Biology experts

Dr Lars Bejder

Impact of tourism on whales and dolphins

Dr Lars Bejder leads the world’s largest study into the impact of tourism on whales and dolphins, and Murdoch’s Cetacean Research Unit.

His research on the impact of whale watching in Shark Bay led to the Western Australian Government’s decision to decrease the number of licensed dolphin watching tour operators in the state to ensure sustainability.

Dr Bejder’s research is also helping the Hawaiin State Government in the US to create legislation protecting their native dolphins from the impact of tourism.

Associate Professor Max Cake

Cell biology, biochemistry and endocrinology

Associate Professor Max Cake is an expert in developmental biochemistry, particularly of the liver and lung immediately prior to birth.

His research aims to explain the molecular mechanism and action of hormones and growth factors, by employing molecular and biochemical techniques as well as mammalian tissue culture.

Dr Belinda Cannell

Threats to Little Penguins in Western Australia

Dr Belinda Cannell holds a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at Murdoch University, and researches likely effects of threats to Little Penguins in Western Australia.

She has been monitoring a Little Penguin colony on Garden Island since 2001 in order to set recommendations for its management.

Dr Cannell has also worked on related Little Penguin protection projects for the Department of Environment.

Professor Giles Hardy

Forest pathology and natural ecosytems; ecosystem function and health

Professor Giles Hardy is an expert in forest pathology and natural ecosystems, in particular, how biotic and abiotic plant diseases impact on ecosystem function and health.

He has research collaborations in remote sensing, eco-hydrology, entomology, molecular plant pathology, plant physiology and nutrition, fungal genetics, microbiology, soil health, restoration ecology, and native fauna among others.

Professor Hardy is currently Director of the State Centre of Excellence on Climate Change, Woodland and Forest Health, and Acting Director for Murdoch’s Sustainable Ecosystems Research Institute.

Dr Daniel Hüberli

Finding phytophthora in waterways

Dr Daniel Hüberli is leading research into phytophthora - a group of fungal-like organisms containing about 10 per cent of the world’s most destructive plant destroyers.

With community involvement, he has sampled over 100 waterways from Kununurra to Esperance including the Perth metropolitan area.

Dr Huberli’s research will safeguard Western Australia’s natural ecosystems and gardens from the threat of new phytophthora species.

Associate Professor Bob Mead

Plant-derived toxins; biochemistry and molecular biology of disease states

Associate Professor Bob Mead is a metabolic biochemist, toxicologist and Chair of Murdoch’s Forensic Biology and Toxicology program.

He examines plant-derived toxins and the biochemistry and molecular biology of disease states. He also researches the molecular biology of disease states with hospital-based research teams.

Associate Professor Mead lectures in forensic toxicology, crime scene investigation and biochemistry.