Genomic evidence of local adaptation in Scottish freshwater pearl mussels
Gillman, V.H., Cosgrove, P., Lancaster, L.T. et al. (2026). "Genomic evidence of local adaptation in Scottish freshwater pearl mussels." Conservation Genetics.
CV
Education
PhD, Biological Science, University of Aberdeen (2021–2026)
Thesis: Genomics, climate change, and recruitment failure in Scottish freshwater pearl musselsMSci Marine Biology (First Class Honours), University of Southampton (2014–2018)
Study abroad: University Centre in Svalbard; University of Gothenburg
Research experience
Doctoral Researcher, University of Aberdeen (2021–2026)
Integrated population genomics and ecological modelling to investigate local adaptation and climate vulnerability.
Developed reproducible workflows in R and Unix environments.Research Internship, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (2023)
Contributed to genomic and environmental analysis for eelgrass conservation.
Publications
Genetic correlates of host use in Scotland’s pearl mussels
Pritchard, V.L., Cosgrove, P., Gillman, V., Layton, K., McGill, L., Morrissey, B. (2025). "Genetic correlates of host use in Scotland’s pearl mussels." bioRxiv. doi:10.1101/2025.08.22.671716
Manuscripts in preparation
- Gillman, V., Lancaster, L., Pritchard, V.L., Layton, K.K.S.
Climate suitability and recruitment mismatch in freshwater pearl mussels (in preparation)
Talks
Local adaptation and forecasting response in the Scottish freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera)
Conference talk at European Society of Evolutionary Biology, Barcelona, Spain
Adaptive landscape of the endangered freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera)
Conference talk at Malacological Society of London, London, UK
Adaptive landscape of the endangered freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera)
Conference talk at Evolution Meeting, Montreal, Canada
Introduction to GitHub for reproducible research
Seminar at University of Aberdeen, School of Biological Sciences Seminar Series, Aberdeen, UK
Using historical museum shells to unravel phylogeographic relationships and climate change response
Poster at Bivalves: Where Are We Going?, Cambridge, UK
Integrating genomics and modelling to predict climate change response in the freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera)
Poster at University of Aberdeen Student Conference, Aberdeen, UK
Integrating genomics and modelling to predict climate change response in the endangered freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera)
Poster at British Ecological Society Annual Meeting, Edinburgh, UK
Integrating genomics and modelling to predict climate change response in the endangered freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera)
Poster at Malacological Society of London, London, UK
Integrating genomics and modelling to predict climate change response in the endangered freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera)
Poster at MASTS Annual Science Meeting, UK
Gametogenic ecology of Antarctic brittle star Ophionotus victoriae
Poster at Polar Early Career Conference, UK Polar Network, Online
Teaching
Funding and awards
- Malacological Society of London Early Career Research Grant (£1,334), 2023
- Charles Sutherland Scholarship (£900), 2023
- Charles Sutherland Scholarship (£675), 2024
- SUPER Doctoral Training Partnership PhD Studentship, 2021
Skills
- Programming & data: R, Git/GitHub, Unix/HPC, reproducible workflows
- Analysis: population genomics, statistical modelling, data visualisation
- Communication: scientific writing, presentations, outreach
Academic service
- Chair, Graduate School Student Committee (SUPER DTP) (2022–2024)
- Member, Graduate School Student Committee (2022–2025)
- Postgraduate Research Representative, University of Aberdeen (2022–2025)
- Member, Student–Staff Liaison Committee (2021–2025)
Professional memberships
European Society of Evolutionary Biology
Malacological Society of London
British Ecological Society
Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland