Maryam Mostajeran

My name is Maryam Mostajeran, a BIOPOLIS PhD student with a strong interest in conservation genetics and species diversity. For my master's thesis, I did the first assessment of genetic variation and evolutionary history of Caucasian black grouse (Lyrurus mlokosiewiczi). My research interests span Evolutionary Genetics, Conservation Genetics and Population Genetics. I have obtained theoretical knowledge in these fields mostly from the third year of my undergraduate study. I participated in voluntary lab courses as a junior student and, after that, as a postgraduate student. Most of my training took place at Ilia University in Tbilisi, Georgia. I have practical experience in laboratory bench work, research methodologies, and laboratory techniques in molecular biology, molecular ecology, DNA barcoding, and systematics. 

Questions that interest me range from understanding the evolutionary processes within and between species to the use of molecular markers and next generation techniques to find answers in different speciation mechanisms. Additionally, I find myself particularly captivated by the field of conservation genetics, which merges molecular tools with conventional approaches to address conservation challenges. Furthermore, I have a keen interest in examining species' responses to climate change and identifying those with higher phenotypic plasticity that enables them to adapt to the changing environment caused by global warming. 

In addition to my academic and research background, I have also honed my analytical and problem-solving skills through my work as an environmental consultant, where I have been able to put my theoretical knowledge into practical conservation plans. I have gained invaluable working experience specializing in Conservation Management and conducting projects such as captive breeding of Ovis orientalis in central Iran and creating the guide for locating and managing Houbara Bustard captive breeding sites in Iran.