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      Dr Anna Hopkins

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Associate Professor Anna Hopkins

Associate Professor

Staff Member Details
Telephone: +61 8 6304 5718
Email: a.hopkins@ecu.edu.au
Campus: Joondalup  
ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8090-5544

Anna is an Associate Professor in conservation biology and molecular ecology and the Course Coordinator for Higher Degree by Research programmes in the School of Science.

Current Teaching

  • SCB3201 Studies in Ecology
  • SCI2117 Genetics
  • SCI2151 Plant Physiology and Pathology
  • SCI2381 Ecology for Education
  • SCI6151 Plant Pathology and Pests
  • SCM2201 Soil and Landscape Processes

Background

  • 2025 - present: Associate Professor, School of Science, Edith Cowan University
  • 2019 - 2025: Senior Lecturer, School of Science, Edith Cowan University
  • 2016 - 2019: Lecturer, School of Science, Edith Cowan University
  • 2013 - 2016: Researcher, Centre for Climate Change, Forest and Woodland Health, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
  • 2010 - 2013: Researcher, Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
  • 2006 - 2010: Postdoctoral Fellow, Scion (New Zealand Forest Research Institute), New Zealand
  • 2006 - Associate Lecturer in Plant Pathology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
  • 2003 - 2006: Sessional Lecturer, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia

Professional Memberships

  • 2024 - present: Southern eDNA Society (Foundation Member)
  • 2023 - present: Australian Forest Products Association Forest Health and Biosecurity (FHaB) Subcommittee (Member)
  • 2023 - present: Western Australian Myrtle Rust Working Group (Member)
  • 2021 - present: Australasian Mycological Society (Councillor 2020-2023; Vice President 2023-)

Awards and Recognition

National and International Awards

  • 2010 - Finalist for the New Zealand Zonta Women in Science Award 2010.
  • 2009 - Best New Presenter Award, 2009 New Zealand Plant Protection Society Conference, Dunedin, New Zealand.
  • 2006 - Best Poster in Biodiversity & Conservation, International Mycological Congress 8, Cairns, Australia.
  • 2003 - Second place in the student poster competition, 34th Australian Entomological Society and 6th Invertebrate Biodiversity Conference, Hobart, Tasmania.

University and National Teaching Awards

  • 2017 – Edith Cowan University Athena Swan Kick-Starter Science Award.
  • 2006 - Teaching Merit Certificate, University of Tasmania.

National and International Research Positions

  • 2024- present: International Union of Forest Research Organisations (IUFRO) Working Party 7.03.04 Diseases and Insects in Forest Nurseries (Coordinator).
  • 2021 - present: Ecological Society of Australia, Plant-Soil Research Chapter (Steering Committee)
  • 2021 - present: Australasian Mycological Society, Education Subcommittee (Member)
  • 2020 - present: Ecological Society of Australia, Education Research Chapter (Steering Committee)
  • 2014 - 2024: International Union of Forest Research Organisations (IUFRO) Working Party 7.03.04 Diseases and Insects in Forest Nurseries (Deputy Coordinator).
  • 2011 - 2013: European Union COST Action Determining invasiveness and risk of Dothistroma (DIAROD) (Short-term Scientific Mission Coordinator and Steering Committee Member).
  • 2010 - 2013: European Union Framework Seven project ISEFOR: Increasing sustainability of European forests: Modelling for security against invasive pests and pathogens under climate change (Member).

Research Areas and Interests

  • Interactions between mycorrhiza, plant hosts and ecosystem function
  • Impact of disturbances such as drought, fire and urbanisation on soil fungal ecology
  • Mycophagy and the ecological impacts of digging mammals
  • Conservation applications of eDNA especially diet analysis and soil biology
  • Ecology and management of forest pathogens (especially stem and leaf/needle pathogens)
  • Molecular detection and management of invasive forest pathogens and links to biosecurity
  • Community ecology of fungi and the management of native forest systems
  • Regenerative and organic agriculture and impacts on soil biota and soil health
  • Tertiary teaching in environmental science, biology and science communication

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy, University of Tasmania, 2007.
  • Diploma of Modern Languages, The University of Western Australia, 2002.
  • Bachelor of Science (Hons), The University of Western Australia, 2002.

Research Outputs

2025

Journal Articles

  • Krwanji, D., Hopkins, A., Lemson, K., Hanson, M. (2025). Interactive mapping of allergenic urban street trees in Australia. Urban Forestry and Urban Greening, 105(March 2025), Article number 128718. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2025.128718.
  • Harrison, ND., Mitchell, NA., Mills, H., Hopkins, A., Phillips, BL. (2025). Predator exposure and gene flow as tools to preserve antipredator traits in havened populations: behavioural observations of quenda. Animal Behaviour, 228(1), 123309. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2025.123309.
  • Middleton, S., Davis, R., Travouillon, KJ., Hopkins, A., Mills, H., Umbrello, LS. (2025). Revised phylogeography of the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) reveals new insights into genetic structure across Australia. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 204(1), Article number zlaf026. https://doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf026.
  • Brace, A., Ruthrof, KX., Fontaine, JB., Miller, BP., Hopkins, A. (2025). Herbicide, not prescribed burning, drives larger shifts in soil fungal communities in a Mediterranean-type urban woodland. Urban Forestry and Urban Greening, 105(March 2025), Article number 128728. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2025.128728.
  • Tulloch, RL., Adams, CI., Barnes, MA., Clare, EL., Van De Ven, HC., Cridge, A., Encinas-Viso, F., Fernandes, K., Gleeson, DM., Hill, E., Hopkins, A., Kearns, AM., Kroos, GC., Macdonald, AJ., Martoni, F., McGaughran, A., McLay, TG., Neaves, LE., Nevill, P., Pugh, A., Robinson, KJ., Roger, F., Steinrucken, TV., Van Der Heyde, M., Villacorta-Rath, C., Vivian, J., Hahn, E. (2025). Winds of change: Charting a pathway to ecosystem monitoring using airborne environmental DNA. Environmental DNA, 7(4), e70134. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1002/edn3.70134.
  • Quah, B., Friend, JA., Brace, AJ., Cowen, S., Davis, R., Mills, H., Hopkins, A. (2025). Gilbert’s Potoroo and the fun-guys: Co-existing mycophagous mammals as indicators of potentially available fungal food resources. Biodiversity and Conservation, 2025(Article in press), 23 pages. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-025-03193-9.
  • Brace, A., Ruthrof, K., Fontaine, J., Miller, B., Hopkins, A. (2025). How soil fungal communities respond to invasive plant species treatments in soil from Banksia woodland, south-western Australia. Australian Journal of Botany, 73(4), Article number BT24083. https://doi.org/10.1071/BT24083.

2024

Journal Articles

  • Treloar, S., Lohr, C., Hopkins, A., Ottewell, K., McArthur, S., Davis, R. (2024). Scat Dna As A Non-Invasive Method For Estimating The Abundance Of The Vulnerable Mala (Lagorchestes Hirsutus). Wildlife Research, 51(1), article number WR22122. https://doi.org/10.1071/WR22122.
  • Avenant, C., Fossette, S., Whiting, S., Hopkins, A., Hyndes, G. (2024). Sea Turtle Eggs and Hatchlings are a Seasonally Important Food Source for the Generalist Feeding Golden Ghost Crab (Ocypode convexa). Estuaries and Coasts, 47(3), 821-838. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1007/s12237-023-01309-4.
  • Hopkins, A., Brace, A., Bruce, J., Hyde, J., Fontaine, J., Walden, L., Veber, W., Ruthrof, K. (2024). Drought legacy interacts with wildfire to alter soil microbial communities in a Mediterranean climate-type forest. Science of the Total Environment, 915(1), Article number 170111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170111.
  • Brace, A., Ruthrof, KX., Miller, B., Fontaine, JB., Hopkins, A. (2024). Short-term soil fungal community dynamics following fire in mediterranean climate-type banksia woodlands. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 199(2024), article number 109579. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2024.109579.

2023

Journal Articles

  • Birnbaum, C., Dearnaley, J., Edigi, E., Frew, A., Hopkins, A., Powell, J., Aguilar-Trigueros, C., Liddicoat, C., Albornoz, F., Heuck, M., Dadzie, F., Florence, L., Singh, P., Mansfield , T., Rajapaksha, K., Stewert, J., Rallo , P., Peddle, S., Chiarenza, G. (2023). Integrating soil microbial communities into fundamental ecology, conservation, and restoration: examples from Australia. New Phytologist, 241(3), 174-981. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.19440.
  • Li, Y., Hopkins, A., Davis, R. (2023). Going, Going, Gone The Diminishing Capacity Of Museum Specimen Collections To Address Global Change Research: A Case Study On Urban Reptiles. Animals, 13(6), article number 1078. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13061078.
  • Decker, O., Edigi, E., Hopkins, A., Danks, M., Gibb, H. (2023). Reintroduction of threatened digging mammals influences soil microbial communities differently along a rainfall gradient. Pedobiologia(2023), article number 150889. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedobi.2023.150889.

2022

Journal Articles

  • Kestel, J., Field, D., Bateman, P., White, N., Allentoft, M., Hopkins, A., Gibberd, M., Nevill, P. (2022). Applications of environmental DNA (eDNA) in agricultural systems: Current uses, limitations and future prospects. Science of the Total Environment, 847(15 November 2022), article number 157556. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157556.
  • Dundas, S., Orborne, L., Hopkins, A., Ruthrof, K., Fleming, P. (2022). Bioturbation by echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) in a forest habitat, south-western Australia. Australian Journal of Zoology, 69(5), 197-204. https://doi.org/10.1071/ZO22019.

2021

Journal Articles

  • Ritchie, A., Svejcar, L., Ayre, B., Bolleter, J., Brace, A., Craig, M., Davis, B., Davis, R., Van Etten, E., Fontaine, J., Fowler, W., Froend, R., Groom, C., Hardy, G., Hooper, P., Hopkins, A., Hughes, M., Krauss, S., Leopold, M., Miller, B., Miller, R., Ramalho, C., Ruthrof, K., Shaw, C., Stevens, J., Tagney, R., Valentine, L., Veneklaas, E., Hobbs, R. (2021). A threatened ecological community: research advances and priorities for Banksia woodlands. Australian Journal of Botany, 69(2), 53-84. https://doi.org/10.1071/BT20089.
  • Hopkins, A., Tay, N., Bryant, G., Ruthrof, K., Valentine, L., Kobryn, H., Burgess, T., Richardson, B., Hardy, G., Fleming, P. (2021). Urban remnant size alters fungal functional groups dispersed by a digging mammal. Biodiversity and Conservation, 30(13), 3983-4003. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-021-02287-4.
  • Treloar, S., Lohr, C., Hopkins, A., Davis, R. (2021). Rapid population expansion of Boodie (Burrowing Bettong, Bettongia lesueur) creates potential for resource competition with Mala (Rufous Hare-Wallaby, Lagorchestes hirsutus). Ecological Management and Restoration, 22(S1), 54-57. https://doi.org/10.1111/emr.12471.

2020

Journal Articles

  • Sapsford, S., Paap, T., Hopkins, A., Hardy, G., Burgess, T. (2020). Habitat fragmentation in a Mediterranean-type forest alters resident and propagule mycorrhizal fungal communities. Pedobiologia, 78(January 2020), Article number 150611. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedobi.2019.150611.

2019

Journal Articles

  • Birnbaum, C., Hopkins, A., Fontaine, J., Enright, N. (2019). Soil fungal responses to experimental warming and drying in a Mediterranean shrubland. Science of the Total Environment, 683(15 September 2019), 524-536. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.05.222.
  • Ruthrof, K., Hopkins, A., Danks, M., O'Hara, G., Bell, R., Henry, D., Standish, R., Tibbett, M., Howieson, J., Burgess, T., Harper, R. (2019). Rethinking soil water repellency and its management. Plant Ecology, 220(10), 977-984. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11258-019-00967-4.

2018

Journal Articles

  • Hopkins, A., Ruthrof, KX., Fontaine, J., Matusick, G., Dundas, S., Hardy, G. (2018). Forest die-off following global-change-type drought alters rhizosphere fungal communities. Environmental Research Letters, 13(9), article no.095006. https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/aadc19.
  • Dundas, S., Hopkins, A., Ruthrof, KX., Tay, N., Burgess, T., Hardy, G., Fleming, P. (2018). Digging mammals contribute to rhizosphere fungal community composition and seedling growth. Biodiversity and Conservation, 27(12), 3071-3086. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-018-1575-1.
  • De Meyer, S., Ruthrof, KX., Edwards, T., Hopkins, A., Hardy, G., O'Hara, G., Howieson, J. (2018). Diversity of endemic rhizobia on Christmas Island: Implications for agriculture following phosphate mining. Systematic and Applied Microbiology, 41(6), 641–649. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.syapm.2018.07.004.
  • Phelps, C., Bernasconi, R., Danks, M., Gasol, J., Hopkins, A., Jones, J., Kavazos, C., Martin, B., Tarquinio, F., Huggett, M. (2018). Microbiomes of Western Australian marine environments. Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia, 101(1), 17-43. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/ecuworkspost2013/5902.
  • Ruthrof, KX., Fontaine, JB., Hopkins, A., McHenry, M., O'Hara, G., McComb, J., Hardy, G., Howieson, J. (2018). Potassium amendment increases biomass and reduces heavy metal concentrations in Lablab purpureus after phosphate mining. Land Degradation and Development, 29(3), 398-407. https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.2866.
  • Tay, N., Hopkins, A., Ruthrof, K., Burgess, T., Hardy, G., Fleming, P. (2018). The tripartite relationship between a bioturbator, mycorrhizal fungi, and a key Mediterranean forest tree. Austral Ecology: a journal of ecology in the Southern Hemisphere, 43(7), 742-751. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12598.

2017

Journal Articles

  • Power, MW., Hopkins, A., Chen, J., Bengtsson, SB., Vasaitis, R., Cleary, MR. (2017). European Fraxinus species introduced into New Zealand retain many of their native endophytic fungi. Baltic Forestry, 23(1), 74-81.

2016

Journal Articles

  • Millberg, H., Hopkins, A., Boberg, J., Davydenko, K., Stenlid, J. (2016). Disease development of Dothistroma needle blight in seedlings of Pinus sylvestris and Pinus contorta under Nordic conditions. Forest Pathology, 46(5), 515-521. https://doi.org/10.1111/efp.12242.
  • Klapwijk, MJ., Hopkins, A., Eriksson, L., Pettersson, M., Schroeder, M., Lindelow, A., Ronnberg, J., Keskitalo, EC., Kenis, M. (2016). Reducing the risk of invasive forest pests and pathogens: Combining legislation, targeted management and public awareness. Ambio, 45(2016), S223-S234. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-015-0748-3.

2013

Book Chapters

  • Oliva, J., Boberg, J., Hopkins, A., Stenlid, J. (2013). Concepts of Epidemiology of Forest Diseases. Infectious Forest Diseases (1-28). CABI.

2012

Journal Articles

  • Hopkins, A., Dick, MA., Carlson, CA., Crane, P. (2012). Early investigations into the infection courts used by Neonectria fuckeliana to enter Pinus radiata stems. European Journal of Plant Pathology, 132(4), 537-548. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10658-011-9899-7.
  • Hopkins, A., Todoroki, CL., Pont, D. (2012). Assessment of the effect of Nectria flute canker on wood quality within mature Pinus radiata using multiple methods. European Journal of Forest Research, 131(2), 485-491. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10342-011-0522-4.

2011

Journal Articles

  • Ganley, RJ., Watt, M., Kriticos, DJ., Hopkins, A., Manning, LK. (2011). Increased risk of pitch canker to Australasia under climate change. Australasian Plant Pathology, 40(2011), 228-237. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13313-011-0033-2.
  • Hopkins, A., Glen, M., Grove, SJ., Wardlow, TJ., Mohammed, CL. (2011). Wood-inhabiting fungi found within living Eucalyptus obliqua trees in southern Tasmania. Australasian Mycologist, 29(2011), 37-46.
  • Stenlid, J., Oliva, J., Boberg, JB., Hopkins, A. (2011). Emerging diseases in European forest ecosystems and responses in society. Forests, 2(2), 486-504. https://doi.org/10.3390/f2020486.

Research Projects

  • Using large floating islands to promote aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity in pit lakes , Australian Coal Association, Australian Coal Association Research Program, 2024 ‑ 2027, $757,290.
  • Ecological monitoring of quenda (Isoodon fusciventer) at Craigie Bushland in the City of Joondalup, City of Joondalup, Grant, 2022 ‑ 2026, $48,027.
  • Booderee - eDNA ecological impact study, World Wide Fund for Nature Australia, Grant, 2024 ‑ 2026, $18,900.
  • Chasing Flamingos - Tracking movement of synthetic eDNA in a river, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions WA, Grant, 2022 ‑ 2026, $2,000.
  • Investigating habitat requirements for new homes for Gilbert's Potoroo, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Community Stewardships Grants 2022 - Large, 2023 ‑ 2025, $70,000.
  • Ecological monitoring of quenda in the City of Stirling, City of Stirling, Grant, 2024 ‑ 2025, $7,000.
  • Improving translocation success for Gilbert’s potoroo (Potorous gilbertii): Dietary and habitat complexities, Royal Society of Western Australia, RSWA John Glover Research Support Grants, 2024, $15,000.
  • Post fire successional change in the Banksia woodlands' soil fungal community, Australasian Mycological Society, Grant, 2022 ‑ 2023, $3,000.
  • Comparative analysis of diet in island populations of banded and rufous hare-wallabies in Shark Bay , Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions WA, Grant, 2021 ‑ 2023, $10,000.
  • Understanding soil microbial community shifts in response to fire and weed invasions in urban banksia woodlands, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions WA, Scholarships to Support Industry Engagement PhD Projects, 2018 ‑ 2023, $17,500.
  • Regenerative Agriculture and Soil Health: a comparative study from South-Western Australia, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Grant, 2021 ‑ 2022, $3,500.
  • Harnessing the microbes associated with soil water repellency to enhance plant survival and growth, Edith Cowan University, ECU Industry Collaboration Scheme - 2016 Open Round, 2017 ‑ 2019, $44,770.

Research Student Supervision

Current Supervisions

Principal Supervisor

  • Master of Science by Research, The use of eDNA to determine the ecological impact of translocated mammals
  • Master of Science by Research, Detecting habitat use of three endemic freshwater fish of far southwestern Australia
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Improving translocation success for Gilbert's potoroo (Potorous gilbertii): Dietary and habitat complexities
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Austropuccinia psidii in Western Australia: understanding its potential impact through epidemiology and host responses

Co-principal Supervisor

  • Master of Science by Research, Spore trapping trial for detection of native plant pathogen (Quambalaria coyrecup) to aid forest health monitoring and management

Associate Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Exploring Airborne Fungal Diversity and its Impact on Plant Health
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Taxonomy and evolutionary history of the common brushtail possum Trichosurus vulpecula in Australia

Completed Supervisions

Principal Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Shifting soil fungal communities in response to fire and weed management in urban Banksia woodlands
  • Master of Science by Research, Description of the dietary breadth and overlap of the translocated Shark Bay rufous hare-wallaby (Lagorchestes hirsutus) and banded hare-wallaby (Lagostrophus fasciatus) using scat DNA

Co-principal Supervisor

  • Endemic and introduced Phytophthora species as native plant pre- and post-emergent damping-off agents in the kwongan
  • The interactions between soil properties, mammal diggings and fungal assemblages for plant growth in the Northern Jarrah forest
  • Changes in mycorrhizal assemblages associated with tree decline in marri.
  • Conservation status of bioturbator mammals and their potential role in restoring degraded agricultural landscapes.

Associate Supervisor

  • Master of Science (Biological Sciences), Potential for resource competition between the boodie (Bettongia lesueur) and mala (Lagorchestes hirsutus) in the fenced Matuwa reserve, central Western Australia
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