ABHIRAJ CHAKRABORTY

Wildlife Biology graduate from Manchester Metropolitan University. Currently pursuing a research MPhil, studying the effects of genetic diversity on adaptability to oceanic acidification in sponges and their cryptic species diversity. Looking to take my next steps in academia through a PhD exploring my interest in the application of eDNA in conservation genetics. Well experienced in independent fieldwork in remote locations, biodiversity surveying and specimen collection. Have a good understanding of ex-situ marine and freshwater husbandry. Proficient in molecular techniques like PCR, DNA Extraction, Next-Gen Sequencing as well as bioinformatics using R and Python. Active cyclist, sports enthusiast, amateur photographer and blogger.

Current Projects

• Cryptic speciation in the Vase Sponge Ircinia campana in the Greater Caribbean

MPhil project supervised by Dr. Sarah Griffiths, using a genome skimming approach with Nanopore next generation sequencing technology to explore the taxonomic status of Ircinia campana in southern Belize, to help to elucidate whether I. campana is a cryptic species complex, whilst also exploring genome skimming through Nanopore sequencing as a cost-effective means of resolving complex taxonomic challenges in sponges.

• Effects of intraspecific genetic diversity in the acclimatory response to ocean acidification in the sponge Cinachyrella alloclada

MPhil project supervised by Dr. Sarah Griffiths, using a controlled laboratory seawater carbonate chemistry perturbation experiment to Investigate differential gene expression and microbiome shifts as potential acclimatory responses to ocean acidification in the sponge Cinachyrella alloclada, and how they vary among genotypes using illuminia next generation sequencing for RNAseq and 16S rRNA Metabarcoding.

• Carbon Capture from Living Walls

Research assistant working with principal investigators Dr Emma Coulthard and Joseph Rouse. Responsible for the planning and execution of a pilot study reviewing various eDNA sampling methods for the walls by testing sample preparation, DNA extraction and quality control protocols from the literature, along with collaboration with industrial eDNA based biodiversity monitoring services to develop efficient sampling and analysis pipelines.

Completed Projects

• Blue Carbon Potential of Restored Saltmarshes in the UK (2022)

Research Assistant assisting PIs Dr. Rachel Dunk, Hannah Mossman, Robert Sparkes and various Post Docs, with their project examining carbon storage in managed realignment sites, using elemental C&N and stable C&N isotope analysis .

• An Analysis of Body Mass Index of Ecuadorean Anurans and a Comparison between Wild and Captive Dendrosophus bifurcus Populations (2020)

Undergraduate research project under the supervision of Prof. Richard Preziosi, involving the systematic capture and release of four hundred specimens of neo-tropical amphibians for physiological data collection with the aim of developing species specific bio-mass indexes for evaluating heath in captive populations of the respective species. Written up as my final year thesis that earned a first-class grade.

(upcoming) 11th International Sponge Symposium October 2022

Leiden Netherlands

Selected to present a poster about my research project on The Acclimatory response to Ocean Acidification in Cinachyrella alloclada

Annual PGR Conference 2021

Manchester Metropolitan University

Presented a poster based on my research on cryptic speciation

Annual PGR Conference 2022

Manchester Metropolitan University

Presented a talk on my ocean acidification research project

• Awarded The Vice Councilors International Scholarship for Academic Excellence
• Received thirds place in the poster category at the Manchester Metropolitan University Annual PGR Conference.
• Received a Research Support Award worth GDP 500 for research travel and conference attendance expenses.

• British Ecological Genetics Group (BEG)
• Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust (ARC)

Dr. Sarah Griffiths

Sarah.Griffiths@mmu.ac.uk

+44 (0)161 247 2000

Address: E406 John Dalton Building, Manchester Campus, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK

Dr. Rachel Dunk

r.dunk@mmu.ac.uk

+44 (0) 161 247 1185

Address: E403 John Dalton Building, Manchester Campus, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK

Dr. Damian Rivett

d.rivett@mmu.ac.uk

+44 (0) 161 247 6222

Address: E406 John Dalton Building, Manchester Campus, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK