Dr Nattanon Meeprom (Bom), Post-doctoral Researcher in Biodiversity Genomics (May 2023 - April 2025)
I am passionate about using genomics data to understanding plant diversity and evolution. Over the years, I have built expertise in plant taxonomy, bioinformatics, phylogenomics, herbariomics and DNA-based identification.
At RBGE, I worked on a collaborative project to determine the forage species of five herbivore species in AlUla, Saudi Arabia. We assembled a comprehensive DNA reference library comprising of plastomes and nuclear ribosomal DNA of over 200 species—this was crucial for the DNA-based diet analysis of the animals. Furthermore, we developed an advanced metabarcoding barcoding assay using hybrid capture approach which greatly enhanced species detection sensitivity.
As part of the Taxonomic Export Network (TEN) for Ebenaceae, I investigated the biodiversity and evolutionary history of the ebony genus, Diospyros (Ebenaceae). By integrating complete plastomes with targeted nuclear markers, we untangled complex evolution and provide up-to-date taxonomic and nomenclatural treatments for Southeast Asian Diospyros.
I was a contributor to Scotland’s Genetic Scorecard project, reporting on the genetic health of terrestrial and marine species. Our work informs national biodiversity policy by integrating genetic diversity metrics into conservation reporting.
I am currently a lecturer at the Department of Botany, Kasetsart University, Thailand. I teach courses in plant taxonomy and molecular biology. I continue to develop molecular tools for biodiversity research and plant conservations.