Anusuya Willis

Background

About Anusuya Willis

Dr Anusuya Willis (BSc Hons (Melbourne Uni), PhD (Melbourne Uni and Paris Sud XI)) is a molecular biologist specialising in cyanobacteria and algae. Dr Willis is the director of the Australian National Algae Culture Collection (ANACC), CSIRO. A collection of living strains of microalgae, seaweeds, kelp gametophytes and cyanobacteria. Specialising in Australia's unique algae biodiversity. Dr Willis' research interests are understanding phytoplankton diversity, adaptation and population dynamics. In particular she is interested in how genome variation and differential gene expression in response to environmental stimuli leads to population changes, variable cell physiology and adaptation. At ANACC I investigate aspects of algae ecology, cell biology and commercial applications. EXPERTISE I have developed a range of technical skills highly relevant to undertaking research on the molecular ecology of algae, including cyanobacteria and specifically: Cell Biology: experienced with light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and scanning-confocal microscopy; cell culturing, cell isolation, clonal and axenic cell culture preparation, and cell preparation for microscopy with staining or labeling. Some experience with transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and quartz crystal microbalance. Molecular Biology: experienced in DNA and RNA extraction and purification, gene cloning and plasmid preparation; genetic transformation of diatom cells and characterisation of transgenic cell lines. Biochemistry: experienced in protein, carbohydrate and lipid extraction and purification techniques; SDS-PAGE, western-blots, HPLC, and GC-MS. Laboratory skills: I have expertise in a wide range of chemistry and biology laboratory equipment, procedures and safety. I am competent in laboratory chemical and biohazardous material use and disposal. Manager and Team Leader: I have been the lab manger of a PC2 lab with experience in OH & S