Research projects

Fungi are a diverse group of organisms which have evolved adaptations allowing them to inhabit almost every ecological niche. In many of these niches, notably as animal and plant pathogens, fungi impact upon human health and food security. We are seeking ...

Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) that cover the cuticle of insects have been studied for their role in preventing desiccation as well as for their function as ‘infochemicals’. The study of the chemical ecology of tephritid fruit flies has mainly ...

Invasive pest vertebrates, in particular the European carp have highly negative effects on the ecosystems in Australian rivers and waterways. Due to their high tolerance of diverse habitats and rapid population expansion, they have proven to be a very har...

Gene-editing technologies such as the CRISPR-Cas system, can be used to modify the genome of an organism. One important application of this technology is in biosecurity, where gene editing can be used to control emerging biosecurity threats. However, this...

Bacterocera fruit flies, including Queensland fruit fly, Jarvis’ fruit fly, and Oriental fruit flyare highly destructive pests of fruits and vegetable crops and pose economic threats in Australia as well as globally. Exotic Bactrocera species enteri...