Melissa is a Research Scientist with the Flora Conservation and Herbarium Program where her chief responsibilities are to conduct research that contributes to the circumscription, conservation and management of Western Australia’s endangered flora. Melissa’s research focuses on utilising molecular genetic techniques to assess evolutionary processes such as mating systems and gene flow that maintain levels of genetic diversity and shape patterns of genetic structure in native taxa. Her work contributes to understanding the effects of current anthropogenic disturbances as well as long term evolutionary influences on the persistence and phylogeographic structure of native taxa. Melissa is currently the Secretary of the Australian Network for Plant Conservation. Melissa has also worked in the culture of specialised plant tissues utilised in advanced breeding programs of forestry and agricultural species.
Qualifications
2008
PhD, Dept. Food, Ag and Wine, Adelaide University (AU). Project title: Acacia saligna as an agroforestry crop for southern Australia: a genetic assessment.
1998
Bachelor of Science. Honours. Dept. Biological Sciences, Murdoch University. Project title: The mating system of jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata Donn Ex. Sm).
Positions held
2008–present
Post-doctoral Research Scientist, Department of Environment and Conservation.
2004–2008
Post-graduate Researcher, Adelaide University, the Co-operative Research Centre for Plant Based Management of Dryland Salinity and Department of Environment and Conservation.
2001–2004
Graduate Research Assistant, Faculty of Plant Sciences, the University of Western Australia.
1999–2001
Technical Officer, Department of Conservation and Land Management.
Membership of Professional Association
Secretary of the Australian Network for Plant Conservation
Millar MA, Coates DJ, Byrne M, Krauss SL, Jonson J, Hopper SD (2021). Evaluating restoration outcomes through assessment of pollen dispersal, mating system and genetic diversity. Restoration Ecology 29,
Millar MA, Byrne M (2020). Variable clonality and genetic structure among disjunct populations of Banksia mimica. Conservation Genetics 21, pp. 803–818
Millar MA, Coates DJ, Byrne M, Krauss SL, Williams MR, Jonson J et al. (2020). Pollen dispersal, pollen immigration, mating and genetic diversity in restoration of the southern plains Banksia. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 129, pp. 773–792
Millar MA, Mezgebe K, Hagazi N, Cunningham P, Byrne M (2020). Genetic assignment, diversity and divergence of naturalised Acacia saligna (Fabaceae) in Tigray, Ethiopia. Tree Genetics and Genomes 16,
Byrne M, Krauss SL, Millar MA, Elliott CP, Coates DJ, Yates C et al. [Binks RM, Nistelberger H, Butcher R, Barrett M, Gibson N] (2019). Persistence and stochasticity are key determinants of genetic diversity in plants associated with banded iron formation inselbergs. Biological Reviews 94, pp. 753–772
Funnekotter AV, Millar M, Krauss SL, Nevill PG (2019). Phylogeographic analyses of Acacia karina (Fabaceae) support long term persistence of populations both on and off banded ironstone formations. Australian Journal of Botany 67, pp. 194–204
Millar M, Coates D, Byrne M, Krauss S, Anthony J, Williams M et al. (2019). Is restoration working? An ecological genetic assessment. PowerPoint presentation at The Science of Ecological Restoration in the Great Southern Workshop, Albany, 1 November 2019. University of Western Australia, Albany. 51 p.
Millar MA, Anthony JM, Coates DJ, Byrne M, Krauss SL, Williams MR et al. (2019). Genetic diversity, mating system and reproductive output of restored Melaleuca acuminata populations are comparable to natural remnant populations. Ecological Restoration 37, pp. 222–232
Millar MA, Coates DJ, Byrne M, Krauss SL, Jonson J, Hopper SD (2019). Assessment of genetic diversity and mating system of Acacia cyclops restoration and remnant populations. Restoration Ecology 27, pp. 1327–1338
Millar MA, Coates DJ, Byrne M, Roberts JD (2019). An integrated genetic approach to provenancing and establishment of founding individuals for restoration in the semiarid midwest region of Western Australia. Australian Journal of Botany 67, pp. 218–233
Millar MA, Coates DJ, Byrne M, Roberts JD (2019). Provenancing for landscape restoration in the midwest. Available at https://www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/about-us/science-and-research/publications-resources/111-science-division-information-sheets. DBCA, Kensington, WA. Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Western Australia, Information Sheet 95, 2 p.
Millar M, Coates DJ, Byrne M, Krauss SL, Anthony J, Williams MR et al. (2018). Is restoration working? An ecological genetic assessment (ABSTRACT). In APCC12 abstracts: 12th Australasian Plant Conservation Conference 2018, 11-15 November 2018, CSIRO, Canberra p. 9
Teixeira da Silva JA, Kher MM, Soner D, Nataraj M, Dobránszki J, Millar MA (2018). Santalum molecular biology: molecular markers for genetic diversity, phylogenetics and taxonomy, and genetic transformation. Agroforestry Systems 92, pp. 1301–1315
Byrne M, Coates D, Macdonald B, McArthur S, Zhou M, Millar M et al. [van Leeuwen S] (2017). Refining expectations for environmental characteristics of refugia: two ranges of differing elevation and topographical complexity are mesic refugia in an arid landscape. Journal of Biogeography 44, pp. 2539–2550
Millar MA, Byrne M, Coates DJ, Roberts JD (2017). Comparative analysis indicates historical persistence and contrasting contemporary structure in sympatric woody perennials of semi-arid south-west Western Australia. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 120, pp. 771–787
Millar M, Coates D, Byrne M, Roberts D (2016). An integrated approach to designing provenancing guidelines illustrated for landscape restoration in the midwest of Western Australia (ABSTRACT). In APCC11, 11th Australasian Plant Conservation Conference: New Approaches to Plant Conservation Challenges in the Modern World: Conference Program & Abstracts, Monday 14th November-Friday 18th November 2016, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Melbourne p. 14
Millar MA, Byrne M, Coates DJ, Roberts JD (2016). Contrasting diversity and demographic signals in sympatric narrow-range endemic shrubs of the south-west Western Australian semi-arid zone. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 118, pp. 315–329
Millar MA, Coates DJ, Byrne M, Roberts JD (2016). Australian Research Council Linkage Project, LP120100314: Managing genetic diversity and evolutionary processes in foundation species for landscape restoration in the midwest of Western Australia: final report to Karara Mining Ltd by the Department of Parks and Wildlife. Department of Parks and Wildlife, Kensington, WA. 58 p.
Binks RM, Millar MA, Byrne M (2015). Contrasting patterns of clonality and fine-scale genetic structure in two rare sedges with differing geographic distributions. Heredity 115, pp. 235–242
Binks RM, Millar MA, Byrne M (2015). Not all rare species are the same: contrasting patterns of genetic diversity and population structure in two narrow-range endemic sedges. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 114, pp. 873–886
Binks RM, Gardner MG, Millar MA, Byrne M (2014). Characterization and cross-amplification of novel microsatellite markers for two Australian sedges, Lepidosperma sp. Mt Caudan and L. sp. Parker Range (Cyperaceae). Conservation Genetics Resources 6, pp. 333–336
Coates D, Byrne M, Bradbury D, Llorens T, Millar M (2014). Incorporating genetic diversity and evolutionary processes into plant conservation policy and management: a Western Australian perspective (ABSTRACT). In APCC10, 10th Australasian Plant Conservation Conference, 2014: Conference Program & Abstracts: Tuesday 11th November-Friday 14th November 2014, The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel, Hobart, Tasmania p. 21
Millar MA, Byrne M, Coates DJ, Roberts JD (2014). Characterisation of microsatellite DNA markers for Grevillea paradoxa (F. Muell.). Conservation Genetics Resources 6, pp. 139–141
Millar MA, Byrne M, Coates DJ, Roberts JD (2014). Characterisation of microsatellite DNA markers for the wiry honey myrtle, Melaleuca nematophylla Craven. Conservation Genetics Resources 6, pp. 439–441
Millar MA, Coates DJ, Byrne M (2014). Extensive long-distance pollen dispersal and highly outcrossed mating in historically small and disjunct populations of Acacia woodmaniorum (Fabaceae), a rare banded iron formation endemic. Annals of Botany 114, pp. 961–971
Millar MA, Coates DJ, Byrne M, Roberts JD (2014). Characterisation of microsatellite DNA markers for Grevillea globosa C.A.Gardner. Conservation Genetics Resources 6, pp. 689–691
Millar MA, Coates DJ, Byrne M, Roberts JD (2014). Characterisation of microsatellite DNA markers for Mirbelia bursarioides A.M.Monro & Crisp ms.. Conservation Genetics Resources 6, pp. 693–695
Binks R, Millar M, Byrne M (2013). Progress report for assessment of genetic processes in Lepidosperma sp. Parker Range and Lepidosperma sp. Mt Caudan: report submitted to Botanica Consulting and Cazaly Iron Ore Pty Ltd. Department of Environment and Conservation, Kensington, WA. 11 p.
Millar MA, Byrne M (2013). Cryptic divergent lineages of Pultenaea pauciflora M.B.Scott (Fabaceae: Mirbelieae) exhibit different evolutionary history. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 108, pp. 871–881
Millar MA, Coates DJ, Byrne M (2013). Genetic connectivity and diversity in inselberg populations of Acacia woodmaniorum, a rare endemic of the Yilgarn Craton banded iron formations. Heredity 111, pp. 437–444
Binks R, Millar M, Byrne M (2012). Progress report for assessment of genetic processes in Lepidosperma sp. Parker Range and Lepidosperma sp. Mt Caudan: report submitted to Botanica Consulting and Cazaly Iron Ore Pty Ltd. Department of Environment and Conservation, Kensington, WA. 9 p.
Byrne M, Coates D, Macdonald B, McArthur S, Zhou M, Millar M et al. [van Leeuwen S] (2012). Local provenance and identification of historical refugia in Eucalyptus leucophloia in the Pilbara (ABSTRACT). In Society for Ecological Restoration Australasia Conference: Perth, Western Australia, Australia, 28-30 November 2012: Program and Conference Abstracts p. 42
Coates DJ, Byrne M, Millar MA, Shepherd KA, van Leeuwen SJ (2012). The role of genetics in defining taxonomic boundaries and conservation units (ABSTRACT). In Program and Abstracts: Australasian Systematic Botany Society Conference 2012: Local Knowledge, Global Delivery: 23-28 September, Perth, Western Australia p. 24
Millar MA, Byrne M (2012). Assessment of genetic diversity captured in Acacia saligna populations from Tigray, Ethiopia: report to World Vision Australia by the Department of Environment and Conservation. Department of Environment and Conservation, Kensington, WA. 16 p.
Millar MA, Byrne M (2012). Biogeographic origins and reproductive mode of naturalised populations of Acacia saligna. Australian Journal of Botany 60, pp. 383–395
Millar MA, Byrne M, Barbour E (2012). Characterisation of eleven polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers for Australian sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) (R.Br.) A.DC. (Santalaceae). Conservation Genetics Resources 4, pp. 51–53
Millar MA, Byrne M, Nuberg IK, Sedgley M (2012). High levels of genetic contamination in remnant populations of Acacia saligna from a genetically divergent planted stand. Restoration Ecology 20, pp. 260–267
Millar MA, Coates DJ, Byrne M (2012). Connectivity and restoration in Acacia woodmaniorum (Maslin and Buscomb), a rare endemic of the Yilgarn banded ironstones (ABSTRACT). In Society for Ecological Restoration Australasia Conference: Perth, Western Australia, Australia, 28-30 November 2012: Program and Conference Abstracts p. 75
Thompson GD, Bellstedt DU, Byrne M, Millar MA, Richardson DM, Wilson JRU et al. (2012). Cultivation shapes genetic novelty in a globally important invader. Molecular Ecology 21, pp. 3187–3199
Byrne M, Coates DJ, Millar MA (2011). Assessing patterns of genetic diversity: essential data for implementing plant reintroduction strategies (ABSTRACT). In ICCB 2011: Engaging Society in Conservation: Abstracts: 25th International Congress for Conservation Biology: Auckland, New Zealand, 5-9 December 2011 p. 22
Byrne M, Stone L, Millar MA (2011). Assessing genetic risk in revegetation. Journal of Applied Ecology 48, pp. 1365–1373
Byrne M, Yates C, Coates D, Elliott C, Gibson N, Sampson J et al. [Millar M] (2011). Restoring and maintaining genetic connections in a landscape context (ABSTRACT). In Genetics Society of AustralAsia, Annual Conference 2011: Melbourne, July 10-13th 2011 p. 103
Millar M, Byrne M, O'Sullivan W (2011). The complex issue of the Acacia saligna species complex (POSTER ABSTRACT). In MEDECOS XII: Linking Science to Resource Management: the International Mediterranean Ecosystems Conference: September 6-9, 2011, Los Angeles, California, United States: Abstracts p. 204
Millar M, Coates D (2011). Genetic diversity and population persistence in a rare endemic (ABSTRACT). In MEDECOS XII: Linking Science to Resource Management: the International Mediterranean Ecosystems Conference: September 6-9, 2011, Los Angeles, California, United States: Abstracts p. 107
Millar M, Coates DJ (2011). Maintaining species connectivity across a historically fragmented niche habitat (ABSTRACT). In SER2011: World Conference on Ecological Restoration: Re-establishing the Link Between Nature and Culture: Book of Abstracts: 4th World Conference on Ecological Restoration, 20th Annual Meeting of the Society, 2nd Meeting of the Ibero-American and Caribbean Ecological Restoration Network: Merida, Mexico, Sunday August 21-Thursday August 25, 2011 p. 140
Millar MA, Byrne M, O'Sullivan W (2011). Defining entities in the Acacia saligna (Fabaceae) species complex using a population genetics approach. Australian Journal of Botany 59, pp. 137–148
Millar MA, Coates DJ (2011). Assessment of population genetic variation and structure of Acacia woodmaniorum, and its phylogenetic relationship to other Acacia species: final report to Karara Mining Ltd by the Department of Environment and Conservation. Department of Environment and Conservation, Kensington, WA. 39 p.
Byrne M, Coates D, Millar M, Walker E, Yates C, Gibson N et al. [Elliott C, Butcher R, Sampson J] (2010). Conservation genetics of threatened species in the diverse flora of Western Australia (ABSTRACT). In Threatened Species Research Forum: Western Australian Ecology Centre, 9th July 2010: a Review of WA Government Research into Threatened Species p. 8
Byrne M, Yates C, Coates D, Elliott C, Gibson N, Sampson J et al. [Millar M] (2010). Restoring and maintaining genetic connections in a landscape context (ABSTRACT). In Australian Network for Plant Conservation Inc.: 8th National Conference: Planning Conservation to Achieving Restoration, 28 September to 1 October 2010, Perth, W.A.: Program & Abstracts p. 20
Millar M (2010). Seed collection for revegetation: guidelines for determining the requirement for local seed. Western Wildlife: Newsletter of the Land for Wildlife Scheme 14(1), pp. 6–8
Millar MA, Byrne M, Coates DJ (2010). The maintenance of disparate levels of clonality, genetic diversity and genetic differentiation in disjunct subspecies of the rare Banksia ionthocarpa.. Molecular Ecology 19, pp. 4127–4227
Millar MA, Coates DJ (2010). Assessment of population genetic variation and structure of Acacia woodmaniorum, and its phylogenetic relationship to other Acacia species: eighteen month report to Karara Mining Ltd by the Department of Environment and Conservation, April 2010. Department of Environment and Conservation, Kensington, WA. 27 p.
Millar MA, Coates DJ (2010). Assessment of population genetic variation and structure of Acacia woodmaniorum, and its phylogenetic relationship to other Acacia species: twenty four month report to Karara Mining Ltd by the Department of Environment and Conservation.. Department of Environment and Conservation, Kensington, WA. 26 p.
Millar MA, Coates DJ (2010). Spatial genetic structure in a rare banded ironstone endemic: implications for restoration (ABSTRACT). In Australian Network for Plant Conservation Inc.: 8th National Conference: Planning Conservation to Achieving Restoration, 28 September to 1 October 2010, Perth, W.A.: Program & Abstracts pp. 29–30
Byrne M, Stone L, Millar M (2009). Environmental risk in agroforestry. In Agroforestry for Natural Resource Management CSIRO Pub, Collingwood. pp. 107–126
Coates DJ, Millar M, Byrne M (2009). Assessment of the genetic structure and levels of clonality in the critically endangered Banksia ionthocarpa subsp. chrysophoenix and its sister taxon Banksia ionthocarpa subsp. ionthocarpa. Department of Environment and Conservation, Kensington, WA. 15 p.
Millar MA (2009). Characterisation of microsatellite DNA markers for the rare Acacia woodmaniorum (Leguminosae: Mimosaceae). Conservation Genetics Resources 1, pp. 441–445
Millar MA, Byrne M, Coates D (2009). Disparate patterns of population genetic diversity, structure and clonality in a critically endangered Banksia species (ABSTRACT). In GSA 2009: Brisbane, 7-10 July: Programme and Abstracts p. 46
Millar MA, Coates D (2009). Assessment of population genetic variation and structure of Acacia woodmaniorum, and its phylogenetic relationship to other Acacia species: twelve monthly report to Karara Mining Ltd by the Department of Environment and Conservation, October 2009. Department of Environment and Conservation, Kensington, WA. 12 p.
Millar MA, Coates DJ (2009). Assessment of population genetic variation and structure of Acacia woodmaniorum, and its phylogenetic relationship to other Acacia species: six month report to Karara Mining Ltd by the Department of Environment and Conservation, April 2009. Department of Environment and Conservation, Kensington, WA. 3 p.
Thompson GD, Le Roux JJ, Millar MA, Wilson JR, Richardson DM, Byrne M (2009). The Port Jackson 5 (ABSTRACT). pp. 441–442
Byrne M, Millar M (2008). Genetic works to delineate threatened flora species for recovery priority setting : Pultenaea pauciflora. Department of Environment and Conservation, Kensington, WA. 4 p.
Byrne M, Millar M (2008). Genetic works to delineate threatened flora species for recovery priority setting: Dryandra mimica (Banksia mimica). Department of Environment and Conservation, Kensington, WA. 5 p.
Byrne M, Millar MA, Sampson J (2008). Potential for genetic contamination of remnant native populations from planted stands of woody perennials in fragmented agricultural landscapes. In 2nd International Salinity Forum, Adelaide, 2008: Salinity, Water and Society, Global Issues, Local Action Conference Organising Committee, Adelaide. pp. 1–4
Byrne M, Sampson J, Millar MA (2008). Potential for genetic contamination of remnant native populations from planted stands of woody perennials in fragmented agricultural landscapes (ABSTRACT). In 2nd International Salinity Forum: Salinity, Water and Society, Global Issues, Local Action: 31 March-3 April, 2008, Adelaide Convention Centre: Forum Handbook p. 145
Millar M, Byrne M, Nuberg I, Sedgley M (2008). High outcrossing and random pollen dispersal in a planted stand of Acacia saligna subsp. saligna revealed by paternity analysis using microsatellites. Tree Genetics and Genomes 4, pp. 367–377
Millar MA (2008). Acacia saligna as a sustainable agroforestry crop for southern Australia: a genetic assessement. Thesis (PhD) - University of Adelaide. 131 p.
Millar MA, Byrne M (2008). Characterization of polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers in Banksia nivea, formerly Dryandra nivea. Molecular Ecology Resources 8, pp. 1393–1394
Millar MA, Byrne M, Coates DJ (2008). Seed collection for revegetation: guidelines for Western Australian flora. Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia 91, pp. 293–299
Millar MA, Byrne M, Nuberg I, Sedgley M (2008). A rapid PCR-based diagnostic test for the identification of subspecies of Acacia saligna. Tree Genetics and Genomes 4, pp. 625–635
Byrne M, Sampson J, Millar M (2007). Pollen dispersal between planted populations and remnant native populations in a fragmented agricultural landscape (ABSTRACT). In Abstracts: Genetics Society of AustralAsia 2007: 54th annual Conference, June 26th-29th, the University of Sydney, Australia: Comparative Genomics Workshop, June 26th-27th p. 36
Millar M, Byrne M, Coates D (2007). Seed collection zones for state forest management: a report to the Sustainable Forest Management Division. Department of Environment and Conservation, Kensington, WA. 21 p.
Millar MA, Byrne M (2007). Characterisation of polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers for Acacia saligna (Labill.) H.L.Wendl. (Mimosaceae). Molecular Ecology Notes 7, pp. 1372–1374
Millar MA, Byrne M (2007). High levels of gene flow but low levels of hybrid progeny in genetically divergent taxa in the Acacia saligna species complex of southwestern Australia (ABSTRACT). In Evolution 2007, Christchurch, New Zealand.16-20 June, 2007 p. 1
Millar MA, Byrne M (2007). Pollen contamination in Acacia saligna: assessing the risks for sustainable agroforestry. In Ecosystems and Sustainable Development. VI WIT Press, Southampton. pp. 101–110
Sampson J, Millar M, Byrne M (2007). Pollen dispersal between planted populations and remnant native populations in a fragmented agricultural landscape (ABSTRACT). In MedEcos XI: conference program, information & summary abstracts: the International Mediterranean Ecosystems Conference, Perth, Western Australia, Australia, Sunday 2-Wednesday 5 September 2007 pp. 108–109
Sampson J, Millar MA, Byrne M (2007). Pollen dispersal between planted populations and remnant native populations in a fragmented agricultural landscape. In MedEcos XI: conference proceedings: the International Mediterranean Ecosystems Conference, Perth, Western Australia, Australia, Sunday 2-Wednesday 5 September 2007 Kings Park & Botanic Garden, West Perth. pp. 221–222
Millar M (2005). Risk assessment for Acacia saligna agroforestry (POSTER ABSTRACT). In Advances in Plant Conservation Biology: Implications for Flora Management and Restoration: Symposium Program and Abstracts 25-27 October 2005 p. 31
