Dr Andrew Weeks

Director
BA Science (Honours), PhD Ecological Genetics

Andrew’s passion is genetics. He is fascinated by how creatures adapt to their environments, and how nature versus nurture contributes to the process. His interest began when studying insects in agricultural environments, but it wasn’t long before Andrew’s focus shifted to the conservation field. Andrew has spent 15 years working on some of Australia’s most endangered animals. This includes his favourite species, the mountain pygmy possum, which also happens to live in his favourite environment, the Australian alps.

After learning that many of the invasive insect species he was working with had devastating impacts on the farming industry, Andrew realised the value of basic applied research. By sharing his research, he found that farmers could not only improve how they worked but also save money. He has gone on to bring this attitude to his work in conservation, where resources are scarce, and monitoring is often a luxury. His experience helped him realise that monitoring could be undertaken more efficiently, leading Andrew to undertake research into eDNA.

Andrew has led research around eDNA in Australia since 2012, applying it to a wide variety of terrestrial and aquatic environments. This research has given him the confidence that eDNA can be used routinely in natural resource decision making. While Andrew still loves genetics, he values how his experience can help businesses, managers and stakeholders make better environmental decisions. Outside of work, Andrew’s other great passion is trail running. Ironically, he has now realised that his own personal genetics are his nemesis and has recently spent more time in rehab than out on the trails.

Contact: aweeks@envirodna.com