Marie-Alix Laplaud

(Marie-)Alix Laplaud

I am a volunteer at the Australian Museum Research Institute in Sydney.

I recently completed a master’s degree in Biodiversity, Ecology, and Evolution at the University of Rennes, with a focus on Functional, Behavioural, and Evolutionary Ecology. A long-standing interest in biology and chemistry led me to pursue a career in science.

At the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney’s Research Centre for Ecosystem Resilience, I worked on two projects: one tested how endophyte reintroduction influences germination in Microlaena stipoides and Themeda triandra; the other assessed how urban fragmentation affects genetic diversity in four species within the endangered Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub.

Because I love learning new skills and exploring new areas, I am currently volunteering with BEAM to gain practical experience with animal functional traits and to build expertise in scientific databases.

Supervisor: Dr Frédérik Saltré (BEAM)

My research

I am currently collecting data on functional traits, such as morphology, behaviour, and diet, of Australian and New Zealand birds from research papers and databases for future analysis and potential publication. I am also developing an article idea based on this dataset.

My interests

Conservation genetics
Evolutionary dynamics
Ecological modelling
Restoration ecology
Microbiology

Fun facts

I have loved learning about tea and drinking it since I was 15 (the history, the different types, and their origins). Over time, I have built up a large collection of teas and infusions from around the world. It's not an addiction, I promise, just a passion!

Favourite quote

“Petit à petit, l’oiseau fait son nid” – “Little by little, the bird builds its nest.”

A French expression that reminds me that progress takes time. Or, as they say in English: “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”