PhD Student

Natalie Mathie is a PhD student researching the influence of river damming on Australian freshwater turtles.  Natalie is working on a unique group of turtles known as bimodal breathers, which have the ability to extract oxygen from the water via specialised respiratory organs.  The ability to respire aquatically allows the turtles to remain submerged underwater for long periods.  Natalie is investigating how changes in environmental conditions as a result of river damming influence aquatic respiration and diving behaviour.  Specific factors being studied include: temperature, oxygen levels, predation effects, a five species comparison and a field component that directly investigates the influence of river damming in the natural environment.  Natalie’s main study species is the endangered Mary River Turtle (Elusor macrurus) which is endemic to the Mary River, Queensland.  Other study species include: the Fitzroy River Turtle (Rheodytes leukops), the Saw-Shell Turtle (Elseya latisternum), the White-Throat Turtle (Elseya albagula), and the Brisbane River Turtle (Emydura signata).

Collaborations:

Natalie’s work is supported by the Tiaro District Landcare Group.

Education:

Bachelor of Science (Zoology and Marine Biology) – The University of Queensland (2000-2003)
Bachelor of Science (First Class Honours) – The University of Queensland (2004-2005)
Doctor of Philosophy (Zoology) – The University of Queensland (2005-present)

Publications:

• Mathie, N. J., Franklin, C.E. (2006) "The influence of body size on the diving behaviour and physiology of the bimodally respiring turtle Elseya albagula" Journal of Comparative Physiology B, published online 22 June 2006.
  
• Mathie, N., Franklin, C.E., Limpus, C. (2004) "The influence of body size on the diving behaviour and physiology of the bimodally respiring turtle Elseya sp. nov" ANZSCPB Proceedings. Vol 21 pg 28.

Conferences/Presentations: 

• The influence of environmental factors on diving behaviour and survival in Australian freshwater turtle hatchlings – Tiaro Landcare Group 2006.
• Environmental factors that influence aquatic respiration and diving behaviour in Australian freshwater turtle hatchlings – School of Integrative Biology 2005.
• Does size matter in a bum-breather? Poster Presentation – Australian Society of Herpetology 2005.
• Research into the influence of river damming on freshwater turtle hatchlings – Vertebrate Physiological Ecology Laboratory Retreat 2005.
• The influence of body size on the diving behaviour and physiology of the bimodally respiring turtle Elseya sp. nov - Australian and New Zealand Society for Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry 2004.

Awards:

• Tiaro District Landcare Group Inaugural Support Scholarship - $4000 October 2005.
• The University of Queensland Mid Year Scholarship – $18 484 p.a (tax free) for 3.5 years.
• Dean's Commendation for High Achievement – Semester 2, 2002
• Dean's Commendation for High Achievement – Semester 1, 2002
• Dean's Commendation for High Achievement – Semester 2, 2001
• Dean's Commendation for High Achievement – Semester 1, 2001
• Dean's Commendation for High Achievement – Semester 2, 2000
• Dean's Commendation for High Achievement – Semester 1, 2000

Interests:

• Animal Conservation
• Africa
• Snorkelling and Diving

Natalie in the News:

The Courier Mail August 2006 (download)
The Fraser Coast Chronicle August 2006 (download)
The Fraser Coast Chronicle May 2006 (download)