Research Group Leader
Bob’s research focuses on the mechanisms of sexual selection and parental care, and how human-induced environmental changes influence behaviour. Bob’s research encompasses a wide range of species but he has a particular soft spot for fish. Bob is an editor of Oikos, and has served on the Executive Council of the International Society for Behavioral Ecology as both Secretary and as Chair of the Organising Committee for the 2024 Melbourne Congress.
Twitter: @BBM_Wong
Email: bob.wong@monash.edu
Research associate, 2025-current
Rhiannon was a PhD student in the lab from 2021 to 2024 (co-supervised with Dr Matt McGee). For her PhD, Rhi investigated the behavioural, genetic, and physiological factors that influence the evolution of parental investment in vertebrates. She is now working under an ARC-funded Discovery Project on the impacts of neuroactive pollution on cognition in fish.
Email: rhiannon.eastment@monash.edu
PhD student, 2023-current (co-supervised with Dr Michael Bertram, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences)
Eleanor completed her Honours at Monash examining the effects of marine heatwaves on the foraging and reproductive ecology of little penguins. Eleanor’s PhD research is investigating the effects of psychoactive pharmaceutical pollutants on cognitive ability in guppies. The project focuses on executive function as a regulator of cognition and the mechanism by which pharmaceutical perturbation to this system may disrupt behaviour.
Email: eleanor.moore@monash.edu
PhD student, 2023-current (co-supervised with Dr Michael Bertram, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences)
Jack completed his Honours at Monash studying the impact of boat noise pollution on the mutualistic relationship between gobies and pistol shrimp. For his PhD, Jack is investigating the impacts of psychoactive pollution on cognition in fish.
Email: jack.manera@monash.edu
PhD student, 2022-current (co-supervised with Prof Anne Peters and Dr Upama Aich)
Gabriel completed his Master of Science (Zoology) in Sao Paulo, Brazil investigating the effects of heavy metal pollution on birds' physiology. For his PhD research, Gabe is studying the impact of pharmaceuticals on fish immunity and behaviours.
Email: gabriel.melhado@monash.edu
PhD student, 2022-current (co-supervised with Dr Jake Martin, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences)
Shiho completed her Honours in 2020 investigating the effects of the androgenic endocrine disrupter 17B-trenbolone on the behaviour of tadpoles. After working for a year as a lab manager, Shiho commenced her PhD in 2022 studying the effects of pharmaceutical pollution on wildlife.
Email: shiho.ozeki@monash.edu
PhD student, 2022-current (co-supervised with Prof David Chapple and Dr Alex Carthey, Macquarie University)
Claire completed her Honours at Monash University in 2019 investigating the roles of group composition and geographic isolation in the antipredator behaviours of the delicate skink. For her PhD, Claire will be studying the response of Australian lizards to feral cat cues.
Email: claire.walke1@monash.edu
PhD student, 2022-current (co-supervised with Dr Minna Saaristo, EPA Victoria)
Raiko completed her Master’s at the University of Melbourne investigating links between bushfires and emerging contaminants. Her PhD research will focus on the impacts of pharmaceutical contaminants on the behaviour and physiology of wildlife.
Email: Raidha.Rafeeq@monash.edu
PhD student, 2021-current (co-supervised with Dr Jake Martin and Dr Michael Bertram, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences)
Kate completed her Honours at Monash University in 2020 examining the effects of habitat loss on Australian woodland birds. For her PhD, Kate will be investigating the ecological impacts of pharmaceutical contaminants on aquatic wildlife.
Email: kate.fergusson@monash.edu
Honours student, 2025 (co-supervised with Prof Damian Dowling)
Rachel’s Honours is investigating the impacts of the herbicide atrazine on behavioural and life history traits in Drosophila.
