The EcoGenetics Lab at Deakin examines the evolutionary processes that shape biodiversity, environmental resilience, and how species and ecosystems adapt to environmental change. Our lab is distributed across three locations including the Queenscliff Marine Station, Warrnambool Campus and Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus. We are committed to research that not only helps us better understand our natural world but also provides practical management solutions to create a more sustainable future.
Our research uses a combination of the latest molecular tools, ecological experimentation and modelling-based approaches to examine complex environmental issues in a rapidly changing world.
Many species face a range of threats and increasing pressures that can lead to declines in population fitness and viability. We use genetic tools and ecological experiments to examine patterns of connectivity, demographic histories and evolutionary trajectories, mating systems, and the fitness and environmental resilience of species populations.
The speed and magnitude of climate change poses a major challenge for biodiversity conservation and natural resource management in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. We utilise genomic, experimental and modelling-based approaches to better understand the environmental resilience of animal and plant species.
Growing global populations and increasing international trade are leading to the spread and proliferation of pest species around the world at unprecedented rates. Our team works closely with industry and government agencies to help manage emerging and established pest species impacting aquatic and terrestrial environments and agrosystems.
Commercial fisheries are facing increasing pressure due to rising public demand, threatening the growth and long-term viability of many fishing industries. Our research seeks to improve biological and ecological knowledge of fish species, as well as the biological and physical processes that shape our fisheries, in order to guide the future of sustainable management.
Effective restoration of degraded ecosystems is essential for improving the status of native biodiversity and ecosystem services. We work on a range of restoration focused research topics and model systems, spanning marine, freshwater, terrestrial and alpine environments. The common objective is to maximise restoration success by enhancing the fitness, adaptive capacity and long-term viability of the restored wildlife communities.
Our team works across a variety of extremely diverse and dynamic Australian environmental habitat types including oceans, rivers, mountains, terrestrial landscapes and wetlands. We examine the unique processes and species that shape our waterways and landscapes in order to enhance environmental resilience and ecosystem functionality.
Study a PhD or research degree with EcoGenetics Lab and undertake impactful environmental research in the field. Better understand the natural world and tailor research programs around your areas of interest.
Our researchers are specialists and leaders in their fields, dedicated to addressing a range of fundamental and applied questions related to the ecology and evolution of native and invasive species.
Associate Professor Craig Sherman is the associate head of school (research and industry engagement) of Deakin’s School of Life and Environmental Sciences. His research uses a combination of ecological and molecular approaches to address fundamental questions in the fields of ecological restoration, marine biosecurity, pest species biology and genetic adaptation.
Dr Adam Miller is a senior lecturer and an ecological geneticist affiliated with the Centre for Integrative Ecology at Deakin. Adam’s research focuses on addressing fundamental questions about species ecology and evolution, resilience to environmental change, and working with industry and government agencies to support the management of pest species.
Our researchers work with a wide range of academic institutions, industry partners and government agencies to develop management strategies for the conservation, restoration and monitoring of vulnerable species.
In a new study, the EcoGenetics team and collaborators provided evidence of rapid genomic changes in wild Australian blacklip abalone following a major population crash associated with an infectious disease. Our findings demonstrated how rapid evolutionary changes in response to disease can lead to virus resistance in wildlife communities.
A collaborative study between EcoGenetics Lab and Marine Spatial Ecology and Conservation Lab, Parks Victoria, and the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions used environmental DNA and biophysical models to detect marine pests. This study is helping management authorities to detect and respond to invasive species.
We’d love to hear from you! Our team is here to answer your questions and help you learn more about the EcoGenetics Lab.
