Marion Howard

I am a conservation botanist with expertise in DNA barcoding, phylogenetic diversity, and rainforest conservation in Queensland. My work has contributed to near-complete phylogenetic coverage of the Southeast Queensland rainforest flora, with a focus on climatic refugia and significant rainforest communities on K’gari (Fraser Island). I have also conducted large-scale DNA barcoding of dry rainforest plant communities in coastal Central Queensland, generating foundational data for conservation planning in a poorly studied region.

I am currently involved in eDNA research at the University of the Sunshine Coast, working with Sunshine Coast Council to detect targeted invasive weed species in coastal catchments. This work applies cutting-edge molecular methods to support practical biodiversity management and conservation outcomes.