top of page

Xaali O'Reilly Berkeley

Postdoctoral researcher at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Spain)

My PhD research at the Manchester Metropolitan University (UK) was on the genetics of plant-microbe-invertebrate interactions. Specifically, I wanted to understand how genotypic diversity among habitat-forming plants influences their associated communities, starting with the microbes and invertebrates that live permanently or transiently on them.

The systems I worked with were epiphytic bromeliads (Bromeliaceae) and false-bird-of-paradise plants (Heliconiaceae) in the Amazon. Though very different, both types of plant provide sheltered habitats for a myriad of different organisms.

MORE GENERALLY...

More generally...

With broad interests that span the various disciplines within evolutionary biology and ecology, I am particularly interested in the ecological and evolutionary processes that drive species interactions – and vice versa.

 

The diversity and inherent complexity of tropical forests appeal to me especially, and I have over seven years of field experience in the Ecuadorian Amazon and the Andean cloud forest, as well as a smattering of experience in Malagasy littoral forest, Western-Mediterranean terrestrial habitats, and Polish primeval forest.

Education

Education

2022 - PhD Ecological genetics of habitat-forming plants

Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom

2014 - BSc (Hons) Zoology with industrial experience

University of Manchester, United Kingdom

2009 - Batxillerat LOGSE Ciències naturals i de la salut

I.E.S. Joan Ramon Benaprés, Catalunya

Work Experience

Work Experience

2023 - Specialist technician

Centre for Genomic Regulation, Spain

2018 - 2022 - Associate director

Timburi Cocha Research Station, Ecuador

2018 - 2021 - Teaching assistant & webmaster

Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom

2016 - 2018 - Research assistant & webmaster

Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom

2014 - 2016 - Research technician

University of Manchester, United Kingdom

2012 -2013; 2014 - 2018 - Researcher & communications coordinator

Timburi Cocha Research Station, Ecuador (on- and off-site)

Teaching

Teaching

Teaching assistant, various biology and data analysis courses - 2018-2022

Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom

Field course assistant, Tropical Ecology (Ecuador) - 2017, 2018, 2019

Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom

Field course assistant, Field techniques (Poland) - 2019

Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom

Field course assistant, Tropical Ecology (Ecuador) - 2013, 2015, 2016

University of Manchester, United Kingdom

Field course assistant, Comparative and Adaptive Biology (Mallorca) - 2016

Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom

Undergraduate lectures - Examples: History of San José de Payamino; Conservation and communities; Bromeliad ecology

Amphibian husbandry training for undergraduate and A-level students

University of Manchester, United Kingdom

Trained graduate teaching assistant for undergraduate laboratory practicals

University of Manchester, United Kingdom

Content © Sara-Xaali O'Reilly Berkeley, 2023
Leafy background © Wix.com
  • Black Twitter Icon
bottom of page