Melanism and disease resistance in insects (funded by NERC)
In high-density populations, many insects become darker due to the deposition of melanin in their cuticle. Melanin has antimicrobial properties and it has been suggested that melanization of the cuticle is an adaptation to increase resistance to entomopathogens, especially fungi, which infect their hosts via the cuticle. This grant is selecting for melanic and non-melanic lines of Spodoptera caterpillars and will determine whether there is a correlated change in disease resistance.
Personnel: Dr Kwang Lee

Nutrition and disease resistance in insects (funded by NERC/BBSRC)
This study is examining the nutritional constraints on the immune system of insects, using the Egyptian cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis, as a model organism. The study is focussing on the effects of macro- and micro-nutrients on immune function and resistance to entomopathogens, such as bacteria and baculoviruses. This work is conducted in collaboration with Prof Stephen Simpson (University of Sydney).
Personnel: Catherine Reavey, Joanna Randall, Sonia Povey

Ecology of gastrointestinal nematodes of Svalbard reindeer (NERC)
In the high arctic, reindeer populations persist despite eight months of sub-zero temperatures. There is evidence that their parasites are also well adapted to these conditions. This project will investigate winter transmission of the parasite Marshallagia marshalli, and its impact on the reproduction and survival of reindeer living on Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, Norway (78°N). The project is in collaboration with Prof Steve Albon and Dr Justin Irvine (Macaulay Institute) and Dr Steve Coulson (University Centre in Svalbard - UNIS)
Personnel: Anja Carlsson

Parasites and the costs of resistance in Soay sheep on St. Kilda (funded by NERC)
Nematode parasites are a significant mortality factor for the feral population of Soay sheep living on St. Kilda in the Outer Hebrides, St. Kilda. However, little is known about the impact of parasites on the reproductive success of the sheep. This studentship is examining the impact of parasites on the behaviour and lambing success of female Soays and on the rutting behaviour of males.
Personnel: Louisa Tempest

Testosterone and mating behaviour of male Soay sheep (funded by The Royal Society and Lancaster University)
This project uses a combination of plasma- and faeces-based assays to examine the relationship between testosterone and male rutting behaviour and success. This project is conducted in collaboration with Dr Brian Preston, Dr Steve Monfort (Smithsonian National Zoological Park), Dr Gerald Lincoln (University of Edinburgh) and Dr Ian Stevenson (Sunadal Data Solutions).

Sex-biased parasitism and immunity in insects (funded by NERC)
This studentship is taking an experimental approach to examine sex differences in immunity and parasitism in insects, and is currently focussed on earwigs and cockroaches. The study builds on comparative analyses conducted with Dr Sarah Moore which showed that males tend to have weaker immunity and greater prevalence of parasites than females. Part of this study is being conducted in collaboration with Dr Joe Tomkins (University of St. Andrews).
Personnel: Susan Williamson

Identifying cost effective reforestation approaches for biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration in the Australian wet tropics (funded by Australian Research Council).
There is great potential for rainforest reforestation to help with biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. This project aims to determine the reforestation approach that maximises native biodiversity, while profiting from the carbon market. We use a replicated experimental design to track the biodiversity, carbon value and costs associated with eight different approaches of reforestation of cattle pasture into secondary rainforest. We are monitoring several key taxa (plants, butterflies, dung beetles, bees and ants) and carbon pools, prior to reforestation and throughout the regeneration process. The fieldwork is conducted in North Queensland, Australia. The project is coordinated by Dr MM Mayfield (Queensland University) and is in collaboration with Prof CJ Bradshaw (Adelaide University), Prof MJ Lawes (Charles Darwin University), Dr DJ Chittleborough (Adelaide University), Dr PD Erskine (Queensland University), Dr T Gardner (Cambridge University) and myself.
Personnel: Dr. Rosa Menendez