Xaali O'Reilly Berkeley
PhD student at Manchester Metropolitan University, UK.
Currently working on the genetics of plant-epibiont-invertebrate interactions. Specifically, I want 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 am working with at the moment are epiphytic bromeliads and false-bird-of-paradise plants in the Amazon. Though very different, both types of plant provide sheltered habitats for a myriad of different organisms.
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.
MORE GENERALLY...
Education
2016 - 2021 (expected) - 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
Education
Work Experience
2019 - Associate Director
Timburi Cocha Research Station, Ecuador
2018 - 2019 - 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 - 2019 - Researcher & Communications coordinator
Timburi Cocha Research Station, Ecuador (on- and off-site)
Work Experience
Teaching
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
Teaching assistant, Research Design & Analysis - 2018-2019
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 - Terrestrial biodiversity techniques in the tropics; History of San José de Payamino; Conservation and communities; Bromeliads
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
Teaching