Posts from the ‘Lab news’ Category

Mar 17

Annual WA beetle hunt

Surely now eligible for a commemorative t-shirt, I joined Amanda’s West Australian beetle fieldwork for the forth year. Given she is now based at La Trobe University, Amanda had the perfect excuse not to invite me, but ever the masochist, or delightfully tolerant, she indulged my desire to join. As with the first year, it was just Amanda and me on this mission, but this time, we were armed with experience, a familiar stretch of road, and a network of immensely knowledgeable collaborators.

I’d not worked on beetles for some time, so it took a hot minute to get my eye back in, and recognise the different species. Amanda was exceedingly patient, reminding me of colours, patterns and species I once knew quite well. Then there were the new (to us) species, and the subtly different morphs that baffled me, but Amanda incorporated into her knowledge bank seamlessly. I wasn’t jealous or feeling inept at all.

Amanda’s main project involved the deployment of intercept traps, with four different treatments to investigate the beetles’ interpretation of gloss. Alongside the traps, we ran behavioural observations using replica beetle models, lovingly crafted in what can only be described as a highly specialised form of academic arts and crafts. We stood back and watched if and how the resident beetles interacted with our models.

Given our site was both diverse and abundant, we got to set up almost exclusively there. But that didn’t stop us indulging some side quests, in search of rare species, and ones we’d heard whispers were in the area after decades.

Now returned to civilisation, Amanda’s set to analyse the data, interpret scrawled handwriting, and disseminate the science. I get to write a cheeky blog post and reminisce on my excellent choices to travel interstate with my friend, butterfly net in hand, and playlist blasting from the hired ute.

Post by Katrina, diligent field assistant

Mar 17

Mia goes to Manchester

Mia Wansbrough is participating in a joint PhD program with the University of Manchester, a program in which she will spent 12 months of her candidature at her co-supervisor Dr Ahu Gumrah Parry’s lab in the UK.

I’m lucky to be part of a joint PhD program between the University of Melbourne and the University of Manchester. As part of this program, I’ll spend a total of 12 months at my host institution in Manchester. I’ve just completed my first three-month stint and will return next year to continue my work. My project sits at the intersection of biology and material sciences where we’re using beetles as inspiration for creating sustainable, highly reflective materials. In Melbourne, I focus on the biological side – studying the development of photonic structures in beetles – and in Manchester, I’m learning how to translate the unique, multilayered, designs we see in nature into real-world materials. As a biologist, there was a steep learning curve throughout my time in Manchester where I was lucky to be mentored by my supervisor Dr Ahu Gumrah Parry, and my counterpart in the program, Jianbo Xu, who patiently taught me the fundamentals of materials science. Jianbo recently arrived in Melbourne, and I have been enjoying introducing him to the fascinating world of beetles!

Outside the lab, I had so much fun getting to know Manchester and its surroundings. It took me a while to warm up to the city with its ever-changing weather and slightly chaotic charm, but once I found my rhythm I absolutely loved it! There were heaps of great restaurants, cafes and of course a pub on every corner. I was lucky to be there throughout a ‘good’ summer so experienced multiple sunny days to wander the city, hike in the Peak District, and enjoy a few pints outside with new friends. I am so excited to return next year to finish off my 12-month stint!