Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments and Awards
Academic and Community Involvement
Timeline
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Ella Dewar

Dunedin,OTA

Summary

Master’s graduate in Genetics with research experience in molecular ecology, environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring, and biodiversity assessment. Skilled in wet-lab techniques including DNA/RNA extraction, DNA sequencing, and bioinformatics, with a focus on integrating genetic and morphological data to resolve species relationships and investigate cryptic diversity. Strong background in ecological fieldwork, data analysis in R, and science communication through thesis writing and conference presentations. Passionate about the environment and the use of molecular technologies for species management and environmental protection.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience

Work History

Writing Bursary Recipient

University of Otago
06.2025 - Current
  • Awarded a postgraduate writing bursary to support the publication of my Master’s thesis research on the molecular phylogenetics, transcriptomics, and morphological systematics of New Zealand freshwater sponges.
  • Used an integrative approach combining imaging of sponge skeletons (spicules) with large-scale genetic comparisons based on transcriptome data to resolve species relationships.
  • Independently responsible for generating results, producing publication-quality figures, and drafting the manuscript for peer review.

Lab Demonstrator

University of Otago, Dunedin
03.2023 - 02.2025
  • Assisted in preparation of lab materials and equipment for demonstrations.
  • Supported instructors by facilitating student understanding of lab procedures.
  • Provided feedback on student performance to enhance learning outcomes.
  • Observed and maintained safety protocols during laboratory sessions.

Summer Research Intern

University of Otago
11.2022 - 03.2023
  • Awarded a competitive summer studentship by the Graduate Women of Otago for preliminary investigations for my Masters Research on New Zealand freshwater sponge fauna
  • Collected sponge samples during fieldwork across multiple river sites and prepared specimens for genetic analysis.
  • Performed DNA extraction, PCR amplification for Sanger sequencing to characterise sponge species using genetic markers
  • Analysed sequence quality, edited chromatograms, and aligned sequences to assess species-level differences.
  • Presented my findings at a Seminar hosted by the Graduate Women of Otago

Team Member

HELL Pizza
11.2021 - 02.2022
  • Delivered orders promptly and professionally as part of the delivery team, maintaining excellent customer service standards.
  • Operated point-of-sale (POS) system and handled cash and card transactions.
  • Assisted with food preparation, including assembling salads and using the deep fryer, while following food safety and hygiene standards.
  • Performed cleaning duties such as dishwashing and maintaining kitchen workspaces.

Sales Assistant

Stevens Homeware
07.2019 - 02.2020
  • Delivered high-quality customer service and supported daily store operations to meet sales targets.
  • Assisted customers with product selection and maintained a clean, organised retail environment.
  • Maintained product displays and stock levels, contributing to a visually appealing store environment.
  • Resolved customer inquiries and complaints effectively, ensuring high satisfaction rates.

Education

Master of Science - Genetics

University of Otago
Dunedin, NZ
01-2025

Bachelor of Science - Majored in Genetics And Minored in Politics

University of Otago
Dunedin, NZ
01-2022

Skills

  • Species identification using integrative methods: Used transcriptomic data and morphological analysis to identify cryptic species and challenge existing taxonomic assumptions
  • Environmental DNA (eDNA) & metabarcoding: Applied commercial eDNA kits and metabarcoding to detect organism presence and broader freshwater aquatic communities
  • Amplicon sequencing & microbiome analysis: Conducted 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to characterise microbiome dynamics and assess community shifts across different sites and seasons
  • Fieldwork experience: Sampled from freshwater systems across sites and seasons, managed sample preservation, and coordinated logistics, maintained field safety
  • Science Communication: Presented research findings at academic conferences, demonstrating the ability to communicate complex data to diverse audiences Also experienced in scientific writing, including thesis composition and preparation of a manuscript for peer-reviewed publication

Accomplishments and Awards

Scholarships

  • Department of Conservation Postgraduate Scholarship (2024)
  • Graduate Women Otago Summer Studentship (2022)
  • University of Otago New Frontiers Entrance Scholarship (2020)


Communication

Oral Presentations for MSc Thesis, Research Title: Under-appreciated and Overlooked: Mapping the Identity, Molecular Diversity and eDNA Context of New Zealand’s Freshwater Sponge Species

  • Biomolecular Horizons, 12 minute verbal presentation
  • Biomedical Sciences Symposium, 10 minute verbal presentation
  • Presenting MSc Research at Departmental Seminar, 15 minute verbal presentation

Academic and Community Involvement

  • Member, Biochemistry Postgraduate Committee, 2024
  • Organiser, BMS Symposium, 2024
  • Executive Committee Member, Chiasma Student Group, 2023
  • Community Outreach, Sponge Day and The New Zealand International Science Festival, 2023-2025

Timeline

Writing Bursary Recipient

University of Otago
06.2025 - Current

Lab Demonstrator

University of Otago, Dunedin
03.2023 - 02.2025

Summer Research Intern

University of Otago
11.2022 - 03.2023

Team Member

HELL Pizza
11.2021 - 02.2022

Sales Assistant

Stevens Homeware
07.2019 - 02.2020

Master of Science - Genetics

University of Otago

Bachelor of Science - Majored in Genetics And Minored in Politics

University of Otago

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Ella Dewar