Michelle Henley

I am a second year PhD candidate in the University of Edinburgh Conservation Genetics Group. My background is in ecology, land management and conservation practice.  My particular interest is applying conservation genetic tools to provide new insights into the ecology and behaviour of wildlife species, particularly mammals, to inform management and conservation strategies for wildlife and land.

For my PhD, I will be combining applied genetics and ecological research to assess and semi-quantify the diet and gut microbiome of the mountain hare (Lepus timidus) in Scotland.  The resulting data will also be used to assess differences between the seasons, habitats and the sexes. The aim of this project is to deepen our understanding and knowledge of this protected species to inform the conservation and management of its populations and habitats in Scotland.

My supervisory team are: Principal Supervisor Dr Sílvia Pérez-Espona, Conservation Science Coordinator and Lecturer, University of Edinburgh Conservation Genetics Group; Co-supervisors Dr Fiona Houston, Senior Research Fellow/Group Leader Roslin Institute; Dr Laura Glendinning, Chancellor’s Fellow, Roslin Institute and Dr Scott Newey, Head of Upland Research, Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust.

Please send me an email if you'd like to get in touch.