Overview
Background
I work on developing tissue culture and cryopreservation protocols for endangered Australian plant species. Currently I am working on Queensland Myrtaceae species affected by myrtle rust, an invasive fungal pathogen which is a significant threat to Australian species and ecosystems. I have a background in investigating plant mitochondrial function and an interest in the molecular biology and physiology underlying plant responses to tissue culture and cryopreservation.
Availability
- Dr Lily Whelehan is:
- Available for supervision
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy of Plant Biology, Curtin University of Technology
Research interests
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Cryobiotechnology
Cryobiotechnology is the use of modern techniques and multidisciplinary expertise to investigate core mechanisms and processes underlying plant responses to cryopreservation. Though cryopreservation is a highly effective long term conservation method, protocols take a long time and lots of resources to develop for each individual plant species. Cryobiotechnology aims to expedite this process by improving our understanding of the biological systems involved in cryopreservation and their responses to cryopreservation related stressors. My research in this area so far has centred on the areas of respirometry and mitochondrial function, but I am also interested in the role of programmed cell death, reactive oxygen species, and the effect of exogenous substrates or drugs on plant stress responses.
Works
Search Professor Lily Whelehan’s works on UQ eSpace
2025
Journal Article
Effects of plant growth regulators on post-cryopreservation recovery and respiratory rate of Green Kangaroo Paw shoot tips
Rhodes, Xavier, Whelehan, Lily M., Driffill, Eliza, Bunn, Eric, Mancera, Ricardo L. and Funnekotter, Bryn (2025). Effects of plant growth regulators on post-cryopreservation recovery and respiratory rate of Green Kangaroo Paw shoot tips. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (PCTOC), 162 (3) 83, 1-11. doi: 10.1007/s11240-025-03220-1
2025
Journal Article
Securing the future: time for an Australian tropical cryobank
Hayward, Alice, Gleeson, Madeleine, Whelehan, Lily and O'Brien, Chris (2025). Securing the future: time for an Australian tropical cryobank. Australasian Plant Conservation, 34 (1), 18-22.
2022
Journal Article
How does metabolic rate in plant shoot tips change after cryopreservation?
Whelehan, Lily M., Dalziell, Emma L., Bunn, Eric, Mancera, Ricardo L. and Funnekotter, Bryn (2022). How does metabolic rate in plant shoot tips change after cryopreservation?. Cryobiology, 109, 1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2022.10.003
2022
Journal Article
Review: the case for studying mitochondrial function during plant cryopreservation
Whelehan, Lily M., Funnekotter, Bryn, Bunn, Eric and Mancera, Ricardo L. (2022). Review: the case for studying mitochondrial function during plant cryopreservation. Plant Science, 315 111134, 111134. doi: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2021.111134
2021
Conference Publication
Assessing plant metabolic rates during cryopreservation
Whelehan, Lily, Funnekotter, Bryn, Leahy, Georgia, Bunn, Eric and Mancera, Ricardo L. (2021). Assessing plant metabolic rates during cryopreservation. CRYO2021, 58th Annual Meeting of the Society For Cryobiology, Virtual, 20-23 July 2021. Maryland Heights, MO, United States: Academic Press. doi: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2021.11.047
2019
Journal Article
Current issues in plant cryopreservation and importance for ex situ conservation of threatened Australian native species
Streczynski, Robyn, Clark, Hamish, Whelehan, Lily M., Ang, Sze-Tieng, Hardstaff, Lyndle K., Funnekotter, Bryn, Bunn, Eric, Offord, Catherine A., Sommerville, Karen D. and Mancera, Ricardo L. (2019). Current issues in plant cryopreservation and importance for ex situ conservation of threatened Australian native species. Australian Journal of Botany, 67 (1), 1-15. doi: 10.1071/bt18147
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Lily Whelehan is:
- Available for supervision
Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on how to choose a supervisor.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Accelerating in vitro Plant Biodiversity Conservation
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Chris O'Brien, Dr Alice Hayward
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Doctor Philosophy
Developing cryopreservation for endangered Myrtaceae
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Chris O'Brien, Dr Eveline Kong, Dr Alice Hayward
Media
Enquiries
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