APPOINTMENTS
Jan 2022 - Present Research Scientist, Environment and Climate Change Canada
Leading whole genome research program including:
Oct 2018 - Jan 2022 Post-Doctoral Fellow, Department of Biology, Trent University, Ontario, Canada
Caribou conservation genomics:
Jan 2018 - Oct 2018 Post-Doctoral Fellow, Department of Biology, Queen’s University, Ontario, Canada
Multiple research projects as an evolutionary geneticist and bioinformatician:
EDUCATION
Sept 2013 - Dec 2017 Ph.D., Department of Biology, Queen’s University, Ontario, Canada
Thesis: ‘Parallel divergence by allochrony and cryptic speciation in two highly pelagic seabird species complexes (Hydrobates spp.)’
Supervisors: Professor Vicki Friesen and Professor Stephen Lougheed
Sept 2012 - July 2013 M.Sc. Evolutionary and Behavioural Ecology with Distinction, Department of Biology, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, U.K.
Thesis: ‘Wolbachia in wild British moths: prevalence, phylogeny and horizontal transfer’
Supervisors: Dr. Dave Hodgson and Dr. Amber Teacher
Oct 2007 - June 2010 B.Sc. Biology, 2:1 (Hons), Department of Biology, University of Bristol, U.K.
Thesis (Distinction): ‘The effect of body mass and gender on the ‘snoop zone’ boundary and activity in the red fox (Vulpes vulpes)’
Supervisor: Professor Stephen Harris
AWARDS AND GRANTS
2020 Species at Risk Stewardship Program: $56,250 (CAD) over two years
2020 Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution (SMBE) Young Investigator Travel Award: ~$1,500 (USD)
2018 Post-Doctoral Fellows Travel Award Program, Queen’s University: $700 (CAD)
American Ornithological Society Conference Travel Award: $200 (USD)
2017 Queen’s University Graduate Student Conference Award: $200 (CAD)
2016 American Ornithologists Union Student Research Hesse Award: $2,500 (USD)
Queen’s University Dean’s Doctoral Travel Grant: $3,500 (CAD)
North American Ornithological Congress Student Travel Grant: $90 (USD)
2014 Queen’s University Graduate Student Conference Award: $200 (CAD)
2013 Ontario Trillium Scholarship: $40,000 per year for four years (total $160,000, CAD)
Exeter University Award for ‘Best Research Project’ (Evolutionary and Behavioural Ecology M.Sc. course)
Exeter University Award for ‘Highest Overall Grade’ (Evolutionary and Behavioural Ecology M.Sc. course)
INVITED PANELIST
Insights from a collaborative national-scale and long-term genomic monitoring strategy of an iconic model species-at-risk (2023). GEO BON Global Conference: Monitoring Biodiversity for Action, Montreal.
Genomics: realizing the potential (2023). Environment and Climate Change Canada Science Cafe.
INVITED PRESENTATIONS
Taylor, R. S., M. Manseau and P. J. Wilson (2024). Insights from a long-term genomic monitoring strategy of caribou. Muskoxen and Genomics in the Community Workshop, Cambridge Bay, NU (remote).
Taylor, R. S., M. Manseau, C. F. C.Klütsch, J. L. Polfus, A. Steedman, D. Hervieux, A. Kelley, N. C. Larter, M. Gamberg, H. Schwantje and P. J. Wilson (2022). Population dynamics of caribou shaped by glacial cycles before the Last Glacial Maximum. Departmental Seminar for The Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, University of Oslo (remote).
Taylor, R. S., M. Manseau, B. Redquest, S. Keobouasone, P. Gagné, C. Martineau, C. F. C.Klütsch, J. L. Polfus, A. Steedman, D. Hervieux, A. Kelley, N. C. Larter, M. Gamberg, H. Schwantje and P. J. Wilson (2021). Whole genome sequencing with non-invasive samples and demographic history of caribou in Western Canada. Genomics discussion group at the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow, and Landscape Research (WSL; remote).
Conference keynote presentation:
Taylor, R. S., M. Bolton, A. Beard, Tim Birt, P. Deane-Coe, A. Raine, J. González-Solís, S. C. Lougheed and V. L. Friesen (2018). The role of major shifts in breeding time (allochrony) in speciation: general patterns from genomics to ecology, and a case study. International Ornithological Congress (IOC), Vancouver, Canada.
Taylor, R. S,. R. Franckowiak, P. Deane-Coe, M. Bolton, T. Birt, J. González-Solís, S. C. Lougheed and V. L. Friesen (2018). Testing for isolation and adaptation by time using the band-rumped storm-petrel species complex. EvoDay, Cornell University, USA.
PRESENTATIONS
Taylor, R. S., M. Manseau, D. Martchenko, J. Geue, and P. J. Wilson (2023). Oral Presentation entitled 'Intra-specific diversity in caribou: a status assessment and monitoring approach using whole genome analysis.' North American Caribou Workshop (NACW) and Arctic Ungulate Conference, Anchorage, Alaska, USA.
Taylor, R. S., M. Manseau, S. Keobouasone, G. Mastromonaco, A. Steedman, A. Kelley, N. C. Larter, M. Gamberg, H. Schwantje, C. Thacker, J. L. Polfus, L. Andrew, D. Hervieux, D. Simmons, and P. J. Wilson (2022). Oral Presentation entitled 'Whole Genome phylogenomic analyses inform the delineation of Designatable Units.' Pacific Wildlife Research Centre Seminar Series, Canada.
Taylor, R. S., M. Manseau, S. Keobouasone, G. Mastromonaco, A. Steedman, A. Kelley, N. C. Larter, M. Gamberg, H. Schwantje, C. Thacker, J. L. Polfus, L. Andrew, D. Hervieux, D. Simmons, and P. J. Wilson (2022). Oral Presentation entitled 'The evolutionary history of caribou: implications of high intraspecific diversity for conservation.' The European Conservation Genetic Conference, Edinburgh, Scotland.
Taylor, R. S., M. Manseau, S. Keobouasone, G. Mastromonaco, A. Steedman, A. Kelley, N. C. Larter, M. Gamberg, H. Schwantje, C. Thacker, J. L. Polfus, L. Andrew, D. Hervieux, D. Simmons, and P. J. Wilson (2022). Oral Presentation entitled 'The evolutionary history of caribou ecotypes.' The Ecological Society of America and Canadian Society for Ecology and Evolution joint conference, Montreal, Canada.
Taylor, R. S., M. Manseau, and P. J. Wilson (2022). Oral Presentation entitled 'Whole Genome phylogenomic analyses inform the delineation of Designatable Units.' National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, Canada.
Taylor, R. S., M. Manseau, C. F. C.Klütsch, J. L. Polfus, A. Steedman, D. Hervieux, A. Kelley, N. C. Larter, M. Gamberg, H. Schwantje and P. J. Wilson (2021). Oral Presentation entitled 'Demographic history reconstruction in Western Canada reveals major diversification, divergent histories and genetic structure within mountain caribou.' Virtual North American Caribou Workshop (NACW), Canada.
Taylor, R. S., P. J. Wilson, and M. Manseau (2020). Oral Presentation entitled 'Whole Genomes reveal Parallel evolution and Introgression in caribou ecotypes with implications of the delineation of Designatable Units: a focus on mountain caribou.' National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, Canada.
Taylor, R. S., R. L. Horn, S. Keobouasone, M. Manseau and P. J. Wilson (2019). Poster Presentation entitled 'Whole Genomes Assess the Roles of Parallelism and Introgressive Hybridization in Caribou Ecotype Evolution.' Canadian Society for Ecology and Evolution, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada.
Taylor, R. S., R. L. Horn, S. Keobouasone, M. Manseau and P. J. Wilson (2019). Poster Presentation entitled 'A Genomic Refinement of A.W.F. Banfield’s 1961 “A Revision of the Reindeer and Caribou, Genus Rangifer” for North American caribou'. Ecological and Evolutionary Genomics Gordon Research Seminar and Conference. Southern New Hampshire University, USA.
Taylor, R. S., M. Bolton, T. Birt, P. Deane-Coe, A. Raine, J. González-Solís, S. C. Lougheed and V. L. Friesen (2018). Oral Presentation entitled ‘Cryptic species and parallel divergence by shifts in breeding time (allochrony) in two highly pelagic seabird species complexes (Hydrobates spp.)’. Trent University Biology Seminar Series, Trent University, Canada.
Wilson, P.J., R. L. Horn, R. S. Taylor, M. Manseau (2018). An inter-jurisdictional scan of spatial structure of caribou populations. North American Caribou Workshop (NACW), Ottawa, Canada.
Taylor, R. S., M. Bolton, A. Beard, T. Birt, P. Deane-Coe, A. Raine, J. González-Solís, S. C. Lougheed and V. L. Friesen (2018). Oral Presentation entitled ‘Cryptic species and parallel divergence by shifts in breeding time (allochrony) within a seabird species complex (Hydrobates spp.)’. Canadian Society for Ecology and Evolution, University of Guelph, Canada.
Birchard, K. L., H. Driver, R. S. Taylor, B. A. Harkness, E. E. Chown, A. Morrin, D. Ademidun, T. Birt and V. L. Friesen (2018). Poster Presentation entitled ‘The role of clock genes in allochronic storm-petrel populations’. Canadian Society for Ecology and Evolution, University of Guelph, Canada.
Taylor, R. S. (2017). Oral Presentation entitled ‘Parallel divergence by allochrony and cryptic speciation in two highly pelagic seabird species complexes (Hydrobates spp.)’. Departmental Seminar, Queen’s University, Canada.
Taylor, R. S. and V. L. Friesen (2017). Poster entitled ‘The role of allochrony in speciation’. European Society for Evolutionary Biology (ESEB), Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, the Netherlands.
Taylor, R. S. and V. L. Friesen (2017). Oral Presentation entitled ‘The role of allochrony in speciation’. Ontario Ecology, Ethology and Evolution Colloquium, Queen’s University, Canada.
Taylor, R. S., M. Bolton, A. Beard, A. Raine, and V. L. Friesen (2017). Oral Presentation entitled ‘Allochrony and speciation in the band-rumped storm-petrel (Hydrobates spp.) species complex’. Graduate Student Research Symposium, Queen’s University, Canada.
Taylor, R. S., M. Bolton, A. Beard, A. Raine, and V. L. Friesen (2016). Oral Presentation entitled ‘Allochrony and speciation in the band-rumped storm-petrel (Hydrobates spp.) species complex’. North American Ornithological Conference, Washington D.C., USA.
Taylor, R. S., M. Bolton, A. Beard, A. Raine, and V. L. Friesen (2016). Oral Presentation entitled ‘Allochrony and speciation in the band-rumped storm-petrel (Hydrobates spp.) species complex’. International Albatross and Petrel Conference, University of Barcelona, Spain.
Taylor, R. S., P. Deane, M. Bolton, J. González-Solís, and V. L. Friesen (2014). Poster entitled ‘The genomics of repeated parallel evolution of seasonal populations of band-rumped storm-petrels (Oceanodroma castro)’. Canadian Society for Ecology and Evolution, Montreal, Canada.
Taylor, R. S. (2014). Oral Presentation entitled ‘The evolution of seasonal populations of band-rumped storm-petrels and a natural history of Ascension Island.’ Queen’s University Biological Station Research Seminar Series, Queen’s University, Canada.
Taylor, R. S. (2014). Oral Presentation entitled ‘The evolution of seasonal populations of band-rumped storm-petrels and a natural history of Ascension Island.’ Queen’s University Behavioural Ecology and Evolution Graduate Student Research Seminars, Queen’s University, Canada.
Taylor, R. S. (2013). Oral Presentation entitled ‘Wolbachia in wild British moths: prevalence, phylogeny and horizontal transfer’. Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour Seminar Series, Queen’s University, Canada.
EDITORIAL EXPERIENCE
April 2020 - Dec 2021 Guest Editor, Molecular Ecology special issue
LABORATORY AND BIOINFORMATIC SKILLS
FIELDWORK
2020 Volunteer field assistant for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources: Aerial (helicopter) beaver surveying.
2016 Ph.D. project fieldwork, Cape Verde: Mist netting and blood sampling storm-petrels on a remote islet, Ilhéu de Cima.
2014 Ph.D. project fieldwork, Ascension Island: Mist netting and blood sampling storm-petrels.
2013 M.Sc. project fieldwork, Cornwall, U.K: Catching and identifying moths using a light trap.
Field course, Lake Naivasha, Kenya: Behavioural observations of superb starlings.
2010 B.Sc. project fieldwork, Bristol, UK: Radio tracking of foxes.
2009 Field course, Negev Desert, Israel: Recording and analysis of bat calls.
Field assistant for a Ph.D. student, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica: Behavioural observations of primates and birds
SUPERVISORY EXPERIENCE
2024 Casual employee Jayna Bergman working on a meta-analysis on the use of genomics and conservation unit designation.
2021 Mentor for Jesse Wolf on assembling the flying squirrel reference genome.
2020 Summer NSERC student Ella Clark. Various research activities including literature review of adaptive genomic variation.
2019-2020 B.Sc. student James Lucas Bent, Trent University. Thesis: 'A genomic framework for incorporating adaptive potential into
Canada's COSEWIC guidelines'.
2018-2019 B.Sc. student Emma Gillesse, Queen’s University. Thesis: ‘Isolation by time in the Cape Verde storm-petrel (Hydrobates
jabejabe)’.
2017-2018 B.Sc. student Annalisa Cecutti, Queen’s University. Thesis: ‘Genomic cline in a contact zone of the spring peeper
(Pseudacris crucifer)’.
2016-2017 M.Sc. student Nuria Trilla, University of Barcelona. Thesis: ‘Isotopic differentiation of sympatric populations of the band-
rumped storm-petrel in Cape Verde: a temporal and spatial analysis’.
B.Sc. student Katie Birchard, Queen’s University. Thesis: Is variation in the Brain and Muscle ARNT-like 1 (Bmal 1) gene
associated with breeding time in the band-rumped storm-petrel species complex (Hydrobates spp.)?
B.Sc. student Hannah Driver, Queen’s University. Thesis: Does Bmal1 vary latitudinally or between allochronic populations
of Leach’s storm-petrels (Hydrobates leucorhoa)?
2015-2016 B.Sc. student Ashley Bramwell, Queen’s University. Thesis: The implications of introgression on the speciation of crowned-
sparrows (Zonotrichia atricapilla and Zonotrichia leucophrys).
2014-2015 B.Sc. student Bronwyn Harkness, Queen’s University. Thesis: Highly conserved Per2 sequence in the band-rumped storm
petrel (Oceanodroma castro, O. monteiroi, and O. jabejabe).
B.Sc. student Dami Ademidun, Queen’s University. Thesis: Per2 circadian gene is highly conserved in potential casein
kinase-1ε phosphorylation sites of Leach’s storm-petrels (Oceanodroma leucorhoa)
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
2018 Lecture: Life Histories - Evolutionary Genetics undergraduate course
2016 Lecture: Life Histories - Evolutionary Genetics undergraduate course
Graduate Teaching Assistant: Analytical Genomics.
Organised and helped teach an informal summer ddRADseq bioinformatics group
2014 Graduate Teaching Assistant: Speciation and Macroevolution.
2013 Graduate Teaching Assistant: Conservation Genetics.
WORK EXPERIENCE
July- Aug 2013 Laboratory Technician, University of Exeter
July 2011 - Sept 2012 ARKive Researcher, Wildscreen (conservation charity, registered charity number 299450)
July 2010 - July 2011 ARKive Research Assistant, Wildscreen
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Jan 2011 - Sept 2012 STEM Ambassador
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
WORKSHOPS AND TRAINING
INVITED JOURNAL REVIEWER
INVITED GRANT REVIEWER
SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
Jan 2022 - Present Research Scientist, Environment and Climate Change Canada
Leading whole genome research program including:
- Building a framework for monitoring intra-specific diversity of caribou across Canada under the Global Biodiversity Framework
- Demographic and phylogenomic reconstructions for Designatable Units under the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada
- Designing and implementing research to assess genomic adaptation and vulnerability under environmental changes under the federal government GenARCC (Genomic Adaptation and Resilience to Climate Change) project
Oct 2018 - Jan 2022 Post-Doctoral Fellow, Department of Biology, Trent University, Ontario, Canada
Caribou conservation genomics:
- Invectigations of parallel evolution and introgression between caribou ecotypes for Designatable Units under the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada
- Generation of genomic resources for caribou conservation genomics
Jan 2018 - Oct 2018 Post-Doctoral Fellow, Department of Biology, Queen’s University, Ontario, Canada
Multiple research projects as an evolutionary geneticist and bioinformatician:
- Cytonuclear discordance in crowned sparrows (Zonotrichia spp.) using ddRADseq
- Isolation by time in the Cape Verde storm-petrel (Hydrobates jabejabe) using ddRADseq, stable isotope and morphometric data
EDUCATION
Sept 2013 - Dec 2017 Ph.D., Department of Biology, Queen’s University, Ontario, Canada
Thesis: ‘Parallel divergence by allochrony and cryptic speciation in two highly pelagic seabird species complexes (Hydrobates spp.)’
Supervisors: Professor Vicki Friesen and Professor Stephen Lougheed
Sept 2012 - July 2013 M.Sc. Evolutionary and Behavioural Ecology with Distinction, Department of Biology, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, U.K.
Thesis: ‘Wolbachia in wild British moths: prevalence, phylogeny and horizontal transfer’
Supervisors: Dr. Dave Hodgson and Dr. Amber Teacher
Oct 2007 - June 2010 B.Sc. Biology, 2:1 (Hons), Department of Biology, University of Bristol, U.K.
Thesis (Distinction): ‘The effect of body mass and gender on the ‘snoop zone’ boundary and activity in the red fox (Vulpes vulpes)’
Supervisor: Professor Stephen Harris
AWARDS AND GRANTS
2020 Species at Risk Stewardship Program: $56,250 (CAD) over two years
2020 Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution (SMBE) Young Investigator Travel Award: ~$1,500 (USD)
2018 Post-Doctoral Fellows Travel Award Program, Queen’s University: $700 (CAD)
American Ornithological Society Conference Travel Award: $200 (USD)
2017 Queen’s University Graduate Student Conference Award: $200 (CAD)
2016 American Ornithologists Union Student Research Hesse Award: $2,500 (USD)
Queen’s University Dean’s Doctoral Travel Grant: $3,500 (CAD)
North American Ornithological Congress Student Travel Grant: $90 (USD)
2014 Queen’s University Graduate Student Conference Award: $200 (CAD)
2013 Ontario Trillium Scholarship: $40,000 per year for four years (total $160,000, CAD)
Exeter University Award for ‘Best Research Project’ (Evolutionary and Behavioural Ecology M.Sc. course)
Exeter University Award for ‘Highest Overall Grade’ (Evolutionary and Behavioural Ecology M.Sc. course)
INVITED PANELIST
Insights from a collaborative national-scale and long-term genomic monitoring strategy of an iconic model species-at-risk (2023). GEO BON Global Conference: Monitoring Biodiversity for Action, Montreal.
Genomics: realizing the potential (2023). Environment and Climate Change Canada Science Cafe.
INVITED PRESENTATIONS
Taylor, R. S., M. Manseau and P. J. Wilson (2024). Insights from a long-term genomic monitoring strategy of caribou. Muskoxen and Genomics in the Community Workshop, Cambridge Bay, NU (remote).
Taylor, R. S., M. Manseau, C. F. C.Klütsch, J. L. Polfus, A. Steedman, D. Hervieux, A. Kelley, N. C. Larter, M. Gamberg, H. Schwantje and P. J. Wilson (2022). Population dynamics of caribou shaped by glacial cycles before the Last Glacial Maximum. Departmental Seminar for The Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, University of Oslo (remote).
Taylor, R. S., M. Manseau, B. Redquest, S. Keobouasone, P. Gagné, C. Martineau, C. F. C.Klütsch, J. L. Polfus, A. Steedman, D. Hervieux, A. Kelley, N. C. Larter, M. Gamberg, H. Schwantje and P. J. Wilson (2021). Whole genome sequencing with non-invasive samples and demographic history of caribou in Western Canada. Genomics discussion group at the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow, and Landscape Research (WSL; remote).
Conference keynote presentation:
Taylor, R. S., M. Bolton, A. Beard, Tim Birt, P. Deane-Coe, A. Raine, J. González-Solís, S. C. Lougheed and V. L. Friesen (2018). The role of major shifts in breeding time (allochrony) in speciation: general patterns from genomics to ecology, and a case study. International Ornithological Congress (IOC), Vancouver, Canada.
Taylor, R. S,. R. Franckowiak, P. Deane-Coe, M. Bolton, T. Birt, J. González-Solís, S. C. Lougheed and V. L. Friesen (2018). Testing for isolation and adaptation by time using the band-rumped storm-petrel species complex. EvoDay, Cornell University, USA.
PRESENTATIONS
Taylor, R. S., M. Manseau, D. Martchenko, J. Geue, and P. J. Wilson (2023). Oral Presentation entitled 'Intra-specific diversity in caribou: a status assessment and monitoring approach using whole genome analysis.' North American Caribou Workshop (NACW) and Arctic Ungulate Conference, Anchorage, Alaska, USA.
Taylor, R. S., M. Manseau, S. Keobouasone, G. Mastromonaco, A. Steedman, A. Kelley, N. C. Larter, M. Gamberg, H. Schwantje, C. Thacker, J. L. Polfus, L. Andrew, D. Hervieux, D. Simmons, and P. J. Wilson (2022). Oral Presentation entitled 'Whole Genome phylogenomic analyses inform the delineation of Designatable Units.' Pacific Wildlife Research Centre Seminar Series, Canada.
Taylor, R. S., M. Manseau, S. Keobouasone, G. Mastromonaco, A. Steedman, A. Kelley, N. C. Larter, M. Gamberg, H. Schwantje, C. Thacker, J. L. Polfus, L. Andrew, D. Hervieux, D. Simmons, and P. J. Wilson (2022). Oral Presentation entitled 'The evolutionary history of caribou: implications of high intraspecific diversity for conservation.' The European Conservation Genetic Conference, Edinburgh, Scotland.
Taylor, R. S., M. Manseau, S. Keobouasone, G. Mastromonaco, A. Steedman, A. Kelley, N. C. Larter, M. Gamberg, H. Schwantje, C. Thacker, J. L. Polfus, L. Andrew, D. Hervieux, D. Simmons, and P. J. Wilson (2022). Oral Presentation entitled 'The evolutionary history of caribou ecotypes.' The Ecological Society of America and Canadian Society for Ecology and Evolution joint conference, Montreal, Canada.
Taylor, R. S., M. Manseau, and P. J. Wilson (2022). Oral Presentation entitled 'Whole Genome phylogenomic analyses inform the delineation of Designatable Units.' National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, Canada.
Taylor, R. S., M. Manseau, C. F. C.Klütsch, J. L. Polfus, A. Steedman, D. Hervieux, A. Kelley, N. C. Larter, M. Gamberg, H. Schwantje and P. J. Wilson (2021). Oral Presentation entitled 'Demographic history reconstruction in Western Canada reveals major diversification, divergent histories and genetic structure within mountain caribou.' Virtual North American Caribou Workshop (NACW), Canada.
Taylor, R. S., P. J. Wilson, and M. Manseau (2020). Oral Presentation entitled 'Whole Genomes reveal Parallel evolution and Introgression in caribou ecotypes with implications of the delineation of Designatable Units: a focus on mountain caribou.' National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, Canada.
Taylor, R. S., R. L. Horn, S. Keobouasone, M. Manseau and P. J. Wilson (2019). Poster Presentation entitled 'Whole Genomes Assess the Roles of Parallelism and Introgressive Hybridization in Caribou Ecotype Evolution.' Canadian Society for Ecology and Evolution, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada.
Taylor, R. S., R. L. Horn, S. Keobouasone, M. Manseau and P. J. Wilson (2019). Poster Presentation entitled 'A Genomic Refinement of A.W.F. Banfield’s 1961 “A Revision of the Reindeer and Caribou, Genus Rangifer” for North American caribou'. Ecological and Evolutionary Genomics Gordon Research Seminar and Conference. Southern New Hampshire University, USA.
Taylor, R. S., M. Bolton, T. Birt, P. Deane-Coe, A. Raine, J. González-Solís, S. C. Lougheed and V. L. Friesen (2018). Oral Presentation entitled ‘Cryptic species and parallel divergence by shifts in breeding time (allochrony) in two highly pelagic seabird species complexes (Hydrobates spp.)’. Trent University Biology Seminar Series, Trent University, Canada.
Wilson, P.J., R. L. Horn, R. S. Taylor, M. Manseau (2018). An inter-jurisdictional scan of spatial structure of caribou populations. North American Caribou Workshop (NACW), Ottawa, Canada.
Taylor, R. S., M. Bolton, A. Beard, T. Birt, P. Deane-Coe, A. Raine, J. González-Solís, S. C. Lougheed and V. L. Friesen (2018). Oral Presentation entitled ‘Cryptic species and parallel divergence by shifts in breeding time (allochrony) within a seabird species complex (Hydrobates spp.)’. Canadian Society for Ecology and Evolution, University of Guelph, Canada.
Birchard, K. L., H. Driver, R. S. Taylor, B. A. Harkness, E. E. Chown, A. Morrin, D. Ademidun, T. Birt and V. L. Friesen (2018). Poster Presentation entitled ‘The role of clock genes in allochronic storm-petrel populations’. Canadian Society for Ecology and Evolution, University of Guelph, Canada.
Taylor, R. S. (2017). Oral Presentation entitled ‘Parallel divergence by allochrony and cryptic speciation in two highly pelagic seabird species complexes (Hydrobates spp.)’. Departmental Seminar, Queen’s University, Canada.
Taylor, R. S. and V. L. Friesen (2017). Poster entitled ‘The role of allochrony in speciation’. European Society for Evolutionary Biology (ESEB), Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, the Netherlands.
Taylor, R. S. and V. L. Friesen (2017). Oral Presentation entitled ‘The role of allochrony in speciation’. Ontario Ecology, Ethology and Evolution Colloquium, Queen’s University, Canada.
Taylor, R. S., M. Bolton, A. Beard, A. Raine, and V. L. Friesen (2017). Oral Presentation entitled ‘Allochrony and speciation in the band-rumped storm-petrel (Hydrobates spp.) species complex’. Graduate Student Research Symposium, Queen’s University, Canada.
Taylor, R. S., M. Bolton, A. Beard, A. Raine, and V. L. Friesen (2016). Oral Presentation entitled ‘Allochrony and speciation in the band-rumped storm-petrel (Hydrobates spp.) species complex’. North American Ornithological Conference, Washington D.C., USA.
Taylor, R. S., M. Bolton, A. Beard, A. Raine, and V. L. Friesen (2016). Oral Presentation entitled ‘Allochrony and speciation in the band-rumped storm-petrel (Hydrobates spp.) species complex’. International Albatross and Petrel Conference, University of Barcelona, Spain.
Taylor, R. S., P. Deane, M. Bolton, J. González-Solís, and V. L. Friesen (2014). Poster entitled ‘The genomics of repeated parallel evolution of seasonal populations of band-rumped storm-petrels (Oceanodroma castro)’. Canadian Society for Ecology and Evolution, Montreal, Canada.
Taylor, R. S. (2014). Oral Presentation entitled ‘The evolution of seasonal populations of band-rumped storm-petrels and a natural history of Ascension Island.’ Queen’s University Biological Station Research Seminar Series, Queen’s University, Canada.
Taylor, R. S. (2014). Oral Presentation entitled ‘The evolution of seasonal populations of band-rumped storm-petrels and a natural history of Ascension Island.’ Queen’s University Behavioural Ecology and Evolution Graduate Student Research Seminars, Queen’s University, Canada.
Taylor, R. S. (2013). Oral Presentation entitled ‘Wolbachia in wild British moths: prevalence, phylogeny and horizontal transfer’. Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour Seminar Series, Queen’s University, Canada.
EDITORIAL EXPERIENCE
April 2020 - Dec 2021 Guest Editor, Molecular Ecology special issue
- Co-guest editing a special issue of Molecular Ecology on the use of whole genome sequences.
- Editor for 11 manuscripts submitted to the journal.
LABORATORY AND BIOINFORMATIC SKILLS
- Extractions and preparation of DNA samples for high-throughput sequencing.
- Other genetics lab skills including PCR based work.
- Highly proficient with bioinformatic analysis of genomic data using Linux and many programs for data filtering and population genomic, phylogenomic, and demographic history analyses including the development of analytical pipelines (e.g. Trimmomatic/CutAdapt, Bowtie2/BWA, Samtools/Bamtools, VCFtools, GATK, Angsd, Stacks, ADMIXTURE, PSMC, Dsuit, RAxML, BUSCO, Treemix).
- Multiple other software for genetic analyses including R statistical software, STRUCTURE, Arlequin, BEAST, Geneious.
- Use of high performance computing platforms (Compute Canada, Amazon Cloud Computing).
- Worked with collaborator Professor Jacob González-Solís at the University of Barcelona undertaking stable isotope analysis.
FIELDWORK
2020 Volunteer field assistant for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources: Aerial (helicopter) beaver surveying.
2016 Ph.D. project fieldwork, Cape Verde: Mist netting and blood sampling storm-petrels on a remote islet, Ilhéu de Cima.
2014 Ph.D. project fieldwork, Ascension Island: Mist netting and blood sampling storm-petrels.
2013 M.Sc. project fieldwork, Cornwall, U.K: Catching and identifying moths using a light trap.
Field course, Lake Naivasha, Kenya: Behavioural observations of superb starlings.
2010 B.Sc. project fieldwork, Bristol, UK: Radio tracking of foxes.
2009 Field course, Negev Desert, Israel: Recording and analysis of bat calls.
Field assistant for a Ph.D. student, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica: Behavioural observations of primates and birds
SUPERVISORY EXPERIENCE
2024 Casual employee Jayna Bergman working on a meta-analysis on the use of genomics and conservation unit designation.
2021 Mentor for Jesse Wolf on assembling the flying squirrel reference genome.
2020 Summer NSERC student Ella Clark. Various research activities including literature review of adaptive genomic variation.
2019-2020 B.Sc. student James Lucas Bent, Trent University. Thesis: 'A genomic framework for incorporating adaptive potential into
Canada's COSEWIC guidelines'.
2018-2019 B.Sc. student Emma Gillesse, Queen’s University. Thesis: ‘Isolation by time in the Cape Verde storm-petrel (Hydrobates
jabejabe)’.
2017-2018 B.Sc. student Annalisa Cecutti, Queen’s University. Thesis: ‘Genomic cline in a contact zone of the spring peeper
(Pseudacris crucifer)’.
2016-2017 M.Sc. student Nuria Trilla, University of Barcelona. Thesis: ‘Isotopic differentiation of sympatric populations of the band-
rumped storm-petrel in Cape Verde: a temporal and spatial analysis’.
B.Sc. student Katie Birchard, Queen’s University. Thesis: Is variation in the Brain and Muscle ARNT-like 1 (Bmal 1) gene
associated with breeding time in the band-rumped storm-petrel species complex (Hydrobates spp.)?
B.Sc. student Hannah Driver, Queen’s University. Thesis: Does Bmal1 vary latitudinally or between allochronic populations
of Leach’s storm-petrels (Hydrobates leucorhoa)?
2015-2016 B.Sc. student Ashley Bramwell, Queen’s University. Thesis: The implications of introgression on the speciation of crowned-
sparrows (Zonotrichia atricapilla and Zonotrichia leucophrys).
2014-2015 B.Sc. student Bronwyn Harkness, Queen’s University. Thesis: Highly conserved Per2 sequence in the band-rumped storm
petrel (Oceanodroma castro, O. monteiroi, and O. jabejabe).
B.Sc. student Dami Ademidun, Queen’s University. Thesis: Per2 circadian gene is highly conserved in potential casein
kinase-1ε phosphorylation sites of Leach’s storm-petrels (Oceanodroma leucorhoa)
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
2018 Lecture: Life Histories - Evolutionary Genetics undergraduate course
2016 Lecture: Life Histories - Evolutionary Genetics undergraduate course
Graduate Teaching Assistant: Analytical Genomics.
Organised and helped teach an informal summer ddRADseq bioinformatics group
2014 Graduate Teaching Assistant: Speciation and Macroevolution.
2013 Graduate Teaching Assistant: Conservation Genetics.
WORK EXPERIENCE
July- Aug 2013 Laboratory Technician, University of Exeter
- PCR and gel electrophoresis to amplify Wolbachia sequences from ladybirds.
July 2011 - Sept 2012 ARKive Researcher, Wildscreen (conservation charity, registered charity number 299450)
- Promoted after 1 year to be a full-time researcher.
- Researched images and footage of endangered species through effective networking with scientists and photographers, including using literature searches to contact scientists for rare species.
July 2010 - July 2011 ARKive Research Assistant, Wildscreen
- Researching for ARKive website and developing eco-region pages.
- Management of valuable photographic slides and all tape orders from the BBC.
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Jan 2011 - Sept 2012 STEM Ambassador
- Science outreach in schools on topics such as endangered species and evolution to enthuse children to be involved in science.
- Created teaching resources, one being awarded the Crest Award from the British Science Association.
- Worked at science events such as on the BBC ‘Live and Deadly’ tour and at the Big Bang Science fair for two years.
- Volunteered at nature street parties and at Bristol Festival of Nature and Bioblitz for two years.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
- Canadian Society for Ecology and Evolution (CSEE)
- Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution (SMBE)
WORKSHOPS AND TRAINING
- Co-organised a symposium at the 2020 Canadian Society for Ecology and Evolution (CSEE) Meeting entitled ‘Putting whole genomes to work for conservation’ (cancelled due to COVID-19)
- Symposium for Women Entering Ecology and Evolution Today (SWEEET) at the Canadian Society for Ecology and Evolution (CSEE) Meeting, focusing on intersectionality and how discrimination compounds to impact science (2019)
- The GRC (Gordon Research Conference) power hour – workshop discussing challenges women face in science and issues of diversity and inclusion (2019)
- How to Affect Policy Through Science, Trent University (2018)
- Bird Handling and Routine Procedures, Queen's University (2016)
- High Performance and Technical Computing, Queen's University (2015)
INVITED JOURNAL REVIEWER
- Nature Ecology and Evolution
- Marine Biology
- Ecology and Evolution
- GigaByte
- Evolution
- Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
- PeerJ
- Scientific Reports
- Molecular Ecology
- Conservation Genetics
- Emu – Austral Ornithology
INVITED GRANT REVIEWER
- Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH)
SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
- Skype a Scientist (2020)
- RSPB blog post: 'Cryptic species of storm-petrels uncovered using DNA sequencing' (August 2019)
- British Ornithologists Union blog post: 'Just what is a species?' (August 2019)
- The Queen's Gazette newspaper article: 'Surviving a full-fledged fieldwork catastrophe' (April 2018)
- Dispatches from the field blog post: 'Morabeza!' (March 2018)
- Dispatches from the field blog post: 'Ascension Island, a great place to sea-birds!' (October 2014)
- Dispatches from the field blog post: 'Like nowhere else on earth' (August 2014)