Tom Saunders

Updates: Conference, podcast, illustrations

Tom — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 01:59:28 +0000

Even though its the middle of winter I’m still flat out with my PhD project – mainly because nothing is working so I’m scrabbling for any kind of progress I can muster! Here are some recent updates. I spoke to James O’Hanlon on the In Situ Science podcast, episode here. We had a chat about...

My PhD project in a nut shell

Tom — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 23:12:39 +0000

I started my PhD in October 2017 at the University of Auckland. My supervisor is Associate Professor Greg Holwell. Greg is interested in evolution—particularly sexual selection—and uses arthropods to work on some of the biggest questions in this area. My co-supervisor is Dr Gonzalo Avila, leader of the biocontrol team at Plant & Food...

Stink Bugs of NZ

Tom — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 20:30:48 +0000

My PhD project focuses on biocontrol: using beneficial species to manage the impacts of undesirable species. I’m looking at Trissolcus japonicus, or the ‘samurai wasp.’ This tiny Asian wasp has been proposed for release against the brown marmorated stink bug in New Zealand (if and when the stink bug is found to have established here)....

Finding NZ’s Rarest ‘Bug’

Tom — Sun, 22 Apr 2018 21:45:55 +0000

I’m riding in a truck with Brian Lyford through the valleys surrounding Queenstown on a crisp December morning. Our destination is 1400 meters up on a nearby mountain. We complete the trip through private forestry land mostly by vehicle. An amazing view of the surrounding landscape greets us as we emerge from the tree-line. This...

Zapping Severed Antennae for Science

Tom — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 22:00:52 +0000

Last week I travelled to Lincoln to meet with Dr Kye Chung Park. The reason for my visit was to learn some interesting electrophysiology techniques from Dr Park. He was clearly passionate about the work he does, as well as an excellent teacher. I thank him for his patience and generosity during my stay. I’m...

Postgraduate Tips

Tom — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 01:47:48 +0000

I’m joining a panel of students to talk about ‘Our Postgraduate Journey,’ at 4.30pm today in room B28 (underneath the general library) at the University of Auckland city campus. Before I head in, I thought I would throw together a post with some quick tips. Feel free to ask more question is the comments, or...