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During July 2007 I returned to the University of Queensland to begin an honours degree. My project is currently in the infancy stages, but I anticipate examining aspects signal honesty in male Australian slender crayfish (Cherax dispar) not yet considered by Dr. Robbie Wilson et al. (2007). Though chela size is a strong predictor of dominance via signaling, chela size is not a reliable signal for strength in males. Therefore, occasionally, males will have large chela with less strength relative to other males with equal chela size. Weaker males will often deceptively use their large chelae to ‘bluff’ fighting ability and consequently establish a higher position in the dominance hierarchy than possible if strength were directly evaluated (Wilson et al., 2007). At present, such signal dishonestly has only been assessed by simultaneously introducing two individuals to an aquarium, then evaluating fight decisions and wins vs. losses relative to strength and chelae size. I aim to consider whether male fighting decisions and success will differ from previous results if focal animals are given a chance to establish and claim ownership over resources such as territory, shelter and food. This novel approach will identify if signals of chela size are the sole driving force behind dominance, or whether external resources have the potential to motivate male crayfish to test chelae strength more frequently.

 

BSc (Honours)

Project: Dishonesty and resource holding of male slender crayfish (Cherax dispar)

The University of Queensland

Supervisors: A/P Anne Goldizen and Dr Robbie Wilson

 

BSc, Zoology and Biology (Marine concentration; double major) 

Minors: Speech Communication and Leadership

Humboldt State University (HSU), Arcata, CA, USA

Institution Honor Roll: cum laude

 

International Exchange Zoology/Marine Biology Student (1 year)

The University of Queensland

 

AmeriCorps*USA Watershed Stewards Project (WSP), Weaverville, CA, USA

Taught watershed ecology and biology/physiology of salmonids and other anadromous fish species to children from kindergarten through 12th grade.

 

Hawaiian Plant Inform. Specialist, Leeward Community College (LCC), HI, USA

Contributed to the format of the Native Plants Hawai`i database outline. Contacted specialists and nurseries for outline feedback and native plant production lists. Researched native plants from lists appropriate for restoration and landscaping. Entered information into database. Also co-designed and executed an experiment testing brackish water tolerance of numerous native plants.

 

 

Forestry Technician Contractor,  Arcata, Ca, USA

Work included conducting herbicide research relating to forestry and rangeland management. Information was then used to co-author sections of a Vegetation Treatment Programmatic Environmental Impact Report (VTP EIR) that that will be used by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF).

 

Marine Mammal Research & Education Prog. Volunteer, HSU, Arcata, CA, USA

Conducted on shore surveys of Northern California coastline, collecting behavioral data on grey whales (Eschrichitus robustus). Tagged harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) and tracked behaviors of individuals residing within the local Humboldt Bay area with radio telemetry.

 

2005                

Graduate Study Student Assistant, HSU Marine Lab, Trinidad, CA, USA

Assisted three PhD students examine black brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) herbivory, eelgrass (Zostera marina) growth and invertebrate interactions of Humboldt Bay. 

 

2005                 HSU Honours Graduate

2000                 5 Academic Scholarships into HSU ’00

1999                 California Scholarship Federation (CSF) 100% Lifetime Member

 

School of Integrative Biology

The University of Queensland

St Lucia, Brisbane

Australia, 4072

Email: s4076697@student.uq.edu.au

Ph: +61 7 3365 1391