Patrick Buerger

Background

About Patrick Buerger

My work is focused on computational biology and molecular ecology. I investigate how aquatic organisms adapt to new environments and how to utilize this knowledge to influence their biology for specific outcomes, especially supporting environmental conservation purposes. For example, using omics technologies and comparative genomics/bioinformatics, I investigate the thermal tolerance of corals and their microalgae to develop novel intervention techniques for reef restoration. I am also part of the team "Enhanced Corals and Treatments" from the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program (RRAP), delivering an understanding of how corals adapt to temperature changes and how this knowledge can be translated into reef restoration and conservation. Previously, I worked as a postdoctoral fellow with CSIRO's Synthetic Biology Future Science Platform and the University of Melbourne, and completed my PhD in Marine Science on "Viruses and coral diseases" at the Australian Institute of Marine Science and James Cook University in Townsville, Australia. Current projects include: Enhancing Thermal Tolerance in Microalgae: This project investigates molecular mechanisms that underpin increased thermal tolerance in microalgae. My team analyses big data sets from genome and transcriptome sequencing of microalgae that have undergone heat-evolution through assisted evolution. Coral Resilience to Climate Change: We analyse genetic adaptations in corals and their impact on thermal tolerance to better understand coral resilience to climate change and how to tailor intervention techniques. Genetic Engineering of Microalgae: My team works on enhancing the thermal tolerance of microalgae by implementing genetic engineering techniques targeting both the nucleus and chloroplast. Somatic Hybridisation of Microalgae: This project aims to develop novel phenotypic diversity and genotypes in microalgae through somatic hybridisation. The process includes comprehensive physiological and genetic characterisations. https://researchers.mq.edu.au/en/persons/patrick-buerger