Pint of Science @ The Orchard Hotel, Chatswood | 18 May

My research explores how the Avian Vampire Fly - an invasive, blood-feeding parasite - spreads among the Galápagos Islands, threatening native birds such as Darwin’s finches. By studying genetic variation in fly populations on different islands, I uncover potential invasion pathways and show that a single island may serve as the invasion front, where flies first arrive from mainland South America before spreading elsewhere. This movement appears to be driven by both human activity and natural forces like wind. Tracing the fly’s spread helps conservation managers pinpoint which islands to prioritise for control efforts, such as introducing a potential biocontrol wasp, as new fly arrivals can introduce genes that undermine these measures. Ultimately, this work supports efforts to protect the unique and vulnerable bird species of the Galápagos from this serious ecological threat.

From menstrual cycles to motherhood, sex hormones play a critical role in mental health. In this talk, hear about how changes in hormones impact the development and treatment of anxiety and other mental health conditions across the female lifespan.

It’s often the things we can’t see that are most harmful to our lungs. When we inhale tiny silica particles, they get trapped in the lung and cause the fibrotic lung disease silicosis. With cases rising in Australia and worldwide, exposure to silica dust is a growing risk for workers in construction, mining, stone cutting, and many other industries. Join me for a glimpse inside the lungs and hear what science is revealing about how this disease develops and how we can better protect our workers.