Research Fellow

Email: Molly.a.williams@warwick.ac.uk

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Research Groups

Gary Bending research group

Research Clusters

Environment & Ecology

Warwick Centres and GRPs

WESIC

Current Research

The urgency of biodiversity monitoring is at an all-time high due to increasing threats such as changes in land use, species exploitation and invasive species, to global ecosystems. Whilst traditional methods of surveying biodiversity are readily used, they are limited by their expense, labour intensity and invasiveness. My research uses molecular methods, such as the detection of environmental DNA (eDNA) to create biodiversity snapshots and track endangered and invasive species.

My current work, in collaboration with Coventry City Council, Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and Canal and River Trust, uses eDNA technology to establish the distribution of the invasive Signal Crayfish and native White Clawed Crayfish within Coventry’s waters. This is part of the broader Natural England Species Recovery Programme. Additionally, I am using metabarcoding to create biodiversity observatories in this urban landscape to assess the effects of protection measures such as habitat restoration.

Broader interests and activities

My broader research interests include looking more widely at how molecular techniques can be used in environmental monitoring. My PhD project, carried out at Dublin City University, involved creating a novel approach to eDNA monitoring by combining isothermal amplification and CRISPR detection as a route to in-field monitoring of freshwater fish. This project sparked a passion for exploring how techniques developed primarily for biomedical research can be used to circumvent methodological hurdles in environmental research.

Outside of my research, I have a keen interest in science communication and outreach. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I worked with the Irish Department of Health to create social media content to assist Governmental messaging of public health guidelines. Additionally, I enjoy running outreach events for children to hopefully inspire the next generation of scientists.