Curriculum Vitae
Full name:
Place and Date of Birth:
Nationality:
Gender:
Address:
Telephone:
E-mail:
Google Scholar profile:
Renske Emilie Onstein
Amstelveen, March 4, 1985
Dutch
Female
n.a.
+31 (0) 646583916
onsteinre@gmail.com
https://scholar.google.ch/citations?user=9TV2gK8AAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao
Scientific career:
Aug 2015 – Current:
Postdoc at Université Paris-Sud, Lab. Écologie, Systématique, Évolution (ESE),
Orsay, France. (Funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation)
Mar 2011 - Jun 2015:
PhD (with distinction) in Evolutionary Biology at the Institute of Systematic Botany,
University of Zurich, Switzerland, supervised by Prof. H. Peter Linder. Thesis on the
role of plant functional traits in Cenozoic angiosperm radiations.
Sep 2008 - Feb 2011:
MSc Biology (with distinction), specialization Ecology, Wageningen University, the
Netherlands. MSc thesis at the Biosystematics Group supervised by Dr. Freek T. Bakker
and Dr. Robin van Velzen. Thesis on the evolution of Rinorea (Violaceae) as host plant
for Cymothoe (Nymphalidae): new insights from extended sampling of Ghanaian
populations, and development of a new nuclear phylogenetic marker.
Sep 2004 - Jan 2008:
BSc Biology, specialization Ecology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, the
Netherlands.
Sep 1998 - Jun 2003:
Pre-University education (gymnasium), specialization in “Nature and Health”, Keizer
Karel College, Amstelveen, the Netherlands.
Publications:
2015
Onstein, R.E.*, Bouchenak-Khelladi, Y.*, Xing, Y., Schwery, O., Linder, H.P. (2015). “On the complexity of
triggering evolutionary radiations”. New Phytologist 207: 313-326. doi: 10.1111/nph.13331. *authors
contributed equally
Schwery, O., Onstein, R.E., Bouchenak-Khelladi, Y., Xing, Y., Carter, R., Linder, H.P. (2015). “As old as the
mountains: the radiations of the Ericaceae”. New Phytologist 207: 355-367. doi: 10.1111/nph.13234.
Breitkopf, H., Onstein, R.E., Cafasso, D., Schlüter, P.M., Cozzolino, S. (2015). “Multiple shifts to different
pollinators fuelled rapid diversification in sexually deceptive Ophrys orchids”. New Phytologist. 207: 377-389.
doi: 10.1111/nph.13219.
Onstein, R.E., Carter, R.J., Xing, Y., Richardson, J., Linder, H.P. (2015). “Do Mediterranean-type ecosystems
have a common history? – Insights from the Buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae)”. Evolution 69:756-771. doi:
10.1111/evo.12605.
Van Velzen, R, Wahlert, G.A., Sosef, M.S.M, Onstein, R.E., Bakker, F.T. (2015). “Phylogenetics of Rinorea
(Violaceae); elucidating infrageneric relationships using plastid and nuclear DNA sequences”. Systematic Botany
40:174-184. doi: 10.1600/036364415X686486.
2014
Onstein, R.E., Carter, R.J., Xing, Y., Linder, H.P. (2014). “Diversification rate shifts in the Cape Floristic
Region: the right traits in the right place at the right time.” Perspectives in Plant Ecology, Evolution and
Systematics 16:331-340. doi:10.1016/j.ppees.2014.08.002
Xing, Y, Onstein, R.E., Carter, R.J., Stadler, T., Linder, H.P. (2014). "Fossils and a large molecular phylogeny
show that the evolution of species richness, generic diversity and turn-over rates are disconnected." Evolution
68:2821-2932. doi: 10.1111/evo.12489
Submitted or in prep.
Xing, X, Gandolfo, M.A., Onstein, R.E., Cantrill, D., Jacobs, B., Jordan, G., Popova, S., Srivastava, R., Vikulin,
S.V., Linder, H.P. (submitted). “The Cenozoic angiosperm fossil record: biased and incomplete?”
Onstein, R.E., Linder, H.P. (submitted). “Beyond climate: convergence in fast evolving sclerophylls in Cape
and Australian Rhamnaceae predates the Mediterranean climate.”
Onstein, R.E., Jordan, G.J., Sauquet, H., Weston, P.H., Bouchenak-Khelladi, Y., Wright, I.J., Carpenter, R.J.,
Linder, H.P. (in prep.). “Niche and trait evolutionary rates are correlated during the Proteaceae radiation.”
Work experiences:
Sep 2010 - Jan 2011:
Internship at the VPRO (Dutch Television Company), the National Science Quiz, the
Netherlands. Watch online.
Jul 2003 - May 2010:
Different part-time jobs: Waitress at Surinamese/Hindustan restaurant, choreographer
at E-motion Dance Company, entertainer at European campsites.
May 2009 - Jun 2009:
Consultancy Manager ‘Detection of small fragments of DNA in influenza vaccines’,
Solvay Pharmaceuticals, the Netherlands.
Jul 2006:
Designer at MeetingInZdonov O.S., Zdonov, Czech Republic.
Teaching and student supervision:
Mar 2011 - current:
Teaching-assistant at the Institute of Systematic Botany, University of Zurich:
 BIO 225 Species and speciation, Diversification of angiosperms
 BIO 113 Evolution
 BIO 337 Basic stats with R
Mar 2011 - current:
Supervising student projects at the Institute of Systematic Botany, University of
Zurich:
 Orlando Schwery (University of Zurich, MSc thesis): “The influence of
functional leaf traits and mountain association on species richness within the
family of Ericaceae”.
 Anouk van ‘t Padje (Wageningen University, BUSS student project):
“Functional traits in Rhamnaceae”.
 Natascha Fuhrer (University of Zurich, BSc summer project): “Functional
traits in Proteaceae”.
Oct 2010 - Nov 2010:
Student assistant at the Education and Competence Studies Group, Wageningen
University.
Competitive grants:
Swiss National Science Foundation: Early Postdoc.Mobility fellowship (18 months)
G. & A. Claraz-Schenkung Foundation, Zurich:
 Grant towards conference attendance, Evolution, Brazil (June 2015, 1100 CHF)
 Grant towards costs of course on SDM, Denmark (August 2014, 617.50 CHF)
 Grant towards conference attendance, Evolution, U.S.A. (July 2014, 500.- CHF).
 Grant towards conference attendance, AETFAT, South Africa, and field work Australia (October 2013,
4865.- CHF.)
 Grant towards field work South Africa (September 2011, 800.- CHF)
Swiss Botanical Society:
 Grant towards conference attendance, Evolution, U.S.A. (July 2014, 500.- CHF)
 Grant towards conference attendance, ATBC, Brazil (June 2012, 500.- CHF.)
Alberta Mennega foundation:
 Grant towards field work, Ghana (October 2009, 800.- Euro)
Hugo de Vries foundation:
 Grant towards field work, Ghana (October 2009, 1000.- Euro)
Awards:
PhD at University of Zurich recommended with “cum laude” (distinction awarded to ~5% of PhD candidates
based on quality of thesis and oral examination).
MSc at Wageningen University awarded “cum laude” (distinction awarded to ~5% of MSc candidates based on
average course scores and quality of thesis).
Participation in conferences and talks:
Feb 2012 (Oral):
April 2012 (Oral):
Jun 2012 (Oral):
Feb 2013 (Poster):
Dec 2013 (Oral):
Jan 2014 (Oral):
Jun 2014 (Poster):
Jun 2014 (Oral):
Nov 2014 (Poster):
April 2015 (Oral):
Jun 2015 (Oral):
Aug 2015 (Oral):
Aug 2015 (Poster):
Onstein, Carter, Xing, Linder; Biology 2012, Fribourg (Switzerland): “The
connection between fire, plant functional traits and adaptive radiations in the Cape
Floristic Region, South-Africa”.
Onstein, Carter, Xing, Linder; University of Potsdam, Potsdam (Germany), invited
speaker: “Diversifcation rate consequences of Forest to Fynbos trait shifts and the
influence of fire in the Cape Floristic Region”.
Onstein, Carter, Xing, Linder; Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation
(ATBC), Bonito (Brazil): “Diversification rate and functional trait shifts:
consequences of Forest - Fynbos transitions in the Cape Floristic Region”.
Onstein, Carter, Xing, Richardson, Linder; Biology 2013, Basel (Switzerland):
“Parallel shifts in leaf morphology to summer-drought conditions in Rhamnaceae
(Rosales)”.
Onstein, Jordan, Bouchenak-Khelladi, Xing, Wright, Sauquet, Carpenter, Weston,
Linder; Systematics without Borders, ASBS, Sydney (Australia): “Leaf trait evolution
in the Proteaceae”.
Onstein, Carter, Xing, Richardson, Linder; AETFAT, Stellenbosch (South Africa): “Is
the Cape Phyliceae radiation extraordinary?”
Onstein, Carter, Xing, Richardson, Linder; Radiations, Zurich (Switzerland): “Does
the interaction between Mediterranean-type ecosystems (MTEs) and typical MTEtraits affect diversification rates in Rhamnaceae?”
Onstein, Bouchenak-Khelladi, Xing, Schwery, Linder; Evolution 2014, Raleigh NC
(U.S.A): “Functional traits, biomes and diversification rates in Rhamnaceae”. Watch
online.
Onstein, Carter, Xing, Richardson, Linder; Radiation and Extinction:
Investigating Clade Dynamics in Deep Time, London (England): “The effect of
Mediterranean-type ecosystems and functional leaf traits on diversification rates in
Rhamnaceae”.
Onstein, Université Paris-Sud, Orsay (France), invited speaker: “The role of plant
functional traits in Cenozoic angiosperm radiations in Mediterranean-type
ecosystems”.
Onstein, Jordan, Sauquet, Weston, Bouchenak-Khelladi, Wright, Carpenter, Linder;
Evolution 2015, Guarujá (Brazil): “Niche and trait evolutionary rates are correlated
during evolutionary radiation”. Watch online.
Onstein, Jordan, Sauquet, Weston, Bouchenak-Khelladi, Wright, Carpenter, Linder;
Systematics Biennial Conference, Oxford (England): "The evolution of niches and
traits during the Proteaceae radiation".
Onstein, Kissling, Couvreur, Morlon, Chatrou, Sauquet; Systematics Biennial
Conference, Oxford (England): "Frugivory, functional traits and the diversification of
a tropical angiosperm family: Annonaceae (Magnoliales)".
Public outreach:


Scientific video for NESCent Evolution video contest, finalist, screened at Evolution 2015 Guarujá
(Brazil) (June 2015): “Convergence in Mediterranean Ecosystems”. Watch online.
Scientific video for NESCent Evolution video contest, finalist, screened at Evolution 2014 Raleigh NC
(U.S.A) (June 2014): “Exaptations versus Adaptations”. Watch online.


Public lecture, Friends of the Botanical Garden, Zürich, Switzerland, April 2014, on Proteaceae in
Australia (in German).
Public lecture, Friends of the Botanical Garden, Zürich, Switzerland, August 2013, on functional
morphology of Mediterranean plants.
Reviewing experience:
Invited reviewer for PLOS ONE (1), Journal of Biogeography (1), Biological Journal of the Linnean Society (1),
Oikos (1).
Extracurricular activities:
Dec 2007 - Aug 2008:
Journey in Central- and South-America.
May 2008 - Jun 2008:
Volunteer animal-caretaker at Inti Wara Yassi, Cochabamba, Bolivia.
Feb 2008 - Mar 2008:
Volunteer conservation of sea turtles at La Tortuga Felix, Bataan, Costa Rica.
Sep 2005 - Jul 2006:
Board member of the WDT, a (amateur) theatre association, Wageningen, The
Netherlands.
Nov 2003 - Jun 2004:
Journey in South-East Asia, Nepal and India.
Languages and skills:
Languages:
Dutch: native; English: near-native; German, Spanish, French; conversational.
Laboratory skills:
DNA extraction, PCR, Gel electrophoresis, Cloning, Sequencing.
Computer skills:
Microsoft office, SPSS, R, Mesquite, MrBayes, Tracer, PartitionFinder, BayesRate,
BEAST, Python.
Methods:
Phylogenetic comparative methods, species distribution modelling, phylogenetic and
biogeographic reconstruction, molecular dating, functional trait measurements,
geometric morphometrics, statistics (generalized linear modelling, mixed-effects
modelling), R programming.
Other:
(Scientific) video making and editing.
Overview Bachelor, Master and PhD courses and marks (1-10):
Bachelor, Wageningen University. Total 180 ECTS.
Course
Bachelor Essay Biology
Research Orientation
Biology and Management of Plant Pathogens, Insects and Weeds I
Ecological Methods I
Field Course Vegetation Science and Systems Ecology
Ecological Methods II
Systems Analysis, Simulation and Systems Management
Cell Biology 2
Behaviour and Endocrinology
Orientation on Biology
Genetic Analysis, Tools and Concepts (GATC)
Vertebrate Structure and Function
Ecology of Communities, Ecosystems and Landscapes
Functional Biodiversity
Biology of Invertebrates and Lower Plants.
Fieldcourse European Flora and Fauna
ECTS
9
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
3
6
3
Mark
9
attended
7
7
8
8
6
7
6
attended
7
7
6
7
7
7
Mark date
2007-11-09
2007-10-30
2007-09-25
2007-06-30
2007-06-30
2007-06-08
2007-04-30
2007-04-30
2007-02-28
2006-12-31
2006-12-31
2006-12-31
2006-11-09
2006-10-31
2006-06-30
2006-06-30
Introduction to Statistics
Molecular and Evolutionary Ecology
Population Ecology
Biosystematics and Biodiversity
Growth, Development and Reproduction of Plants
Human and Animal Biology, part 2
Ecology II
Ecology I
Dutch Flora and Fauna Course
Evolution Biology
Human and Animal Biology I
Biophysics
Structure and Physiology of Plants
General Genetics
Mathematics L
Cell Biology I
Introduction Biology
6
6
6
6
6
6
3
3
6
3
6
3
6
6
6
6
6
6
8
8
7
8
6
8
7
7
7
6
8
8
8
9
8
8
2006-04-28
2006-04-28
2006-02-28
2006-02-28
2005-10-28
2005-10-28
2005-06-30
2005-06-30
2005-06-30
2005-04-29
2005-04-29
2005-04-29
2005-02-28
2005-02-28
2004-12-31
2004-12-31
2004-10-29
Master, Wageningen University. Total 130 ECTS.
Course
Master Seminar Biology
Master Biology Thesis Proposal
Modular Skills Training (MOS)
Academic Consultancy Training
Genomics
Ecology of Animal Life Histories
Life History of Aquatic Organisms
Advanced Biosystematics
Population and Quantitative Genetics
Capita Selecta Evolutionary Biology
Microbial Ecology
Molecular Aspects of Bio-interactions
Ecological Methods II
MSc Internship Genetics
Thesis Biosystematics
ECTS
3
6
3
9
6
6
6
6
6
1
6
6
6
24
36
Mark
attended
attended
attended
8
9
8
8
7
9
attended
9
7
8
8.5
9
Mark date
2010-06-09
2010-06-08
2011-02-11
2009-07-31
2009-02-28
2009-02-28
2008-10-30
2008-12-31
2009-04-30
2010-08-30
2008-10-30
2008-12-31
2007-06-08
2011-02-11
2010-07-08
ECTS
1
3
2
2
1
1
1
2
1
5
1
1
2
Mark date
Spring 2012
Summer 2012
Summer 2012
Fall 2012
Spring 2013
Spring 2013
Spring 2013
July 2013
Spring 2014
Summer 2014
Fall 2013
Fall 2014
Fall 2014
PhD, University of Zurich, unless indicated otherwise. Total 22 ECTS.
Course
R4ALL (ECO332)
Alpine Plant Ecology (Plant Science Center, Basel)
Effective Publishing
Evolutionary Dynamics (University of Groningen, the Netherlands)
Supervising students – dealing with roles and relationships
Contemporary Analysis of Ecology: Generalized Linear Models in R
Topics in Evolutionary Biology
Introduction to Geometric Morphometrics (Transmitting Science, Barcelona, Spain)
Mixed effects models in R and AS-REML Course
Species distribution modelling, Copenhagen, Denmark
Scientific Writing Practice 1: General Principles
Postdoc funding and career management
Filmmaking for Scientists