People

Amelia Munson (2024–Current)

Amelia is interested in understanding the relationship between metabolism, bioaccumulation, and animal behaviour in the context of emerging pollutants. Together, we will investigate how the gut microbiome links metabolism and behaviour, and whether environmental contamination with antimicrobials can alter this relationship

Co-supervisors: Prof Tomas Brodin
Organisation: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, SWE
Contact: amelia.munson@slu.se
X: @ScienceMunster

Alicja Greczynska (2025–Current)

Alicja’s project investigates the impacts of neuroactive and neurotoxic contaminants on olfactory receptors and olfactory-related behaviours in native Australian fish. Using a combination of advanced imaging techniques and whole-organism behavioural assays, her research will assess how pollution disrupts olfactory function from the cellular level through to ecological consequences.

Co-supervisors: Prof Shaun Collin, Dr Travis Dutka, Dr Aleicia Holland, Professor Ewen Silvester
Organisation: La Trobe University, Melbourne, AUS
Contact: 22384774@students.latrobe.edu.au

Jack Manera (2023–Current)

Jack’s PhD will investigate the effects of neuroactive and neurotoxic contaminates on cognitive function and social behaviours of fish.

Co-supervisors: Prof Bob Wong & A/Prof Michael Bertram
Organisation: Monash University, Melbourne, AUS
Contact: jack.manera@monash.edu
X: @jack_manera

Shiho Ozeki (2022–Current)

Shiho’s PhD focuses on the effects of the endocrine-disrupting chemical (EE2)—found in the birth control pill—on the behaviour of marine species with varying models of reproduction and parental investment.

Co-supervisors: Prof Bob Wong & Prof Anne Peters
Organisation: Monash University, Melbourne, AUS
Contact: shiho.ozeki@monash.edu
X: @OzekiShiho

Kate Fergusson (2021–2025)

Kate’s research interests comprise ecotoxicology, animal behaviour, and open science. Her research will focus on determining how the antidepressant fluoxetine impacts the behaviour and metabolism of fish, as well as open science particles within the field of ecotoxicology more boradly.

Co-supervisors: Prof Bob Wong & A/Prof Michael Bertram
Organisation: Monash University, Melbourne, AUS
Contact: kate.fergusson@monash.edu
X: @KNFergusson

Gabriela Melo (2020–2024)

Gabriela’s PhD focuses on the potential long-term impacts of fluoxetine, a common antidepressant pollutant, on the reproductive systems of freshwater fish. Specifically, pre- and post-copulatory reproductive processes, as well as mechanisms of sexual selection and sexual conflict.

Co-supervisors: Prof Bob Wong & Dr Matthew Hall
Organisation: Monash University, Melbourne, AUS
Contact: gabriela.melo@monash.edu
X: @gabriela_melogc

Hung Tan (2020–2023)

Hung’s research investigated the impacts of psychoactive pollutants—such as caffeine and antidepressants—on the behaviour, physiology and circadian rhythm of aquatic wildlife. His work involves both fish and amphibian models.

Co-supervisors: Prof Bob Wong & Dr Lesley Alton
Organisation: Monash University, Melbourne, AUS
Contact: Hung.Tan@monash.edu
X: @HungTan_

Jack Orford (2019–2023)

Jack’s PhD research investigated how common agricultural endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) affect development, survival and reproduction in frogs. His project provided insights into how aquatic contamination by EDCs can affect vulnerable early life stages, and how this can influence adult performance.

Co-supervisors: Prof Bob Wong & Dr Lesley Alton
Organisation: Monash University, Melbourne, AUS
Contact: jack.orford1@monash.edu
X: @JackTOrford

Sebastian Nilsson (2022-2023)

Sebastian completed his Master’s in the Ethology programme at Stockholm University in 2023. He investigated the potential effects of a pharmaceutical pollutant (temazepam) on cognitive abilities in fish (Poecilia reticulata). More specifically, he tested whether temazepam altered learning and cognitive flexibility.

Co-supervisors: Prof Niclas Kolm & A/Prof Michael Bertram
Organisation: Stockholm University, Stockholm, SWE
Contact: s.vasquez.nilsson@gmail.com

James Wiles (2021)

James’s Honours project investigated the relationship between morphology and swimming performance in a recently invasive fish species in Northern Australia (Siamese fighting fish). James’s has now started a PhD at Monash University, in which he will study the potential impact of pharmaceuticals as they biomagnify through trophic levels, and, how such toxicants are transferred across the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Co-supervisors: Prof Bob Wong
Organisation: Monash University, Melbourne, AUS
Contact: james.wiles@monash.edu
Twitter: @James_Wiles1

Jack Manera (2021)

Jack’s honours project addressed the impacts of boat noise on the behaviour of Steinitz’s goby (Amblyeleotris steinitzi) and Alpheus shrimp (Alpheus sp.). Using in situ field observations on Lizard island (Queensland, Australia) Jack measured the effects of two types of boat engines on burrow use, and the communication between these two mutualistic species. Jack has now started his PhD at Monash University, looking at the impacts of pollution on interspecific interactions and group behaviour of freshwater fish species

Co-supervisors: Prof Bob Wong
Organisation: Monash University, Melbourne, AUS
Contact: jlman6@student.monash.edu
Twitter: @jack_manera

Shiho Ozeki (2020)

Shiho’s honours project investigated the effects of an agricultural pollutant, 17β-Trenbolone, on the behaovuir and growth of tadpoles. Specifically, Shiho measured the impacts of this anabolic pollutant on the foraging behaovuir and activity levels of tadpoles (Limnodynastes tasmaniensis). Shiho has now started a PhD working with myself and Prof Bob Wong (see above for details).

Co-supervisors: Prof Bob Wong
Organisation: Monash University, Melbourne, AUS
Contact: shiho.ozeki@monash.edu
Twitter: @OzekiShiho

Philippa Bell (2020)

Pip’s honours project investigated the influence of long term fluoxetine exposure on anti-predator behaviours in guppies (Poecilia reticulata), and explored any changes in behaviour after depuration (removal of the chemical). Pip is currently completing her PhD at The University of Melbourne, her aim is to improve urban habitat for insects and small birds and encourage people to get involved in conservation in cities. 

Co-supervisors: Prof Bob Wong
Organisation: Monash University, Melbourne, AUS
Contact: Philippab@student.unimelb.edu.au
Twitter: @philippab96

Sarah Oddoux (2023)

Sarah ran a project investigating the impacts of antibiotic pollution on the gut microbiome and behaviour of fish. This project formed the bases of a research internship during her Master (Ecotoxology) at Le Mans Universite, France.

Co-supervisors: A/Prof Michael Bertram
Organisation: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, SWE
Contact: shoddoux@gmail.com