I am an evolutionary and conservation genomicist investigating how genetic variation, from single nucleotide polymorphisms to large-scale structural changes, shapes adaptation across space and time. My research spans both invasive and native species, including plants and animals, to understand how genetic diversity is distributed throughout the genome, and how the diverse and complex forms of genetic variation underpin population resilience or vulnerability in the face of population disturbance or environmental change.
Structural Variants in Eco-evolutionary Genomics
I am redefining how we study genetic differences between individuals. As whole genome resequencing becomes more accessible, a core focus of my research is integrating previously hidden components of genetic variation - structural variants (SVs) and transposable elements - into population genomics and conservation. Combining these often-overlooked variants with SNPs provides a more comprehensive view of genome-wide variation, which is essential for addressing missing heritability, improving predictions for conservation breeding and translocation, and better understanding adaptive potential in uncertain futures.
My recent research highlights:
- ❯ Structural variation in eco-evolutionary genomics (Stuart et al., 2025)
- ❯ Heterozygous structural variants uniquely impact lifetime fitness (Stuart et al., 2024)
- ❯ Population history shapes relative diversity levels between SVs and SNPs (Stuart et al., 2023a)
Figure 3 | Subclassifications of different structural variants (SVs)
that may need to be considered when conducting analysis, as they could impact pattern inference of different eco evolutionary processes.
Evolutionary Genomics for Conservation & Restoration
Understanding evolutionary processes and the distribution of genetic diversity is essential for effective management, conservation, and restoration. My research spans species with very small, isolated populations to those that are widely distributed, aiming to determine the best ways to preserve, safeguard, and sustainably utilise genetic resources. I focus on maintaining adaptive diversity through the application of evolutionary science to understand how, and when, genetic diversity or its absence influences population resilience.
Figure 1 | Linkage map of the Hihi
to better predict translocation and breeding outcomes of this entirely managed species.
My recent research highlights:
- ❯ Shaping diversity and evolutionary resilience in native seed production areas (forthcoming)
- ❯ Managing inbreeding within endangered Hihi populations (Tan et al., 2024) (Stuart et al., 2024a) (Tan et al., 2025)
Globally Invasive Common Starlings & Mynas
My research investigates how diverse genetic variants, from single nucleotide changes to complex structural variants, facilitate rapid adaptation in the globally invasive common/European starling and common/Indian myna. This multidisciplinary work integrates genomic data with historical human records (such as newspapers and natural history collections), morphology, and ecological information to track the invasion footprint of these species worldwide. Together, these approaches help unravel how and why these two avian invaders have spread so successfully.
My recent research highlights:
- ❯ Historical starling DNA from museum collections reveal global and invasive genomic changes during the Anthropocene (Stuart et al., 2022)
- ❯ Invasion driven change in a key domestication-associated gene shared between humans, dogs, sparrows, and invasive mynas (Atsawawaranunt et al., 2025)
- ❯ Historical newspaper records contextualize the starling invasion story told by DNA in New Zealand (Thompson et al., 2024)
- ❯ Climate variability underlies morphological changes in Australia’s invasive starling populations (Stuart et al., 2023b)
Figure 1 | Population structure and evolutionary trends of the common starling in Australia
including the genomic location of loci under selection, and associations between genetic, morphological, and environmental variability.
Population Management for Invasive Species
I use population genomics and evolutionary principles to directly inform conservation strategies for managing invasive species. By applying cutting-edge genomic tools to real-world challenges, I translate evolutionary insights into practical management approaches and develop accessible resources that bridge the gap between fundamental research and effective conservation action.
Figure 3 | The historical context of invasions
helps to contextualize shifts in genetic diversity within both native and introduced ranges.
My recent research highlights:
- ❯ Genomic applications in invasion biology (McGaughran & Dhami et al. 2024) (Stuart et al. 2023c)
- ❯ Genomic-informed deer management in the Illawarra region (Li-Williams & Stuart et al., 2023)
Genomic diveristy & variation: Future research directions
❯ Kangaroo paws, hybird zones, and strucutral variants.
❯ Detecting population genetic variation in eDNA.
❯ Population genomics of Australian native plants. This includes emerging work in seed production areas (SPAs), where we ask whether genetic diversity—neutral and functional—can predict restoration outcomes and population resilience.
❯ Detecting population genetic variation in eDNA.
❯ Population genomics of Australian native plants. This includes emerging work in seed production areas (SPAs), where we ask whether genetic diversity—neutral and functional—can predict restoration outcomes and population resilience.