1. School of Biological Sciences &
Biotechnology
Our Research Students

2. Genetic structure and abundance of fishery-impacted
dolphins of the Pilbara region, north-western Australia
The bycatch of non-target wildlife in fisheries is a global
problem.
 The significance of this research lies in quantifying the level of
impact a commercial fishery has on a protected species
population,
and then providing recommendations toward reducing
impacts and promoting sustainable fisheries.
Some of the objectives of this research are to:
1. Examine dolphin population genetic structure, effective
population size and gene flow across the Pilbara Trawl
Fishery,
2. Estimate the abundance of dolphins in the fishery by
conducting an aerial survey.

3. Coral growth and survival on Hall Bank Reef; a high latitude
marginal reef in Fremantle, WA
 Over the last few decades global climatic changes have
caused wide scale disturbances to coral reef systems and
although high latitude reefs are also suffering, their
resilience appears much higher than tropical reefs.
 Therefore the corals found on high-latitude reefs have
significant research potential in terms of the mechanisms
necessary for coral reef survival.
Some of the objectives of this project are to:
1) Document the growth rates, mortality and lesion recovery of
juveniles corals for 1 year;
2) Record physical parameters at Hall Bank Reef such as
temperature, light, nutrients, currents and wave conditions.

4. Symbiotic specificity and nodulation in the southern African
legume clade Lotononis s. l. and description of novel
rhizobial species…
Several species in the southern African legume clade
Lotononis s. l have shown potential as perennial pasture
legumes in southern Australian agricultural systems.
This project examines the symbiotic relationships between
species of Lotononis s. l and their associated rhizobia.
Some of the objectives of this research are to:
1. contribute to sustainable agricultural systems,
2. help decipher how plants and bacteria communicate with
each other,
3. provide a better understanding of the signal transduction
pathways which may eventually allow to develop nitrogen
fixation in cereals.

5. Effect of silencing Myzus persicae (green peach aphid) genes
by RNAi by feeding with dsRNA and or via transgenic plants
 Aphids reduce crop yields both directly by feeding
damage and indirectly by transmission of virus diseases.
 With the development of resistance against not only
chemicals but also genetically resistant varieties of crops,
exploiting the naturally occurring cellular process of RNAi
is an exciting field of research in terms of developing
Green peach aphids transgenic crops.
The objective of this project is to silence the expression of genes
vital for aphids to complete their life cycle using RNAi.
This will provide an excellent method of control that is both
economical and environmentally safe.

6. Abundance, residency and genetic connectivity of Australian
snubfin (Orcaella heinsohni) and Indo-Pacific humpback (Sousa
chinensis) dolphins in the Kimberley region
Little is known about the snubfin and humpback dolphins in
north-west Australia, and insufficient data exist for DEC in
Western Australia to effectively assess their conservation
status.
 Increasing pressure from coastal development in WA is
threatening coastal habitats and the species that rely on
them, such as coastal dolphins.
Some of the objectives of this research are to:
1. Quantify abundance and residency patterns for Australian snubfin,
Indo-Pacific humpback and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins in
state waters at several locations in the Kimberley region.
2. Use a landscape genetics approach to identify levels of structure
and connectivity within and between dolphin populations across
the Kimberley region.

7. The congruence between bat and vegetation succession in
restored bauxite minesites in the jarrah forests of south-
western Australia
 Joanna’s research project will be the first, nationally or
internationally, to specifically examine the impacts of
mining on bat activity, including foraging and roosting
behaviour,
It should inform future land managers on how to
maintain bat populations in production landscape.
Some of the objectives of this research are to:
1) identify patterns of bat succession in restored minesites
2) investigate congruence between these successional patterns and
vegetation succession
3) identify patterns of bat foraging in restored minesites

8. Coral-associated microbial communities in reef-building
corals of Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
 Climate change imposes measurable effects and represents a major
threat to coral reefs.
 The balance of the complex multi-partner symbiotic relationship in
coral reef ecosystem is disrupted by:
• increases in atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide
contributing to ocean warming,
• as well as ocean acidification
 Each of these stressors and their synergistic effects can result in
coral stress or disease and ultimately in coral death.
Some of the findings of this project are:
1. microbial shifts in adult corals over one year are structured by environmental
parameters;
2. brooding and broadcast spawning corals show distinct differences in microbial
profiles;
3. coral reproduction as well as the environmental effects of coral mass spawning
influence changes in coral-microbial communities;

9. Population biology of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus)
in the metropolitan waters of Perth, Western Australia
 Six bottlenose dolphins were found dead within a five month
period in the Swan Canning Estuary, Perth, in 2009 and were
reported as an Unusual Mortality Event (UME).
 Recent tests came back positive for morbillivirus, a rare virus
caught by cetacean in the open ocean.
 Ranging patterns of resident and transient populations and
their time spent in the Swan-Canning estuary vs coastal waters,
Gage Roads (North), Owen Anchorage (Middle) and Cockburn
Sound (South).
Some of the main objectives of this project are:
1. Long-term study of the dolphins inhabiting the estuary and Inner
harbour,
2. Provide more scientific data in order to improve conservation
basis of the Swan River’s dolphin population.

10. Colonisation of Jetty Pilings at Busselton Jetty
 The development of Busselton jetty started over 200 years
ago providing a new habitat for a variety of marine organisms.
 The information collected on the colonisation of steel pilings
may also be relevant to other studies related to fouling of steel
structures such as oil rigs.
Some of the objectives of this research are:
1) To monitor over an extended period the progressive colonisation of the
new wood pilings vs the new steel pilings recently established at the
Busselton Jetty;
2) A comparison of these new pilings against the well colonised old wood
pilings will also be an interesting endeavour.

11. A standardized method for the comparison of skin lesions
among bottlenose dolphin population in coastal areas
 Lisa’s research will focus on skin lesions in bottlenose
dolphins. Skin lesions can offer insights into the health of the
ecosystem and the strength of the dolphin’s immune system.
Currently there is no standardised method for classifying
lesions, making it difficult to compare different studies.
The objectives of this research are to:
1. Develop a classification system for skin lesions in bottlenose dolphins,
especially lesions caused by Poxvirus, also called Tattoo Skin Disease.
2. Reduce the subjectivity in lesion classification and allow lesions to be
classified more accurately.
3. It will also make it easier to compare results across studies.

12. Comparative and Functional Analysis of Trans-spliceosome
Units of Cyst and Root Lesion Nematodes.
 The research aims at interfering the
expression of genes encoding trans-
spliceosome units of Heterodera schachtii
(Beet cyst nematode) and Pratylenchus thornei
(a root lesion nematode).
The objective of this project is to validate the chosen targets by functional analysis,
using two approaches – ‘soaking’ and ‘in planta’ delivery of dsRNA - to identify
genes which if knocked out by RNAi will confer plant resistance to major plant
parasitic nematodes.

13. The Regulation of neuregulin-1β gene expression in lung
fibroblasts and its role in perinatal lung development.
 George’s research project is investigating the role of
neuregulin-1β (NRG-1β) in perinatal lung development and its
mode of action.
 A better understanding of the molecular regulation and
release of surfactant synthesis is needed to improve the
treatment of premature infants who suffer from respiratory
distress as a result of diminished surfactant production.
Some of the objectives of this research are to:
1) Determine whether purified NRG-1β can stimulate surfactant lipid
biosynthesis;
2) Ascertain the effect of glucocorticoids on NRG-1β gene expression;
3) Evaluate the effect of NRG-1β on the level of β-adrenergic receptors and its
corresponding mRNA in type II cells.

14. The ecology of the grazing urchin Echinometra mathaei at
Ningaloo Marine Park
 Sea urchins are important grazers in many marine
systems and can cause major changes in the ecosystem
when their populations reach high levels …
The role of sea urchins in influencing the composition
and structure of coral reef habitats has rarely been
explored.
Some of the objectives of this research are to:
1. Determine what factors influence the distribution and population of the
grazing urchin (Echinometra mathaei) within the Ningaloo Marine Park,
2. Quantify urchin grazing rates and subsequent bioerosion of substrates.
This will be the first time urchin grazing, bioerosion, movement and
behaviour will be quantified at Ningaloo Reef.

15. The diet and foraging ecology of a population of bottlenose
dolphins in south west Australia
 In order to better manage human activity to lessen
stressful impacts on the dolphins it is imperative to have a
better understanding of potential direct and indirect
competition of fisheries, likely avenues of contaminant
exposure, and general areas use patterns.
The role of sea urchins in influencing the composition
and structure of coral reef habitats has rarely been
explored.
Some of the specific aims of this project are to:
1. Estimate the relative abundance, composition, and energy content of prey
species in the nearshore waters of Bunbury in summer and winter
months.
2. Investigate trophic level interactions of dolphins and prey using stable
isotope analyses.
3. Develop a spatially explicit model of environmental drivers in the coastal
region that influence dolphin movement and behavior.

16. Are the volatile chemicals from wheat and grain insects
related with inter-communication between insects and host?
 This project proposes to understand the biological and
chemical based signals between insects and their hosts
which could lead to new approaches to the diagnosis and
bio-treatment of insect pest .
 It is hoped this will help solve some of the key
biosecurity problems related to insects control.
Some of the objectives of this research are to:
1. Identify volatile compounds which could be used as signals for insect
receivers.
2. Develop rapid method for analysis of the volatile compounds by HS-SPME
and GC-MS.
3. Determine the influence of the signals on behaviour of the receivers and
develop a model for describing their relationship.

17. The Dynamic Eukaryote Genome: Evolution and the TE-Thrust
Hypothesis
 There are many questions about the adequacy of
the ‘Modern Synthesis’ to account for many known
aspects of evolution.
 Keith’s project is examining the expansion of the
Modern Synthesis to include the hypothesised TE-
Thrust, and other new data and concepts, which
may go a long way towards obtaining a better
match between the theory and the realities of
evolution.
The main objectives of this project are:
1. to expand the theoretical basis for the understanding of evolution, with
particular attention paid to the part played by transposable elements in
evolution and,
2. to make this theoretical understanding widely available to all interested
evolutionary biologists, other biologists or students.

18. The Ecology and Demography of Stingrays (Dasyatidae) at
Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
 Most rays have life history traits such as slow growth, late
maturation to adulthood and low fecundity, which make
them vulnerable to anthropogenic pressures, such as
overfishing (both as by-catch and in targeted fisheries), and
habitat destruction.
Despite this, there has been little research on the
demography and role of stingrays in coral reef communities
and much of what is known is inferential or based on
modeling studies.
Some of the objectives of this research are to:
1. Describe the distribution, abundance, movement patterns, age &
growth, trophic ecology, and ecosystem impact of stingrays within
the Ningaloo Reef Marine Park.
2. Highlight key ecological functions, predator-prey relationships and
bio-geophysical impacts of stingrays at multiple spatial scales.

19. Enhanced Nodulation of Grain Legumes Co-inoculated with
Rhizobia and Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria
Rhizobia occupy nodules on the roots of
plants and it is within these nodules that
they are able to convert atmospheric N2 to
NH3.
It has been shown that nodule formation
Nodules observed on Glycine max is enhanced by co-inoculating with plant
when inoculated with growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs).
Bradyrhizobium japonicum CB1809 and when co-inoculated
with Bacillus spp.
WSM4548
Some of the objectives of this research are to:
1. Determine genes associated with enhanced nodulation and
growth ,
2. Increase knowledge about the mechanisms which contribute to
enhanced nodulation, plant growth and nitrogen fixation.

20. Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction Gas
Chromatography-Mass Spectrum method for detection and
identification of Phytophthora species
 Phytophthora species is a serious plant pathogen to
agriculture and forest;
 This project aims at developing reliable, cheap and
quick diagnostic techniques like HS-SPME GC/MS method
for Phytophthora diagnosis.
 This may become a useful tool to solve some of the
biosecurity problems related to plant health.
Some of the objectives of this research are to:
1. Identify the specific VOCs of Phytophthora species, develop new
diagnostic methods for Phytophthora
2. Develop new treatment of Phytophthora according to biological and
chemical signals of Phytophthora.

21. Identification of humpback whale breeding areas in the Great
Barrier Reef Marine Park: validation of a spatial habitat model
 The breeding areas for Australian humpback whales in
the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP) are not well
defined.
 More information about the distribution and habitat
use of these whales is needed for a more effective
management of interactions between breeding whales
and human activities in the BGRMP.
The overall objective of this project is to identify areas and habitat important
to mating and calving whales and to:
1. Determine distribution and quantify relative abundance of breeding
whales within four regions of the GBRMP.
2. Identify human use in areas of important habitat to breeding humpback
whales.

22. Predictive habitat modelling and population dynamics of Indo-Pacific
bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in south western Australia.
 Animals prefer to use an area based on its physical
environment, food availability, protection from predators,
suitability as a breeding or calving ground and lack of
anthropogenic pressures.
 Detecting these critical areas and explaining the factors
that influence habitat use and movements (through
predictive habitat modelling techniques) are important for
conservation and management efforts of a species.
Some of the objectives for this project on the Bunbury dolphin
population are to:
1. Investigate the distribution and habitat use using predictive habitat
modelling techniques,
2. Calculate current abundance estimates & determine home ranges
and population dynamics.

23. Characterising the ‘secretome’ and establishing a protocol to
use root lesion nematodes as a model for RNA interference
in plant parasitic nematodes
 The aim of this project is to investigate the use of RNAi
as an alternative method of nematode control and to
identify and silence genes related to plant parasitism in
Pratylenchus spp.
 The application of RNAi and its delivery via transgenic
plants can provide a strategy which is not only
environmentally friendly, but also able to confer broad
resistance to numerous plant parasites.
Root lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.) reduce
the yield of wheat and barley crops in WA by 7-15%.

24. Molecular approaches to diagnostics for plant parasitic
nematodes of biosecurity concern
 This project is focusing on nematode diagnostics using existing
and novel molecular approaches to identify plant parasitic
nematodes.
 The main objectives are to:
• develop ‘anti-primer’ technology for plant parasitic
nematode identification,
• use existing nematode diagnostic techniques and
compare them with new approaches such as protein
profiling using mass spectroscopy .
Nematode pathogens cause losses of at least $450
million per annum in Australia and US$120 billion
each year in crop losses worldwide.

25. Quantifying the effects of human interactions on spinner
dolphins in resting bays in Hawaii, and assessing the
effectiveness of time area closures…
This study aims to collect baseline data on the local
abundance, distribution and behaviour of spinner dolphins
(Stenella longirostris) using a suite of modern visual and
acoustic techniques in four resting bays along the Kona coast
of Hawai'i island.
This data will then be used to investigate the effects of
human interactions on the spinner dolphins and assess the
effectiveness of time area closures as a mitigation approach.
Some of the objectives of this research are to:
1. Quantify spinner dolphin daytime habitat use and resting behaviour in
proposed time area closures
2. Produce quantitative measures of spinner dolphin exposure to human
activities within resting bays and in near shore shallow water environments
outside resting bays.
3. Produce predictive habitat models and individual based models of spinner
dolphin behaviour in relation to human interactions

26. Impact of Plant Pathogens in Irrigation Water on Biosecurity
in the Ord River Irrigation Area (ORIA)
 The ORIA, currently under expansion, is subject to
various environmental controls, including the
implementation of irrigation tailwater management
systems.
 This management system involves recycling of tailwater
and has the potential to aid in the dispersal of plant
pathogens if they are present in the water.
The main objectives of this research are to:
1. Determine the presence of Phytophthora and Pythium species in the
irrigation water of the ORIA; and
2. ascertain what impact they could have on biosecurity in the region if
tailwater is recycled.