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 | Biography |  |
Developmental Biology and Insect Physiology. Developmental Neurobiology
My major research program is an analysis of genes involved in early development of the nervous system and in axonal pathfinding. I study these processes in embryos of Drosophila melanogaster, a model organism for genetic studies. I use techniques such as light microscopy, immunostaining, and genetic approaches in this work. Current research projects include an investigation of the role of single sensory neurons in reflex circuitry of Drosophila melanogaster. Identified neurons are destroyed using laser ablation and the effect on subsequent larval crawling behaviour determined.
Insect Physiology
Current research projects in this area include an investigation of the interactions of larval Trichogramma parasitoid wasps inside their host eggs. Artificial diets for the mass production of these potentially useful insects are also under investigation.
Another project is an investigation of the regulation of bioluminescence output by the glow-worm Arachnocampa flava found in the rainforests around Brisbane. The larvae of glow-worms produce light from their malpighian tubules to attract prey to their sticky webs. Claire Baker has recently completed a PhD project identifying Australia’s glow-worms and now our attention is focussing on how they regulate their light output.
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