Research interests
My research background has focused on using behavioural and biomechanical approaches to address the evolution of form-function relationships across a number of invertebrate taxa. Some of my previous research has explored the role of silk properties and web architecture in the ecology and evolution of spider webs, and how the mechanical performance of animal weapons co-evolves with their function, using traumatically inseminating plant bugs and New Zealand harvestmen as models.
Applying advanced imaging techniques, such as micro-CT and micro-photogrammetry, is also of great interest to me. Tinkering and building my own imaging systems is somewhat of a passion and something I bring to the New Zealand Arthropod Collection as we embark on the massive but exciting job of digitising the collection.
Qualifications
Macquarie University Sydney, Australia
Doctor of Philosophy
2010