Through her PhD research, Dr Melanie Streicher sought to understand the complex ecological interactions between plants and their pollinators to inform effective conservation and contribute to knowledge of the “biodiversity canvas” these organisms form a part of.
Analysing pollen loads through the genetic lens of metabarcoding, Streicher uncovered a comparatively higher resolution of interacting species and links between plants and pollinators that are rare or difficult to observe physically. Offering a more comprehensive understanding of the links between these living entities, her research demonstrated that molecular metabarcoding could reveal previously unknown interactions and be a powerful tool to supplement existing ecological techniques.
Born and raised in Pietermaritzburg, completing all her studies at UKZN enabled Streicher to enjoy the comfort and familiarity of home while pursuing her research. Her master’s research concerned the genetics of Bearded Vultures, and despite not being a plant or insect enthusiast, Streicher’s interest in her PhD topic was piqued due to the global decline in pollinator populations and its implications for biodiversity and was a call-back to a mini project she did on pollinators during her undergraduate studies. Investigating a pollinating network also presented a good opportunity for interdisciplinary research and another system to apply different genetic techniques to.
A detail-oriented person who finds beauty and order in details, Streicher found it helpful to look at the web of plants and pollinators from a higher perspective and used metabarcoding to create a network of interacting partners. The complexity of the networks interested her, with perceptions being that pollinators like bees or butterflies are consistent in their choice of flower. Instead of finding the specialist interactions she expected, Streicher’s data revealed links between many unexpected plant-pollinator matches.
While involving hours of meticulous data analysis, her work showed the applicability of emerging genetic techniques to research in a world of big data, where researchers must find the truth and relevance of the data. This applies to conservation research, where results from big data must be appropriately applied to decision-making and planning.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Streicher faced delays in her research as she sent samples to the United States of America for metabarcoding processing that were slowed down by lockdown measures, and movement and access to campus were also restricted. The delays had implications for her project funding, adding financial and psychological strain. Some UKZN-based appointments in her School helped alleviate some pressure.
Ultimately, Streicher said overcoming challenges and dealing with unanticipated setbacks was achieved by being present daily, valuing every bit of progress, and finding support from her husband and church community. She maintained a strict work schedule to balance her personal, professional and academic commitments.
Streicher plans to proceed to postdoctoral research once approved and is keeping busy with extra lab work on various projects and looks forward to disseminating her PhD findings at conferences and in publications.
Streicher thanked her supervisors, Professors Steve Johnson and Sandi Willows-Munro, for their academic guidance and financial support; the administrative staff at the University for assisting with her paperwork battles; as well as family and friends, particularly her husband, Dr Jarryd Streicher, for their support and patience, saying, ‘a thesis cannot happen with the efforts of only one person.’
Words: Christine Cuénod
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini
