Rate My Professor Allison Miller

Allison Miller is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Health Sciences Division, at the University of Otago. She obtained her Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Otago in 2023, with a doctoral thesis entitled "Genomics of pouched lampreys (Geotriidae) for improved management," which was rated as exceptional by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor. Her research encompasses conservation genetics, population genomics, molecular systematics, zoology, ecology, and fisheries biology, with particular emphasis on marine invertebrates such as lampreys, holothuroids, and coral reef organisms. As a member of the Gemmell Lab, she contributes to projects including a genomics-informed approach to avian influenza virus detection, surveillance, and capacity building, as well as investigations into novel pathogens using FFPE archival tissues.

Miller's scholarly output includes impactful publications that have advanced knowledge in evolutionary biology and conservation. Prominent works are "Molecular phylogeny of extant Holothuroidea" (2017, Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution), providing a comprehensive phylogenetic framework for sea cucumbers; "Toxicity of Deepwater Horizon source oil and the chemical dispersant, Corexit® 9500, to coral larvae" (2013, PLOS One), assessing environmental impacts of oil spills; and "Intraspecific preen oil odor preferences in dark-eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis)" (2011, Behavioral Ecology). She received the 2023 American Genetic Association award for her paper on population genomics of New Zealand Geotriidae. Additional contributions cover Southern Hemisphere lampreys (2021) and non-invasive real-time genomic monitoring of the critically endangered kākāpō. In November 2023, she presented a poster on FFPE tissues for pathogen insights at the Indo-Pacific Fish Conference in Auckland. Her research informs management strategies for native species, enhances biosecurity, and supports Pacific biodiversity conservation.