Research areas
My research group uses comparative and functional genomics and experimental studies to provide practical outcomes for sustainable aquaculture and marine conservation, and to shed light on the evolution and diversity of the amazing repertoire of organisms found within our oceans.ÌýÌý
My research group explores three main themes:
EVOLUTION AND DEVELOPMENT
- Identification of the genes involved in molluscan and annelid biomineralisation and investigating how they have evolved
- Exploring the role of gene co-option in invertebrate evolution
- Understanding the evolution of immune systems in molluscs
MOLECULAR AQUACULTURE
- Investigating how variation in biomineralisation genes leads to differences in pearl quality
- Using comparative transcriptomics to improve hatchery production of rock oysters
- Developing molecular tools for the prevention of gonad maturation in tropical abalone
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY
- Using genetic identification to understand tropical rock oyster biodiversity
- Exploring the importance of multiple foundation species on shellfish reef restoration success
- Development of eDNA techniques for rapid oyster biodiversity assessment
- Molecular detection of exotic bivalve species
PhD supervision
- NathanielÌýCrook
Selected publications
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Open access
Richardson, M. A., Healy, J., Nenadic, N., Boyle, A., Connolly, R. M. & McDougall, C., 23 Mar 2026, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Restoration Ecology. Early View, p. 1-5 5 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Open access
Bolte, B., Bissett, A., Craw, P., McDougall, C. & Wynne, J. W., 28 Mar 2026, In: Aquaculture Research. 2026, p. 1-9 9 p., 5374222.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Open access
Nenadic, N., Bar, I. & McDougall, C., Feb 2026, In: Fish & Shellfish Immunology. 169, p. 1-14 14 p., 111085.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Open access
Harman, J., Fenton, B., Ferrier, D., Hipsley, C. A., Liberles, D. A., McDougall, C. & Narayan, E., 15 Aug 2025, In: BMC Ecology and Evolution. 25, p. 1-12 12 p., 80.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Editorial
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Open access
Cargill, C. P., Harrand, G., Christensen-Dalsgaard, S., Ezhov, A. V., Fijn, R. C., Gavrilo, M. V., Newell, M. A. & McDougall, C., 2 Jul 2025, In: Conservation Genetics Resources. p. 1-5 5 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Open access
Richardson, M. A., Buelow, C., Connolly, R. M., Gillies, C. L., Nenadic, N., Porter, R., Traurig, M. & McDougall, C., Jun 2025, In: Marine Environmental Research. 208, p. 1-11 11 p., 107136.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Open access
Gamboa-Cutz, J. N., Trevathan-Tackett, S. M., Cadena, S., McDougall, C. & Adame, M. F., 1 Apr 2025, In: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. 315, 10 p., 109124.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Open access
Richardson, M. A., Connolly, R. M., Gillies, C. L. & McDougall, C., 1 Jul 2025, In: Restoration Ecology. 33, 5, p. 1-12 12 p., e70052.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Open access
Molinari, C. G., McDougall, C. & Pitt, K. A., 1 Apr 2025, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Molecular Ecology. Early View, 16 p., e17753.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review
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Open access
Stanisic, L., McDougall, C. & Oliver, P., 13 Feb 2024, In: Australian Journal of Zoology. 71, 3, 15 p., ZO23032.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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