This project will focus on two pan-animal signaling pathways, Wnt and TGF-beta, which are involved in a variety of developmemtal processes, such as symmetry breaking during embryonic development, axial patterning and regeneration.

In 'higher animals' these factors are involved in specification and patterning of the endodermal derivatives (such as gut), and we have recently demonstrated that in sponges they are expressed during formation and maintenance of the choanoderm (the innermost feeding layer which we hypothesise is homologous to the gut).

Explore the impact thermal environments have on physiological development in lizards.

Our lab is investigating adaptations that confer resilience to drought and aridity in Eucalyptus, with the aim of assisting conservation genetic management and restoration of
Australian forests. In particular, our current project is delving below ground to uncover variation in root growth strategies.

This project explores the influence of luck on free-living animals, specifically fiddler crabs in Darwin's mangrove forests. It examines whether some animals experience fortunate events while others do not, and how much control individuals have over crucial aspects like mating success.

Potential Honours students: please contact Dan Noble for more information on this project.