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 am worked with were 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
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
Education
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)
Work Experience
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
Teaching