CBG is proud to host Ryan Rattray

The Centre for Biodiversity Genomics recently welcomed Ryan David Rattray, a visiting international research student with CBG’s Informatics Team. Ryan has travelled from Johannesburg, South Africa to expand his knowledge and applications of DNA barcoding with hopes of applying this new knowledge to his academic and professional work in South Africa.

Ryan serves as Project Lead at the African Centre for DNA Barcoding (ACDB) at the University of Johannesburg and has been involved in a range of DNA barcoding activities in South Africa, most notably the Invasive Species Project. In early 2016, Ryan became a member of the local organizing committee for the 7 th iBOL conference held in the Kruger National Park.

Not long after, he was part of the first team to set Malaise traps for the Kruger Malaise Program, embarking on a two-and-a-half-week trip through the Kruger National Park. “What really touched me was the commitment and involvement of Rangers and their staff members,” he said. “This is one of the most successful projects that I have been a part of.”

Ryan completed his Master of Science (cum laude) in botany under the supervision of Dr. Michelle van der Bank, Director of ACDB and member of the iBOL Science Steering Committee. Focusing his research on Pelargonium sidoides D.C. – a plant species found to be effective in treating upper respiratory problems, colds, and flu – Ryan also established a DNA barcode reference library to test local herbal products for the fraudulent replacement of P. sidoides with its close sister species P. reniforme. “The results were very surprising, and I cannot advocate enough for stricter measures to be put in place for regulating and authenticating commercial herbal products,” he says.

Travelling 13,300 kilometers to Canada on the crest of the global COVID-19 crisis has had its challenges; isolation, developing new relationships remotely, and staying connected to new colleagues at the CBG. “I am really grateful to the people who have been warm and welcoming to me during this difficult time,” says Ryan. “I know how hard it is to focus on yourself and still watch out for somebody else at the same time, so I do appreciate these efforts greatly.”

Written by Hannah James