Thalinger Bettina MMMag. PhD
Institut für Zoologie
Universität Innsbruck
Technikerstr. 25
6020 Innsbruck
Österreich
Room: 6/28
Phone: +43 512 507-51893
E-mail: bettina.thalinger@uibk.ac.at
Current research
Since July 2022 I work as Senior Scientist at the Applied Animal Ecology Research Unit (Department of Zoology) at the University of Innsbruck. The detection of trace amounts of DNA in environmental samples (eDNA) lies at the centre of my research. I am using these DNA traces to study dynamic species distribution patterns, trophic interactions, and the connection between functional ecology and local biodiversity. Anthropogenic influences on natural habitats or human competition for natural resources are aspects that regularly occur in my research.
Over the last years, I have been primarily working with fishes, birds, and, more generally, with species of conservation concern. More recently, I am leading research efforts to integrate environmental DNA based methods for studying marine megafauna species (eWHALE project) and monitoring terrestrial arthropod diversity (GeMonA+ project). I develop, optimize, and apply DNA metabarcoding and species-specific assays to support conservation and management efforts. My research projects often connect large field sampling campaigns with laboratory work under clean-room conditions. The inclusion of local stakeholders and the dissemination of results to the general public are cornerstones of many of my projects. During my time at the University of Guelph I was involved in two community science projects aiming to detect local vertebrate diversity with the help of Canada-wide volunteer networks. Currently, I lead efforts at the University of Innsbruck to set up infrastructure for DNA-based biodiversity data input and storage (ATIV-Biodat project). I actively participate in international efforts to standardize the application of eDNA-based techniques in routine species monitoring and make eDNA-based data FAIR (FAIR eDNA working group).
In the past, I have investigated the feeding ecology of piscivores (cormorants and Eurasian otters) and optimized molecular tools for the detection of fish in Alpine rivers and streams with a special focus on eDNA transport and the spawning migrations of fish. During my MSc, I studied the use of trap crops as a means to manage pests in organic farming.
The overall aim of my research is to use cutting-edge molecular techniques to contribute to a general understanding of species ecology. Due to my additional qualifications in International Business and Economics, I have close ties to several commercial providers of eDNA-related services and actively uses my leadership experience for mentoring and supervising undergraduate and graduate students.
CV
- Senior Scientist at the University of Innsbruck (since July 2022) Work focus: Advancing and integrating environmental DNA – based biomonitoring in terrestrial and aquatic environments.
- Postdoctoral fellow at the University of Guelph (2019-2022) Work focus: the application of environmental DNA based techniques for the detection of birds and fish in Canadian freshwaters to investigate seasonal migrations and general distribution patterns.
- Postdoctoral fellow at the University of Innsbruck (2016 – 2018) Project title: eDNA – AlpFish: Detection and semi-quantitative population estimates of Alpine fish species via eDNA
- PhD program Biology at the University of Innsbruck (2011 – 2016) Title of PhD thesis: Molecular methods to study the feeding ecology of the Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo in Alpine foreland freshwaters
- Master program Ecology (academic title: Mag. Biol.) at the University of Innsbruck (2007 – 2010) Title of MSc thesis: Trap crops as a means to manage Agriotes larvae in maize: effects on spatial distribution, food choice and crop damage
- Diploma program (academic title: Mag. rer. soc. oec.) International Economics and Business Science at the University of Innsbruck (2006 – 2010) Title of diploma thesis: Team structure and performance of professional football teams: evidence from Germany
- Diploma program (academic title: Mag. rer. soc. oec.) Economics at the University of Innsbruck (2005 – 2009) Title of diploma thesis: Team structure and performance of professional football teams: evidence from Germany
- Year abroad at Carleton University (Ottawa, Canada) (2007 – 2008)
- Bachelor’s Degree in Biology (academic title: Bakk. Biol.) at the University of Innsbruck (2004 – 2007)