Charlotte Jense

PhD Candidate

I am passionate about wildlife conservation and wildlife forensic science, with a keen interest in genetic applications. I hold a background in wildlife management (BSc) and Forensic and Conservation Genetics (MSc). For my master’s thesis at the University of Central Lancashire, I focused on the population genetics of the Hen harrier, a bird of prey frequently persecuted in the UK, utilising the SkydancerPlex (a STR multiplex). Subsequently, I worked as laboratory analyst at Gendika B.V., a laboratory in the Netherlands specialising in genetic research. Here, I conducted DNA extractions, PCR and fragment analysis for sexing and parentage analysis, as well
as Sanger sequencing for species identification.

My current research broadly focuses on conservation genetics of galaxiid fishes. I am investigating the presence of cryptic diversity in two widespread diadromous species (Galaxias brevipinnis and Galaxias maculatus), the population genetics of an endemic Tasmanian species (Galaxias johnstoni), and the utilisation of eDNA for population genetic assessments, using another endemic Tasmanian species as case study (Galaxias fontanus).

Publications

Jense,C.,Adams,M.,Raadik,T.A.,Waters,J.,Morgan,D.,Barmuta,L.,Hardie,S.A., Deagle, B. E., Burridge, C. P. Cryptic diversity within two widespread diadromous freshwater fishes (Teleostei: Galaxiidae). (Submitted 2023, preprint available at Authorea).

Adams,M.,Hammer,M.P.,Unmack,P.J.,Raadik,T.A.,Jense,C.,Burridge,C.P.(2023) Multi-gene insights into the taxonomy and conservation of Tasmania’s galaxiid
fishes. Marine and Freshwater Research 74, 1113-1128.

Toomes,A.,Moncayo,S.,Stringham,O.C.,Lassaline,C.,Wood,L.,Millington,M.,Drake, C., Jense, C., Allen, A., Hill, K. G. W., García-Díaz, P., Mitchell, L., Cassey, P. (2023). A snapshot of online wildlife trade: Australian e-commerce trade of native and non-native pets. Biological Conservation, 282, 110040.

Contact
charlotte.jense@utas.edu.au