Liu, Kenwin
Job TitleSeed Information Co-ordinator
DepartmentSeed Conservation Department
SectionBotanical Information
Science Teams:
Joined Kew: 2007
Qualifications & Appointments
PhD Science (Ecological Modelling), University of Aberdeen, 2002
MSc Marine & Fisheries Science, University of Aberdeen, 1994
BSc (Hons) Applied Biological Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, 1992
Role
Updating content by harvesting data mostly from the MSBP Seed Bank Database (SBD), but also data obtained from internal scientific research carried out on MSBP seed collections, data available from the scientific literature as well as data donated by external researchers/users. Seed Information Database (SID) has become an established major primary source of seed trait data worldwide, the analysis of which can and has been used to identify large-scale ecological patterns, research in collaboration with scientists both external to as well as from established partners of Kew’ MSBP. SID is also a valuable practical teaching resource used in academic courses and for training our MSBP partners.
Developing a predictive tool for the conditions required for successful seed germination (Germination Predictor) using data from germination tests carried out on MSBP collections stored within the MSBP Seed Bank Database (SBD), corresponding world climate (WORLDCLIM) data extracted using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as well as data available from the scientific literature.
Analysis of MSBP seed collections matched against species targeting criteria comprising endemic status, endangered status and/or economic value (otherwise known as the ‘3Es’).
Summary of research interests/activities:
Managing the MSBP Seed Information Database (SID)
Predicting seed germination requirements (Germination Predictor)
Mathematical, statistical and GIS ecological modelling
Projects
Selected Recent Publications
Ollason, J.G., J. M. Yearsley, Liu, K. & Ren, N. (2006). ‘Modelling the behaviour of individuals and groups of animals foraging in heterogeneous environments’, Conservation Biology 12: 294-309.
Selected Earlier Publications
Fernando, P.U.U. & Liu, K. (2004) ‘Correcting the individual biases made in collecting mussel shells opened by oystercatchers ex situ’, Wader Study Group Bulletin 104: 56-59.
Liu, K., Ollason, J. G. & Ren, N. (2002). ‘A parameterisation of the individual-based model of the common guillemot (Uria aalge)’, Interactions between the Marine Environment, PREdators and prey: implications for Sustainable Sandeel fisheries (IMPRESS report 2002-002).
Liu, K. (2002). ‘Modelling the physiology, behaviour, and ecology of dive foraging seabirds’, PhD thesis, University of Aberdeen.
- Liu, K. (1994). ‘The analysis of mitochondrial DNA variation in determining salmonid stock structure’, MSc thesis, University of Aberdeen.
- Liu, K. (1992). ‘Investigation of enzyme inhibition in yeast invertase’, BSc (Hons) thesis, Manchester Metropolitan University.
