UQ PhD candidate John Abramyan is helping to prevent the spread of cane toads thanks to an Australian Government scholarship.

In 2006, John received a Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) Scholarship from the Invasive Animals CRC to undertake his PhD at the University’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB).

Working in the research laboratory of Professor Peter Koopman, John is researching strategies designed to limit the number of female cane toads and therefore dramatically halt the growth and further spread of the cane toad population, and reduce the threat they pose.

The “daughterless” strategy being studied is similar to that currently planned to control carp in the Murray-Darling basin. It is non-toxic and poses no risk beyond the target species.

“In this project, we will carry out the genetic and ecological studies required for successful transfer of this technology to cane toads,” he said.

“Working at the IMB at UQ has afforded me the funding, advanced technology and knowledge to pursue such an ambitious genetic study on a seldom studied but well known, species.

“What I like most about being a biologist is that I'm able to do what I love and to work to the benefit of the environment at the same time.”

He said being part of the Invasive Animals CRC had given him the opportunity to meet other like-minded students and be a part of a close-knit community.

“The support from peers and the coordinators at the CRC has been an invaluable asset to my research,” John said.