Contact details +6469519231
Dr Simon Hills BSc, MSc, PhD
Senior Lecturer in Zoology and Ecology
School of Food Technology and Natural SciencesThe overarching theme of my research is understanding the composition, distribution and evolutionary history of New Zealand’s unique ecosystems. My primary focus is the rich, and largely endemic, marine mollusc fauna. However, I apply my broadly ranging expertise in genomics, ecology and evolutionary biology, to a diverse range of research topics involving New Zealand’s biodiversity, both native and exotic. As a Māori (Ngati Porou) scientist, I am increasingly focused on research collaborations with iwi/hapu. These projects generally involve working with Māori communities to build capacity and generate data that will inform enhanced kaitiakitanga.
Professional
Contact details
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Ph: 86231
Location: 1.36, AgHort Block A
Campus: Manawatu
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science - Massey University (2000)
- Master of Science - Massey University (2004)
- Doctor of Philosophy - Massey University (2010)
Prizes and Awards
- Recipient of a 2017 Massey University Strategic Research Excellence Fund, Maori Researchers' Award. - Massey University (2018)
- Te Tipu Pūtaiao Post-doctoral Fellowship - Foundation for Research Science and Technology (Now MBIE) (2011)
Research Expertise
Research Interests
Systematics, specation, biodiversity and community ecology of New Zealand marine molluscs
Genomics of New Zealand native and taonga species
New Zealand marine ecology
Integration across evolutionary biology, ecology and paleontology
Thematics
Resource Development and Management
Area of Expertise
Field of research codes
Animal Systematics and Taxonomy (060301):
Biogeography and Phylogeography (060302):
Biological Sciences (060000):
Ecology (060200):
Environmental Monitoring (050206):
Environmental Science and Management (050200):
Environmental Sciences (050000):
Evolutionary Biology (060300):
Genetics (060400):
Genomics (060408):
Marine and Estuarine Ecology (incl. Marine Ichthyology) (060205):
Molecular Evolution (060409):
Phylogeny and Comparative Analysis (060309):
Population, Ecological and Evolutionary Genetics (060411)
Keywords
phylogenetics and systematics
molecular rate and divergence time inference
population genetics, demografic inference and phylogeography
integration of molecular and paleontological data
New Zealand marine molluscs
genomics and high through-put sequencing
Invertebrate genomics
Research Projects
Completed Projects
Project Title: He Tatai Whenua: A Te Ao Maori landscape classification
Our research will synthesize a Te Ao Maori landscape classification that can be directly integrated with existing geographical information systems (GIS).
We will produce the first indigenous peoples, or Maori metric based Landscape Classification for New Zealand. Despite Maori expert elicitation, or interpretation, of landscape features being well recognised, coherent representation and display of this knowledge is significantly underdeveloped. Data of this kind is still treated as anecdotal or qualitative and, as a result, lacks impact in environmental management and decision-making. In stark contrast, the underlying descriptors and datasets used to classify NZ's environment for decision-making are all displayed in advanced GIS systems utilising cutting edge technology (e.g. geology (Qmap), soils (SMap), bio-diversity (Landcover Database/LENZ), and land use/capability (NZ Land Resource Inventory)). Many of the fundamental methods used to create these datasets are based on frameworks and criteria created through quasi-quantitative methods with no inclusion or recognition of matauranga Maori.
This will be achieved through three components:
1. Development of Maori landscape classification criteria based on matauranga Maori, tikanga, kaitiakitanga and tohu taiao from leading Maori academics and Iwi partners
2. Generation of the first Maori Landscape Classification GIS (MLC-GIS) and database using new IT, GIS, remote sensing techniques and mathematical methods to visualise landscapes based on the developed criteria
3. Application of the MLC-GIS alongside existing environmental databases in new catchment management strategies
Our research will use the Manawatu catchment to develop the protocols required to extend the proposed Maori Landscape Classification GIS to the whole of NZ. Globally this will be the first time such a dataset will be created. Additionally, new geospatial visualisation methods will be developed that will have significant impact.
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Date Range: 2017 - 2022
Funding Body: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
Project Team:
- Prof Jonathan Procter - Project Leader
- A/Pro Margaret Forster - Team Member
- A/Pro Hone Morris - Team Member
- Prof Ngataiharuru Taepa - Team Member
- Dr Peter Meihana - Team Member
- A/Pro Kristin Stock - Team Member
- A/Pro Gabor Kereszturi - Team Member
- Prof Hans Guesgen - Team Member
- Dr Simon Hills - Team Member
- Dr Stuart Mead - Team Member
Project Title: Monitoring the environmental effects of 1080 pest control in the Southern Horopito area
Date Range: 2016 - 2018
Funding Body: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
Project Team:
- Dr Simon Hills - Project Leader
Project Title: Connect Tairawhiti
Date Range: 2016 - 2018
Funding Bodies: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment; Eastland Energy Community Trust
Project Team:
- Dr Simon Hills - Project Leader
Research Outputs
Journal
Liggins, L., Arranz, V., Braid, HE., Carmelet-Rescan, D., Elleouet, J., Egorova, E., . . . Stewart, LC. (2022). The future of molecular ecology in Aotearoa New Zealand: an early career perspective. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand. 52(S1), 92-115
[Journal article]Authored by: Hills, S.
[Journal article]Authored by: Hills, S.
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2
Undin, M., Lockhart, PJ., Hills, SFK., & Castro, I. (2020). Genetic Rescue and the Plight of Ponui Hybrids. Frontiers in Conservation Science. 1
[Journal article]Authored by: Castro, I., Hills, S., Lockhart, P.
[Journal article]Authored by: Castro, I., Hills, S., Lockhart, P.
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6
Undin, M., Lockhart, PJ., Hills, SFK., Armstrong, DP., & Castro, I. (2021). Mixed Mating in a Multi-Origin Population Suggests High Potential for Genetic Rescue in North Island Brown Kiwi, Apteryx mantelli. Frontiers in Conservation Science. 2
[Journal article]Authored by: Castro, I., Hills, S., Lockhart, P.
[Journal article]Authored by: Castro, I., Hills, S., Lockhart, P.
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3
Jinadasa, R., Ghosh, S., Hills, S., Premalal, T., Atapattu, U., Fuward, M., . . . Dunowska, M. (2021). Genomic variability of canine parvoviruses from a selected population of dogs and cats in Sri Lanka. Pathogens. 10(9)
[Journal article]Authored by: Dunowska, M., Hills, S.
[Journal article]Authored by: Dunowska, M., Hills, S.
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Undin, M., Hills, SFK., Lockhart, PJ., & Castro, I. (2021). Gaps in genetic knowledge affect conservation management of kiwi (Apteryx) species. Ibis. 163(4), 1155-1174
[Journal article]Authored by: Castro, I., Hills, S., Lockhart, P.
[Journal article]Authored by: Castro, I., Hills, S., Lockhart, P.
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3
1
Thesis
Hills, SF. (2010). Evolution in a marine gastropod: rocks, clocks, DNA and diversity: a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Evolutionary Biology. (Doctoral Thesis)
[Doctoral Thesis]Authored by: Hills, S.
[Doctoral Thesis]Authored by: Hills, S.
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Hills, SFK. (2004). A cDNA subtraction approach to isolate male-specific genes from Ceratitis capitata : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Genetics at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand. (Master's Thesis)
[Masters Thesis]Authored by: Hills, S.
[Masters Thesis]Authored by: Hills, S.
Conference
Hills, S., Vaux, F., Trewick, S., Crampton, J., Marshall, B., Beu, A., . . . Morgan-Richards, M. (2018). Identifying evolutionary lineages of marine snails.. Poster session presented at the meeting of Molluscs 2018, the triennial meeting of the Malacological Society of Australasia.. Wellington, New Zealand
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Hills, S., Morgan-Richards, M., Trewick, S.
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Hills, S., Morgan-Richards, M., Trewick, S.
Hills, S., Gemmell, M., Crampton, J., Trewick, S., & Morgan-Richards, M. (2018). Do New Zealand Olive Shells (Amalda spp.) support Punctuated Equilibria?. Poster session presented at the meeting of Molluscs 2018, the triennial meeting of the Malacological Society of Australasia.. Wellington, New Zealand
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Hills, S., Morgan-Richards, M., Trewick, S.
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Hills, S., Morgan-Richards, M., Trewick, S.
Hills, S. (2018, September). Ecology and Evolution of New Zealand Marine Molluscs.. Presented at Te Tai Pari: Towards a Sustainable Blue Economy for Te Tairawhiti.. Gisborne, New Zealand.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Hills, S.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Hills, S.
Hills, SFK., Gemmell, M., Vaux, F., Marshall, BA., Crampton, JS., Trewick, SA., . . . Morgan-Richards, M. (2015, November). Mitochondrial Phylogenomics of New Zealand Aeneator Finlay, 1926 and Buccinulum Deshayes, 1830 species (Buccinidae).. Presented at Molluscs 2015, the triennial meeting of the Malacological Society of Australasia.. Coffs Harbour, Australia.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Hills, S., Morgan-Richards, M., Trewick, S.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Hills, S., Morgan-Richards, M., Trewick, S.
Hills, SFK., Crampton, JS., Trewick, SA., & Morgan-Richards, . (2014, February). Diversification patterns in molecular and paleontological data of the marine mollusc genus Alcithoe.. Presented at Waiheke 2014, the 18th Annual New Zealand Phylogenomics Meeting. Waiheke Island, New Zealand.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Hills, S., Morgan-Richards, M., Trewick, S.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Hills, S., Morgan-Richards, M., Trewick, S.
Other
Hills, S., Castro, I., Undin, M., & Hura, A. (2020, February). Kiwi Whakapapa.. In Presentation at a Te Patukeha and Ngati Kuta Hui, Rawhiti, Northland..
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Castro, I., Hills, S.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Castro, I., Hills, S.
Hills, S. (2020, January). Climate Change Impacts on Marine Ecosystems.. In Tairāwhiti Climate Summit. Te Tini o Porou conference centre, Gisborne..
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Hills, S.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Hills, S.
Hills, S. (2019, May). Sample collection for genomics experiments: an exercise in trade-offs.. In Ira Moana Early Career Workshop, presented by GFANZ. Massey University Auckland, New Zealand..
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Hills, S.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Hills, S.
Hills, S., & Wlicox, P. (2019, January). Introduction to Genomics and Genomic Sciences.. In Summer Internship for Indigenous Genomics Aotearoa, 2019. Matau Marae, Horowhenua..
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Hills, S.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Hills, S.
Hills, S. (2019, February). Genomics for Kaitiakitanga.. In Presentation at the 2019 Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga Principal Investigators Wānanga. Rānana Marae, Whanganui..
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Hills, S.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Hills, S.
Report
Hills, S., & Potter, M.(2020). Monitoring the environmental impact of aerial 1080 pest control in the south-western region of Tongariro National Park, Rangataua forest conservation area and Karioi forest. Final report for Ngati Rangi, DOC and OSPRI.
[Technical Report]Authored by: Hills, S., Potter, M.
[Technical Report]Authored by: Hills, S., Potter, M.
Hills, S., & Potter, M.(2018). Monitoring the environmental impact of aerial 1080 pest control in the south-western region of Tongariro National Park, Rangataua forest conservation area and Karioi forest. Annual report for Ngati Rangi, DOC and OSPRI.
[Technical Report]Authored by: Hills, S., Potter, M.
[Technical Report]Authored by: Hills, S., Potter, M.
Hills, S., & Potter, M.(2017). Monitoring the environmental impact of aerial 1080 pest control in the south-western region of Tongariro National Park, Rangataua forest conservation area and Karioi forest. Annual report for Ngati Rangi, DOC and OSPRI.
[Technical Report]Authored by: Hills, S., Potter, M.
[Technical Report]Authored by: Hills, S., Potter, M.
Teaching and Supervision
Summary of Doctoral Supervision
| Position | Current | Completed |
|---|---|---|
| Co-supervisor | 1 | 2 |
Current Doctoral Supervision
Co-supervisor of:
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Angelia Hura
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Doctor of Philosophy
Northland Brown Kiwi Whakapapa
Completed Doctoral Supervision
Co-supervisor of:
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2021
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Malin Undin
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Doctor of Philosophy
Studies of how to improve translocation outcomes of Apteryx mantelli focusing on breeding, hybrids, diversity, and telomeres -
2017
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Michael Gemmell
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Doctor of Philosophy
Genetic and Phenotypic Lineages in Neogastropod Molluscs: A Journey Through Time and Morphospace
Media and Links
Other Links
- ORCID page
- Phoenix Group - Evolutionary Ecology & Genetics research cluster in the Wildlife & Ecology group, School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University.
- GFANZ - Genomics for Aotearoa New Zealand (GFANZ) community website
- MSA - Malacological Society of Australasia website