Andy Davis

Associate Professor

35.G01D

+61 2 4221 3432

adavis@uow.edu.au

Lab: 35.G01B & C

Lab: +61 2 4221 4370

Research Interests

Ecology of invertebrate larvae

Chemical ecology

Defensive strategies in marine invertebrates

Human impacts on natural systems, including the impact of introduced marine pests

Structure and dynamics of invertebrate assemblages

Pattern and determinants of biodiversity

Additional research information on Caulerpa taxifolia

Monitoring fish assemblages with Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV)

Representative Publications

Davis A.R. & D.W. Ward (2009) The establishment and persistence of species rich patches in a species poor landscape: role of a structure-forming subtidal barnacle. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 380: 187-198.

Ferguson A.M. & A.R. Davis (2008) Heart of glass: spicule armament and physical defence in temperate reef sponges. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 372: 77-86.

Wright, J.T. & A.R. Davis (2006) Demographic feedback between clonal growth and fragmentation in an invasive seaweed Ecology 87:1744-1754.

Przeslawski, R., Davis A.R. & K. Benkendorff (2005) Synergistic effects associated with climate change and the development of rocky shore molluscs. Global Change Biology 11: 1-8.

Davis, A.R. & J. Bremner (1999) Potential antifouling natural products from Ascidians: a review. In: M. Fingerman, R. Nagabhushanam & M.F. Thompson (eds) Recent Advances in Marine Biotechnology Vol. III: Biofilms, Bioadhesion, Corrosion and Biofouling.  Pp. 259-308, Science Publishers Inc., New Hampshire, USA.

Davis, A.R., D.E. Roberts & S.P. Cummins (1997) Rapid invasion of a sponge-dominated deep-reef by Caulerpa scalpelliformis (Chlorophyta) in Botany Bay, New South Wales Aust J. Ecol., 22: 146-150

Searchable Publications List

Current Students

Masters

Gerard Ricardo, Project title: Dynamics of invertebrate larvae in salt marshes. (Co-supervised with Dr Todd Minchinton).

Honours

Daniel Coleman, Project title: Ocean acidification and its impacts on shell damage repair in molluscs.

Matt Rees, Project title: Habitat complexity as a surrogate for reef fish and invertebrate assemblages.

Clare McKenzie, Project title: An invasive seaweed: Effects of nutrient enrichment & habitat complexity on epibionts. (Co-supervised with Dr Todd Minchinton).

Thomas Heath, Project title: Ecological implications of ‘Smart Gates’ on fauna in the Shoalhaven River. (Co-supervised with Dr Pia Winberg).

Suggested Topics for Future Students

What are the pattern and determinants of spatial and temporal variation in recruitment of solitary ascidians.

Sterols and free-fatty acids in molluscan egg masses can be effective antimicrobial compounds; do they also play an antifeedant role?

Are sessile-invertebrate assemblages in shallow coastal lakes structured from the top down or by the availability of suitable settlement substrata?

What are the ecological impacts of Caulerpa spp. on the structure of rocky intertidal and subtidal zone assemblages?

What are the patterns of biodiversity in coastal lakes in central and southern NSW and, selecting appropriate taxa, can effective surrogates be identified?

Mycosporine-like Amino Acids (MAAs) are apparently effective sunscreens; do they also possess antimicrobial or antifeedant activity?

Does exposure of adult invertebrates to conditions anticipated under climate change affect the provisioning and performance of their offspring?

What is the relative importance of physical vs. chemical defenses in deterring predators for sessile invertebrates? To what extent are these defences inducible?

See also the Honours Topics page

Lab Highlights

2009

Liz West, three papers accepted from her honours project on Caulerpa taxifolia

2008

Maiko Lutz, winner Jim Campbell Award for best School of Biological Sciences Honours thesis

2006

Andy Davis, Distinguished Visiting Scholar, University of Canberra

2004

Rachel Przeslawski, winner New Scientist and British Council writing competition – “Sunburnt Seaslugs”, published in NewScientist
Matt Kindred, winner Alan Sefton award for best Environmental Science Honours thesis

2003

Amanda Watson, winner Jim Campbell Award for best School of Biological Sciences Honours thesis
Gabbia davisi (Bithyniidae:Mollusca) ‘discovered’ in southwest Queensland

2000

Kirsten Benkendorff, winner Young Australian of the Year (Science & Technology Category)

Abbreviated CV

Academic Degrees

PhD (Zoology) University of Adelaide, Australia, 1987

MSc (Hons -1st class) University of Auckland, New Zealand, 1982

B.Sc (Zoology major) University of Auckland, New Zealand, 1980

 

Academic and Research Appointments

2000-present Associate Professor in Biology, University of Wollongong

2006-Distinguished Visiting Scholar, University of Canberra

1993-2000 Senior Lecturer in Biology, University of Wollongong

1996 Visiting Research Fellow - Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences

1989-1993 Lecturer in Biology, University of Wollongong

1987-1989 Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution Postdoctoral Fellowship

1987 Lecturer in Statistics & Computing, South Australian College of Advanced Education

Last reviewed: 21 October, 2009