Dr Christina Birnbaum
Research Fellow
Deakin University, Burwood campus
221 Burwood Hwy, VIC 3125
Christina's research
Christina is a plant ecologist interested in a wide range of topics related to plants, specifically their biology and interactions with below-ground micro organisms in native and novel environments, especially with rhizobia and mycorrhizal fungi. She uses field observations, combined with experimental manipulations and molecular tools to explore questions pertaining plant-microbe interactions in natural and modified ecosystems to inform invasive species management, restoration ecology and plant-microbe dynamics. Christina has gained research experience working in Europe, Australia and USA.
Christina is also a strong supporter of women in STEM through various mentoring schemes.
Keywords
Microbes, plants, invasive species, plant-microbe interactions
Research Career
- Research Fellow – Deakin University (2020-present)
- Research Officer – RMIT University (2020- present)
- Honorary Fellow – Deakin University (2018-2020)
- Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Tulane University (2017-2018)
- Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Murdoch University (2014-2017)
- PhD, Macquarie University (2013)
Career Highlights
- 2020 Mentor, CSIRO Mentoring Program
- 2018 Mentor, Women in ecology mentoring scheme, British Ecological Society
- 2017 Associate Editor, Plant Ecology
- 2017 Lead Convenor, ESA Australia Plant-Soil Ecology Research Chapter
- 2015 Murdoch University Small Grant Scheme (co-CI)
Selected publications
Schroeder, C., Halbrook, S., Birnbaum, C., Waryszak, P., Wilber, W., Farrer, E.C. (2020) The microbial ecology of a widespread invader: Phragmites australis harbors fungal communities characterized by high diversity and pathogen abundance. Diversity .
Birnbaum, C., Egidi, E. (2020) Editorial: Special thematic issue on applying microbial community research to improve conservation and restoration outcomes. Plant Ecology. See here all Special Issue papers.
Wandrag, E.M., Birnbaum, C., Klock, M.M., Barrett, L., Thrall, P.H. (2020) Availability of soil mutualists may not limit Acacia invasion but could increase the impact of non-native Acacia on native soil communities. Journal of Applied Ecology.
Gorzelak, M., McAmmond, B.M., Van Hamme, J.D. , Birnbaum, C., Thomsen, C., Hart, M. (2020) Soil Microbial Communities in Long-Term Soil Storage for Sand Mine Reclamation. Ecological Restoration
Birnbaum, C., Hopkins, A.J.M., Fontaine, J.B., Enright, N. (2019) Soil fungal responses to experimental warming and drying in a Mediterranean shrubland. Science of the Total Environment. See also The Conversation article.
