Associate ProfessorCamilla Whittington

Project Opportunities in the Evolution of vertebrate pregnancy

Our lab, within the School of Life and Environmental Sciences, focuses on understanding the evolution of viviparity, placentae, and reproductive complexity, using a variety of model systems. We have broad expertise across physiology, morphology, genomics, and evolutionary biology, and work closely with researchers in other departments, including the School of Medical Science. In this project we will use genetic, morphological, and physiological techniques to characterise the fundamental biology of pregnancy in tractable model mammals, lizards, and fishes and to trace the evolution of live birth.

The ideal candidates will have a strong academic record and a graduate degree in Biology, Zoology, Physiology, Genetics/Genomics, or a related field.Please visit our website (http://camillawhittington.org/) for our current projects and research interests.

Opportunity synopsis:

Viviparity (live birth) is an important biological innovation that has evolved convergently from oviparity (egg-laying) many times in mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. In some cases, complex placentae that transport large quantities of nutrients to the fetus have also evolved convergently to support pregnancy in viviparous lineages. We are using live-bearing Australian fish and lizards as models for placental function and evolution. Possible projects encompass genomics, morphology (including state of the art microscopy), and/or physiology, depending on the interests of the student. Our data will provide new knowledge of the fundamental reproductive biology of sharks and the evolution of vertebrate reproductive strategies.

----------Current Research Projects----------

Please see my website for more information