Our Students

Katrina has come from Coffs Harbour after completing her Bachelor and first class honours at Southern Cross University. Katrina will be diving into the toxic mysteries of the coral Ricordia and the stinging cells found within them.

Danica's research currently focusses on the potential therapeutical applications of stonefish ichthyocrinotoxins where she aims to identify novel compounds within these toxins with anthelmintic activity.

Vanessa is investigating the conservation status of the peppermint stick insect (Megacrania batesii). Her research will examine how vulnerable this special animal is to threats such as climate change and lack of genetic diversity.

Emily is continuing her ecology and venom interests in cnidarians by working with jellyfish polyps. Originally from the UK, Emily hopes her research can help with the medical field by working out the jellyfish’s ecology and venom.

In the freshwater section of our aquarium, Damian is researching Red Claw Crayfish. His research aims to optimise the farming of the crayfish in collaboration with the aquaculture industry, to explore its commercial potential.

Libby is one of our youngest team members. She is exploring novel research techniques and juggling jellyfish polyps. Delving into the life of jellyfish, her research may help whether we can predict the stinger season in Far North Queensland.