Department of Zoology, University of Otago, New Zealand
| About Us | Contacts | Courses & Subjects | News & Events | Research | People | Te Rōpū |
PhD students |
||
Josh AdamsEmail josh_adams@usgs.gov Course: PhD Supervisor: Henrik Moller, David Fletcher Topic: Movement ecology of procellariiform seabirds Research areas: Foraging ecology and ranging behaviours of pelagic seabirds Abbas Akbaripasand
Course: PhD Supervisor: Gerry Closs , Mark Lokman Topic: In New Zealand, fish habitat is thought to have been greatly reduced by change in land use from native forest to pasture. A loss of riparian cover can reduce the abundance of terrestrial invertebrates both in and outside the stream, thereby reducing food availability to fish. I am looking at the impacts of land use practises on fish population Research areas: Aquatic Ecology Farman Ali
Email: alifa309@student.otago.ac.nz Course: PhD Supervisor: David Wharton, Robert Poulin, Mark Lokman Topic: The great potential of Entomopathogenic Nematodes (EPN) as biological control agents and their in vitro mass production is a success story. A major barrier to their large-scale commercial application, however, is the lack of a suitable technique for their long-term storage. In this context I am focusing on increasing the shelf life of and thereby developing a long-term storage method for EPN, based on their natural capacity for freezing tolerance. Research areas: Parasitology, Evnironmental Physiology Amelie Auge  Email augam928@student.otago.ac.nz Course: PhD Supervisors: Lloyd Davis, Antoni Moore (Surveying), Louise Chilvers (DoC), Chris Lalas Topic: My research is on foraging ecology of the New Zealand sea lion. The aim is to increase the kowledge on marine habitat use and its relationship with population's health of pinnipeds, and provide information for the management of the recolonisation of the New Zealand mainland by this species. Research areas: Behavioural and Foraging Ecology, Wildlife Management Tina Bayer Email bayti364@student.otago.ac.nz Course: PhD Supervisors: Marc Schallenberg, Carolyn Burns Topic: I am working on establishing potential effects of climate change and land use change on phytoplankton in Lake Wakatipu and Lake Wanaka, with special focus on picocyanobacteria. Research areas: Aquatic Ecology, Environmental Science Anne Besson
Course: PhD Supervisor: Alison Cree Topic: My project is to determine if the behaviour, the reproductive and thermoregulatory biology of tuatara are limiting factors for its reintroduction in southern New Zealand. Research areas: Behavioural ecology, Conservation biology Antje Bierschenk 
Email biean819@student.otago.ac.nz Course: PhD Supervisors: Colin Townsend, Christoph Matthaei, Candida Savage Topic: Estuaries are important nursery habitats for aquatic organisms including many species of commercial value, yet these ecosystems across the world are increasingly threatened by the ongoing intensification of human activities in their catchments. To date however, the effects of different kinds and intensities of human land use on estuarine ecosystems are poorly understood. In my PhD project I am aiming to link land-use practices in the catchments of selected South Island rivers to the benthic communities in their estuaries. Research areas: Aquatic Ecology
Beate Bierschenk 
Email biebe009@student.otago.ac.nz Course: PhD Supervisor: Gerry Closs, Carolyne Burns, Marc Schallenberg Topic: Mysid shrimps are often a dominant component of estuarine and coastal fauna. The different species found within an estuary are often temporally or spatially segregated along environmental gradients. Salinity appears to be an important factor segregating the four co-existing mysid species within the Taieri River estuary. Looking at the distribution and life histories, I try to identify the driving factors affecting species segregations. Research areas: Aquatic Ecology
Tim ByrneEmail tbyrne@abacusbio.co.nz Course: PhD Supervisor: Hamish Spencer, Paul Hansen Topic: The proposed research will aim to develop and compare traditional and novel methodologies for the prioritisation of traits in sheep production systems, and the development of breeding objectives. The development and integration of novel breeding schemes and the comparison of these and of existing schemes in sheep genetic improvement in Ireland and New Zealand will be undertaken. This will include a comparative assessment and evaluation of the drivers that underpin breeding schemes in NZ and Ireland, and consider the possible basis of any differences Research area: Genetics Nicholas DunnEmail nicholas.dunn@xtra.co.nz Course: PhD Supervisor: Gerry Closs Topic: Nicholas is investigating the influence of hydrological regime on local adaptation in Galaxias fishes. In particular he is examining the effect of differences in flow on the morphology, life history, and behaviour of G. gollumoides (Gollum galaxias) in wetland and stream habitats. Research area: Aquatic ecology Nicholas Dussex 
Email nicolas.dussex@gmail.com Course: PhD Supervisor: Bruce Robertson, Ian Jamieson Topic: Conservation genetics of the Kea (Nestor notabilis): Phylogeography, population history and bottleneck, population structure, dispersal, relatedness. Research areas: Population Genetics, Conservation Biology
Ursula EllenbergEmail ulnberg@eudyptes.net Course: PhD Supervisor: Phil Seddon Topic: Impact of human disturbance on penguin physiologoy, behaviour, reproductive success and survival - comparing three penguin species with different natural & human disturbance history: Humboldt penguins (Chile), Snares & Yellow-eyed penguins (New Zealand). Research Areas: Behavioural ecology, Conservation biology, Wildlife management. Erin Forbes
Email nicolas.dussex@gmail.comforer069@student.otago.ac.nz Course: PhD Supervisor: Mark Lokman Topic: My research aims to investigate an unknown but differentially expressed gene involved in reproduction in the New Zealand Short-finned eel, Anguilla australis. More specifically, it's expression during different stages of development, the tissues in which it is expressed and possible regulatory factors. Research areas: Reproductive Physiology and Endocrinology
Jen GermanoEmail gerje744@student.otago.ac.nz Course: Masters Supervisor: Phil Bishop and Alison Cree Topic: I'll be looking into sex identification and reproduction/mating in New Zealand's frogs. Research areas: Behavioural ecology, Conservation biology
Markus Gradwohl
Email: grama999@student.otago.ac.nz Course: PhD Supervisors: Henrik Moller, CSAFE , Tom Brooking (History Dept.), Fridolin Krausmann (IFF, Vienna) Topic: My Research explores the changing quality and quantity of society's metabolic interchange with the biophysical environment in New Zealand from 1840 to 2000. Utilizing an empirical time-series approach an attempt is made to contribute to a historical understanding of socio economically driven environmental change and changing natural relations. Research area: Environmental Science Catherine GrueberEmail gruca565@student.otago.ac.nz
Course: PhD Supervisors: Ian Jamieson, Jon Waters Topic: I use pedigree and molecular methods (microsatellites) to evaluate the relationships between inbreeding and genetic diversity (heterozygosity), and the influences of these on the reproductive fitness of threatened species, specifically the takahe, a highly endangered New Zealand rail Research area: Conservation biology Kristin Herrmann 
Email: herkr385@student.otago.ac.nz Course: PhD Supervisor: Robert Poulin Topic: I am investigating differential life cycle strategies in a trematode, Stegodexamene anguillae. Specifically, I am examining the effects of environmental factors and the role of genetic determinism on the probility of becoming progenetic (precociously mature) within their second intermediate host. Research areas: Behavioural Ecology, Animal Evolution, Population Genetics, Parasitology Andy HicksEmail ashicks@gmail.com Course: PhD Supervisors: Gerry Closs, Jon Waters Topic: Exploring migration and life history in native diadromous fishes. Research area: Aquatic ecology
Anson Koehler
Email: koean328@student.otago.ac.nz Course: PhD Supervisors: Robert Poulin Topic: Host specificity and phenotypic plasticity of trematodes Research area: Parasitology Leonie Kuecholl 
Email kuean836@student.otago.ac.nz Course: PhD Supervisor: Gerry Closs, Mark Lokman Topic: Does invertebrate drift density influences the abundance of juvenile brown trout (Salmo trutta) in a mixed population of resident and migratory brown trout? Riffles upstream of pools are a key source of invertebrate food for fish, and longer riffles appear to supply more food. Additionally, the relationship between food supply and fish abundance may vary with the migratory status of the population. How does food predictability influence the behaviour of juvenile brown trout? Research areas: Aquatic Ecology Rebecca LawsEmail lawre133@student.otago.ac.nz Course: PhD Supervisor: Ian Jamieson Topic: I am looking at the effects of inbreeding depression in a historically small population of New Zealand robins. I am hoping to determine if a history of small population size has resulted in genetic purging, reducing the effects of subsequent inbreeding in this population. Research area: Behavioural ecology, Conservation biology Adrian LillEmail gammylill@gmail.com Course: PhD Supervisor: Gerry Closs, Marc Schallenberg, Candida Savage Topic: The structure and function of temporaly Open/Closed estuaries: 1.how are their fish and macroinvertebrate communities structured at a regional level; a function of chance, environmental and/or typological factors? 2. What is the impact of opening/splashover events on these communities? 3. How does migration inot these communities occur? Research areas: Aquatic Ecology Francis Magbanua
Course: PhD (Zoology) Supervisor: Colin Townsend, Christoph Matthaei, Kim Hageman, Grant Blackwell Topic: Expansion and intensification of agricultural production in New Zealand over many years is likely to have resulted in major biodiversity losses and changes in ecosystem functioning. I compare impacts of contrasting farm management practices (conventional, organic and integrated) on stream biodiversity and function, and determine threshold levels of inputs beyond which aquatic ecosystems are unacceptably degraded. Research areas: Aquatic ecology Rachel McClellanEmail rachel.mcclellan@xtra.co.nz Course: PhD Supervisors: Phil Seddon, John Innes, Colin O'Donnell Topic: Management and Ecology of Southland's black-billed gulls. The black-billed gull has undergone a dramatic decline of as much as 80% in the last 20 years within its stronghold in Southland, and is now listed as the most threatened gull in the world by the IUCN. This research programme will determine the relative impacts of some of the key potential threats such as weeds, introduced predators and land use changes, and investigate possible management actions. Research areas: Conservation biology, Wildlife management Graham McCullochEmail mccgr610@student.otago.ac.nz Course: PhD Supervisor: Jon Waters, Graham Wallis Topic: My research involves the use of genetic data to examine the relationships between new Zealand and other Southern hemisphere stonefly species. Research areas: Aquatic Ecology, Animal Evolution, Population Genetics Nathan McNallyEmail nathan_mcnally@xtra.co.nz Course: PhD (Zoology) Supervisor: Bruce Robertson, Steve Dawson, Louise Chilvers Topic: My Research will investigate the population dynamics and breeding behaviour of the male New Zealand sea lions at the subantarctic Auckland Islands. Breeding behaviour of male New Zealand sea lions will be investigated using behavioural observations . I will look at their tenure in the breeding aggregation; changes in behaviour over the breeding period and and their spatial distribution in and around the breeding agregation on Enderby Island to define the breeding system. Tag resights will also be used to investigate age/chohort specific survival and recruitment of males. Research areas: Behavioural ecology, Conservation biology, eradications Sarah MeadowsEmail meadowscooper@mac.com Course: PhD Supervisor: Henrik Moller Topic: My research examines the role of birds as indicators of wider ecosystem biodiversity on New Zealand sheep/beef farms with the aim of identifying associations between presence and relative abundance of focal bird species in realtion to habitat structure and compostion and farm management scheme. Research areas: Conservation Biology, Wildlife Management Sabine MelzerEmail melsa875@student.otago.co.nz Course: PhD Supervisor: Phil Bishop Topic: I'm looking at peptides in the skin secretions of NZ frogs and their use in communication and disease defense as well as variations in peptide profiles between species and populations. Research area: Conservation biology, behavioural biology Rachel PatersonEmail patra374@student.otago.ac.nz
Course: PhD (Zoology) Supervisor: Robert Poulin, Colin Townsend, Daniel Tompkins Topic: I’m investigating parasite dynamics within freshwater fish communities. Research areas: Parasitology, Aquatic Ecology
Robert PeoplesEmail peoro512@student.otago.ac.nz
Course: PhD (Zoology) Supervisor: Robert Poulin I'm looking at the effects of parasitism and pollution on the physiology and population dynamics of intertidal polychaete worms in Otago Harbour Research areas: Parasitology
George Pickerell
Email: gpickerell@yahoo.com Course: PhD Supervisors: Phil Seddon, Deb Wilson Topic: I am investigating what importance the "Safe Island " concept has for braided river birds, especially the black-fronted tern. In particular what characteristics of braided-river islands explain the presence of mammalian predators, and to predict how this may be affected by changes in water flow. Research area: Conservation Biology, Wildlife Management Jeremy (Jay) Piggott 
Email: jeremy.piggott@otago.ac.nz Course: PhD Supervisors: Colin Townsend, Christoph Matthaei Topic: I am investigating the individual and combined effects of nutrient status, fine sediment and water temperature in pasture streams. The main objective of this research is to identify how three influential stressors interact in influencing population performance, community composition and ecosystem function, and will provide valuable knowledge for stream health assessment and management. Research area: Aquatic Ecology Mariano Recio
Email: RODMA537@student.otago.ac.nz Course: PhD Supervisors: Phil Seddon Topic: Spatial ecology of New Zealand introduced predators, specifically feral cats and hedgehogs. Quantification of the fine-scale movements of these species as predators of native fauna using GPS telemetry, along with high-resolution satellite images (Quickbird) for habitat mapping. Control of predator populations Research area: Spatial Ecology, Conservation Biology, Wildlife Management. Melianie RaymondEmail melianieraymond@yahoo.co.uk
Course: PhD Supervisors: David Wharton, Craig Marshall Topic: My research is focusing on adaptations enabling the survival of intracellular freezing in Antarctic nematodes. Research area: Environmental physiology
Bryan RhodesEmail BKRhodesVA@aol.com Course: PhD Supervisor: Ian Jamieson Topic: I am examining factors relating to type and quality of cavity-nests in the South Island saddleback. Research area: Behavioural ecology Judith RoddaEmail rodju951@student.otago.ac.nz Course: PhD Supervisors: Liz Slooten, Tony Moore Topic: My project is to gather data to better understand the abundance and distribution of Hector's Dolphins in Te Waewae Bay, Southland,NZ using mark-recapture and spatial temporal analysis. Research area: Conservation Biology Eduardo Santos 
Email dosed815@student.otago.ac.nz Course: PhD Supervisor: Shinichi Nakagawa Topic: My research focuses on the mating behaviour of New Zealand Dunnocks, and how it might have been affected by a new environment. Research areas: Behavioural Ecology
Alireza Shoae
Email: shoal341@student.otago.ac.nz Course: PhD Supervisors: Mark Lokman Topic: I am investigating functional aspects of intraovarian and systemic Insulin -like growth factors (IGFs) on steroidogenesis and gene pattern expression during a period of oocyte growth known as Previtellogenic in fish ovary. My project will also consist of localization of IGF system and role of androgens on IGFs hormonal regulation during previtellogenesis. Research area: Reproductive Physiology, Endocrinology Anja Studer
Email: stuan101@student.otago.ac.nz Course: PhD Supervisors: Robert Poulin, Miles Lamare Topic: The topic of my proposed research is part of the project parasitism, global change and natural ecosystems. I focus on the effects of multiple environmental factors on the on the transmission of the marine trematode parasite Maritrema novaezealandensis. Research area: Parasitology Jolene T. SuttonEmail: jolene.sutton@gmail.com Course: PhD Supervisors: Ian Jamieson, Bruce Robertson Topic: I am investigating the relationships between neutral (microsatellite) and functional (MHC) genetic diversity in bottlenecked bird populations. Research area: Population Genetics Sheena TownsendEmail towsh462@student.otago.ac.nz Course: PhD Supervisor: Ian Jamieson Topic: I am investigating the relationships between inbreeding, heterozygosity and fitness in a pedigreed population of South Island robins Research areas: Conservation Biology Jeff Vanderpham
Email: vanje286@student.otago.ac.nz Course: PhD Supervisors: Gerry Closs, Shinichi Nakagawa Topic: Phenotypic plasticity in the mechanosensory lateral-line systems of the native freshwater eleotrid fishes, common bully (Gobiomorphus cotidianus)and redfinned bully (Gobiomorphus huttoni), and its relationship with feeding behavior and habitat selection. Research area: Aquatic Ecology Vanina Vergoz
Course: PhD Supervisor: Alison Mercer Topic: Queen pheromone and aversive conditioning in honey bees (Apis mellifera): Behavioural and molecular approaches. Research area: Neurobiology Annika Wagenhoff
Course: PhD (Zoology) Supervisor: Colin Townsend, Christoph Matthaei Topic: Agricultural land use affects streams in particular by increasing nutrient concentrations and fine sediments. I am looking into the effects of these stressors on stream macroinvertebrate and algal communities and ecosystem functioning. The principle aim is to identify the shape of ecological responses to stressor gradients and the manner in which multiple stressors interact. This will identify thresholds of harm that are meaningful for resource management. Research areas: Aquatic Ecology Florian WellerEmail flo@glaswolke.de Course: PhD Supervisors: Henrik Moller, Grant Blackwell I'm looking at diversity and particularly breeding success of farmland birds in relation to habitat parameters and predation pressure through introduced predators. This forms part of ARGOS' research into sustainable landuse on NZ farms. Research areas: Conservation ecology, Behavioural ecology David WinterEmail winda002@student.otago.ac.nz Course: PhD Supervisor: Hamish Spencer, Graham Wallis The Cook Island's has a unique and understudied land snail fauna. My research looks at two speciose genera, Sinployea and Lamprocystis, and seeks to understand the processes, including speciation and ocenic dispersal that have generated their current diversity. Research areas: Animal Evolution |
Email 
Email 
Email 
Email 
Email 