Research Scientist and Manager of the Molecular Systematics Unit at the Western Australian Museum, Dr Gaynor Dolman, will present Behind the scenes in Western Australian Museum’s DNA Laboratory next Wednesday at the WA Museum – Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

Part of the 2014 In the Wild West series, Dr Dolman’s lecture will explore the Molecular Systematics Unit, including how and why scientists use this facility, the role of DNA in deciding what is called a species and investigating the uses of DNA Barcoding.

“Many people would be surprised to know that despite the fact that scientists have spent centuries cataloguing all the different species on Earth, we have only discovered 15 per cent of the approximate 8.7 million species,” said Dr Dolman. 

“The vast majority of new species discoveries are found among invertebrate animals, such as insects, spiders, millipedes and snails.

“Interestingly these are all ancient animal groups that have been living in Western Australia for millions of years.”

Regional Manager of WA Museum – Kalgoorlie-Boulder Zoe Scott said hosting lectures from the In the Wild West series is an engaging way to share important and relevant stories with the local community.

“Dr Dolman’s research and indeed the research carried out by all scientists using this new facility is current, real and applies to all Western Australians including our Goldfields communities,” Ms Scott said.

In the Wild West is a six-month lecture series delivered to regional and metropolitan locations across the State, thanks to support from Rangelands Natural Resource Management, WA. 

Behind the scenes in Western Australian Museum’s DNA Laboratory is on Wednesday, 13 August at 5:30pm, at the WA Museum – Kalgoorlie-Boulder.  To book call 9021 8533 or visit http://museum.wa.gov.au/whats-on/in-the-wild-west

Jane Rosevear
Media and Publicity Officer
Western Australian Museum
(08) 6552 7805
jane.rosevear@museum.wa.gov.au