Research

I am fascinated by how animals make sense of space. The research we carry out in my group investigates the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying spatial learning and memory, with a particular focus on how environmental information is acquired, retained, and translated into efficient navigation. Because survival depends on reaching critical resources, navigation provides a powerful framework for linking cognition, behaviour, and neurobiology.

My work centres on Australian invertebrates that live in diverse and often extreme environments, including Central Australian deserts, intertidal zones in Queensland, the rainforests of Cape York, urban landscapes, and dim-light habitats. To study navigation behaviours of animal in their natural contexts, I have developed a range of innovative tools and analytical techniques to reconstruct their fine-scale movement with high precision.

My research has largely focussed on insects and spiders where I take advantage of the inter- and intra-specific variation in size and tasks that animals carry out in discrete ecological and temporal niches.

A second aspect of my research aims to promote native insect pollinators and develop methods and techniques to control pests and diseases of native insects.

Outreach

I regularly interact with and take school students and general public out on nature walks to show and talk about insects and spiders. Covered in ABC, Friends of Mt Majura,

I have a keen interest in capturing the behaviours of tiny critters and enjoy experimenting with macro-photography and videography when time permits. Check out some of my pictures and videos.

Scientific Career

• 2026. Professor, School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney
• 2025. Co-Director, Macquarie University Pollinator Futures Research Centre.
• 2023. Associate Professor, School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney
• 2015. ARC Future Fellow, Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney
• 2012. ARC Fellow (DECRA), Research School of Biological Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra
• 2009. ARC Fellow (APD), Research School of Biological Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra
• 2006. Postdoctoral Fellow, ARC Centre of Excellence in Vision Science, Research School of Biological Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra

Education

• 2007. Ph.D. Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
• 2002. M.Sc. Remote Sensing and Cartography, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, India
• 2000. B.Sc. Hons, St Joseph’s College of Arts & Science, Bangalore University, Bangalore, India

Recent Grants

• 2025. Discovery Project Grant, Australian Research Council (with Marie Herberstein, Ximena Nelson, Dinesh Rao)
• 2023. Discovery Project Grant, Australian Research Council.
• 2022. Hort Innovation Australia (with Fleur Ponton, Théotime Colin, Sasha Tetu)