Biography/ Background
Qualifications
Research Interests
Professional Associations

Ms Kathryn Sparks

Telephone	+61 8 8313 6045
Position	Postgraduate
Fax	+61 8 8313 4364
Building	Darling Building
Floor/Room	G 21
Campus	North Terrace
Org Unit	Ecology Evolution and Landscape Science

To link to this page, please use the following URL:
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/directory/kathryn.sparks

Biography/ Background

Senior Quarantine Entomologist, Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) 2003-2005;

Quarantine Entomologist, AQIS 2000-2003;

Collection Manager, Entomology, Museum Victoria 1998-2000;

Research Assistant, Entomology Museum Victoria 1996-1998.

Qualifications

BSc. - The University of Adelaide 1995

Honours - La Trobe University 2000

Research Interests

Kate is PhD student in the Austin Lab Group at the University of Adelaide. Her research focuses on the systematics of the Australian species of Monomorium and in particular the taxonomically difficult but ecologically important M. ‘rothsteini' species complex. Currently described as a single species, M. rothsteini is wide spread over mainland Australia and shows marked morphological variation. Using both molecular and morphological techniques Kate’s doctoral research aims to determine species boundaries in this difficult complex and develop methods that can be used for other taxonomically difficult ant groups. Her research will culminate in a taxonomic revision of the group and the description of new species.

In addition, Kate is working on the first molecular phylogeny of Monomorium. Focusing mainly on Australian species, this phylogeny will help clarify species group relationships and provide an insight into the extent of cryptic speciation within the genus.

Kate’s PhD is supported by the Taxonomy Research and Information Network (TRIN). TRIN is a multidisciplionary, multi-institutional network of scientists who aim to accelerate the discover and description of Australia’s biodiversity.

www.taxonomy.org.au

Professional Associations

Membership of Scientific Societies: Australian Entomological Society, International Society of Hymenopterists, International Union for the Study of Social Insects, Society of Australian Systematic Biologists.

Entry last updated: Friday, 22 Jul 2011

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