I am a conservation biologist specialising in the use of DNA metabarcoding to understand animal diets and reconstruct food webs. I am especially interested in using molecular tools to assist in the restoration of functioning and resilient ecosystems. 

I hold a PhD from Cardiff University, where I used molecular approaches to reconstruct island food webs, to assess the impacts of introduced Aldabra giant tortoises on Mauritian island ecosystems. The tortoises were previously introduced to Mauritian islands as proxies for extinct Mauritian giant tortoises in a rewilding experiment. I characterised the dietary preferences of the tortoises, and endemic Telfair’s skinks and Pink pigeons, using DNA metabarcoding to measure the impact of tortoises on plant communities and the wider food web.

Since finishing my PhD, I have worked with RSPB Cymru on managing Welsh landscapes to benefit nature, and with the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and Mauritian Wildlife Foundation to restore island ecosystems in Mauritius. Whilst working in Mauritius, I also focussed on capacity building with future leaders in conservation. 

  • PhD: Ecological replacement as a restoration tool: Disentangling the impacts of Aldabra giant tortoises (Aldbrachelys gigantea) using DNA metabarcoding
    School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, 2013–2018
  • MSc: (MRes) Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation
    Grand Challenges in Ecosystem and the Environment Initiative, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7PY, UK alexander.papadopulos@plants.ox.ac.uk., 2011–2012
  • BSc: Biology
    University of Sussex, 2007–2009

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