Students

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 and Prof Anne Peters
Organisation: Monash University, Melbourne, AUS
Contact: shiho.ozeki@monash.edu
Twitter: @OzekiShiho

Kate Fergusson (2021–Current)

Kate’s research interest comprise of ecotoxicology, cognition, and animal personality. Her research will focus on determining whether, and how, the antidepressant fluoxetine impacts learning and cognition in fish.

Co-supervisors: Prof Bob Wong and Dr Michael Bertram
Organisation: Monash University, Melbourne, AUS
Contact: kate.fergusson@monash.edu
Twitter: @KNFergusson

Gabriela Melo (2020–Current)

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 and Dr Matthew Hall
Organisation: Monash University, Melbourne, AUS
Contact: gabriela.melo@monash.edu
Twitter: @gabriela_melogc

Hung Tan (2020–Current)

Hung’s research investigates 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 and Dr Lesley Alton
Organisation: Monash University, Melbourne, AUS
Contact: Hung.Tan@monash.edu
Twitter: @HungTan_

Jack Orford (2019–Current)

Jack’s research investigates how common agricultural endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) affect development, survival and reproduction in frogs. His project will provide 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 and Dr Lesley Alton
Organisation: Monash University, Melbourne, AUS
Contact: jack.orford1@monash.edu
Twitter: @JackTOrford

Sebastian Nilsson (2022-2023)

Sebastian completed his Bachelor’s degree in Biology at Stockholm University in 2021. He then enrolled in the Ethology Master’s programme and is now writing his thesis on the potential effects of a pharmaceutical pollutant (temazepam) on cognitive abilities in fish (Poecilia reticulata). More specifically he aims to investigate if temazepam affects learning and cognitive flexibility and if so, how such pollutants could impact wild populations.

Co-supervisors: Prof Niclas Kolm and Dr Michael Bertram
Organisation: Stockholm University, Stocholm, 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