Our Research
Advancing reproductive physiology of threatened wildlife
Australia is facing an extinction crisis that threatens many of its unique species. A significant hurdle to the conservation of these species is the lack of information about their reproductive biology. Our lab uses innovative, non-invasive hormone monitoring techniques to gain critical insights into the reproductive biology of threatened species in order to:
• Characterise reproductive physiology for priority conservation species
• Develop novel diagnostic tools to confirm and monitor pregnancy
•Analyse successful and unsuccessful breeders to identify causes of and potential treatments for reproductive dysfunction.
Dynamic interactions between stress and reproduction
We are working to develop a more comprehensive understanding of how glucocorticoids influence reproductive function, with a particular focus on ovarian biology. By improving our understanding of how these hormones are involved in female reproduction, we hope to offer novel insights into causes of female infertility. Current projects in this area include:
• Mapping normative patterns of glucocorticoid expression across reproductive stages
• Examining changes in expression of glucocorticoid receptors in the ovary
Understanding anthropogenic impacts on wildlife
Human activities have substantially altered the environment and it is important to understand the impacts our actions have on wildlife. Our group investigates how environmental changes impact wildlife and why some species successfully adapt to these changes while others do not. Our group approaches this question from multiple perspectives, exploring questions such as:
• Do individual animals cope differently with anthropogenic stressors?
• What is the effect of artificial light at night on wildlife physiology?
• How do environmental pollutants disrupt endocrine signalling and reproductive physiology?