diversity, inbreeding, relatedness and population structure, alongside demographic modelling to reconstruct changes in population size through time.

Her research explores how present-day patterns of connectivity relate to geography and habitat availability, as well as how historical sea-level changes have shaped dugong populations. She also compares Australian populations with dugongs from other regions of the Indo-Pacific, providing a broader context for understanding genetic diversity and conservation status.

Eva's research makes use of high-performance computing through Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre and generates a reusable genomic resource that can support future research as genomic technologies and analytical approaches continue to develop.