My PhD research examined the role of UVR on intertidal invertebrate embryos. I've discovered that many of these animals actually possess chemical sunscreens to help protect them against sunlight. I've also found that other intertidal stressors interact with UVR to affect marine invertebrate development. Although this sounds obvious, it has important implications for studies examining the impact of climate change; if potential interactions are not considered, the effects of climate change may be underestimated.
Although science research is my main career interest, I also enjoy writing and have a keen interest in science communication and education.
Przeslawski, R. 2004a. Review of environmental effects on intertidal molluscan egg mass development and mortality. Molluscan Research 24: 43-63.
Przeslawski, R. 2004b. Chemical sunscreens in intertidal gastropod egg masses. International Journal of Reproduction & Development 46:119-124.
Przeslawski, R. 2005. Interactions between solar radiation and desiccation on the mortality and development of encapsulated embryos of rocky shore gastropods. Marine Ecology Progress Series 298: 169-177.
Przeslawski, R; Davis, AR; Benkendorff, K. 2004. Effects of ultraviolet radiation and visible light on the development of encapsulated molluscan embryos. Marine Ecology Progress Series 268: 151-160.
Przeslawski, R.; Benkendorff, K. 2005. The role of surface fouling in the development of encapsulated gastropod embryos. Journal of Molluscan Studies 71: 75-83.
Przeslawski, R; Davis, AR; Benkendorff, K. 2005. Synergies, climate change and the development of rocky shore molluscs. Global Change Biology 11: 515-522.
Przeslawski, R; Davis, AR; Benkendorff, K. in press. A quantitative survey of mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) in intertidal egg masses from temperate rocky shores. Journal of Chemical Ecology. Accepted April 2005.
