My research interests include neuroethology, visual neurophysiology, vision-based decision making, predator-prey interactions, cognition, and communication. I work at the University of Canterbury (NZ) and currently lead a project that seeks to understand the neural basis of the visual behaviour of jumping spiders. For a more detailed account of my research interests and the projects being undertaken by my students, click on any of the links above, or visit my site at the University of Canterbury (UC).
My rather varied research interests are, unsurprisingly, a product of my past experience. Under the supervision of Professor Robert Jackson at UC I studied mimicry in jumping spiders (Myrmarachne) and used 3D animation techniques to investigate vision-based predatory behaviour in a mosquito-eating jumping spider (Evarcha culicivora). Later, as an Australian Research Council-funded postdoctoral fellow at the Centre for the Integrative Study of Animal Behaviour at Macquarie University and as an Australian Postdoctoral (APD) Fellow at the vision lab at the University of Adelaide, I used the idea of receiver psychology to understand lizard responses to the deceptive caudal luring signal of death adders, explored mate choice and personality traits in fowl, and became embroiled in visual neurophysiology.
My rather varied research interests are, unsurprisingly, a product of my past experience. Under the supervision of Professor Robert Jackson at UC I studied mimicry in jumping spiders (Myrmarachne) and used 3D animation techniques to investigate vision-based predatory behaviour in a mosquito-eating jumping spider (Evarcha culicivora). Later, as an Australian Research Council-funded postdoctoral fellow at the Centre for the Integrative Study of Animal Behaviour at Macquarie University and as an Australian Postdoctoral (APD) Fellow at the vision lab at the University of Adelaide, I used the idea of receiver psychology to understand lizard responses to the deceptive caudal luring signal of death adders, explored mate choice and personality traits in fowl, and became embroiled in visual neurophysiology.
Current address
School of Biological Sciences
University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch
New Zealand
Phone: 64-3-3642987 extn 4050
Fax: 64-3-3642590
Email
University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch
New Zealand
Phone: 64-3-3642987 extn 4050
Fax: 64-3-3642590
