Based at James Cook University, my research examines broad ecological and evolutionary questions.
I take an integrative approach, using a combination of controlled experiments and observational studies to test hypotheses in both theoretical and applied contexts.
I take an integrative approach, using a combination of controlled experiments and observational studies to test hypotheses in both theoretical and applied contexts.
Much of my research has used reptiles and amphibians as model systems, but I am interested in a variety of vertebrate groups as subjects of study.
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RESEARCH INTERESTS
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A developing area of interest for me is refining the use of long-term environmental sound recordings to monitor Australian fauna.
A key area of interest is the effect of structural vegetation change on vertebrates. This has lead me to study the influence of various anthropogenic effects, such as logging, grazing, and weeds and their control, on vertebrate populations, including rare and invasive species.
I was instrumental in the team that developed a trap which exploits the signalling system of cane toads to selectively remove mature reproductive individuals from populations as a means of local population control. We continue to refine this trap to increase its effectiveness and modify it for use on other invasive amphibians.
I am currently co-supervising PhD students working on a wide range of topics, including machine learning to create species lists from passive acoustic monitoring, and other methods of analysing long term acoustic recordings to extract ecological data, students ground-truthing passive acoustic monitoring, to ensure our AI methods are effective, and studying the biology and morphology of a range of rare or invasive species, including Galapagos tortoises on farms, rufous bettongs on farms, chital deer, and toads.
In collaboration with colleagues at both JCU and external universities, I am determining how best to use passive acoustic monitoring to monitor faunal activity.
With other collaborators, I have studied a wide range of lizard skin adaptations, from high to low adhesiveness, and from superhydrophobicity to adaptations for rapid water transport. Present studies focus on gecko adaptations allowing adhesion on natural surfaces.
Previously, I collaborated with others to study the the influence of frog behaviour and environment on the spread of chytridiomycosis.
In collaboration with colleagues at both JCU and external universities, I am determining how best to use passive acoustic monitoring to monitor faunal activity.
With other collaborators, I have studied a wide range of lizard skin adaptations, from high to low adhesiveness, and from superhydrophobicity to adaptations for rapid water transport. Present studies focus on gecko adaptations allowing adhesion on natural surfaces.
Previously, I collaborated with others to study the the influence of frog behaviour and environment on the spread of chytridiomycosis.
COLLABORATORS
Internal:
Empro. Ross Alford (Ret.),
Prof. Jan Strugnell,
Prof. Kyall Zenger,
Centre for Tropical Ecological Sustainability Studies
External:
Australia:
Prof. Paul Roe, QUT; Prof. Paul McDonald, UNE; Prof. Rich Fuller, UQ; Prof. Dave Watson, CSU
Dr. Eric Nordberg, UNE; Dr. Deb Bower, UNE; Dr. Don McKnight, La Trobe
Prof. Bernd Meyer, Monash
Prof. Rick Shine, Macquarie University
International:
Prof. Robin Andrews, Virginia Tech
Prof. Don Miles, University of Ohio
Prof. Tom Schoener, University of California at Davis
Dr. Andrew Storfer, University of Washington
Internal:
Empro. Ross Alford (Ret.),
Prof. Jan Strugnell,
Prof. Kyall Zenger,
Centre for Tropical Ecological Sustainability Studies
External:
Australia:
Prof. Paul Roe, QUT; Prof. Paul McDonald, UNE; Prof. Rich Fuller, UQ; Prof. Dave Watson, CSU
Dr. Eric Nordberg, UNE; Dr. Deb Bower, UNE; Dr. Don McKnight, La Trobe
Prof. Bernd Meyer, Monash
Prof. Rick Shine, Macquarie University
International:
Prof. Robin Andrews, Virginia Tech
Prof. Don Miles, University of Ohio
Prof. Tom Schoener, University of California at Davis
Dr. Andrew Storfer, University of Washington
Does this interest you? Visit the Available Positions page or Contact Lin to join us!
Top banner image: Eastern water skink - courtesy of Michael McMaster
Afternoon in south-west Queensland - courtesy of Catherine Kelly
