Brief Statement of Research Interests

My research interests span a broad range of topics. This stems from the fact that in my opinion an understanding of the processes underlying global patterns in the distribution of biodiversity can only be achieved by an integration of disciplines. Given that conservation is a global priority, understanding the distribution of this diversity must undoubtedly be one of biology's most pressing goals. Physiological tolerances, ecological interactions, and historical events all contribute, in varying degrees depending on the taxon and scale of study, to the distribution of organisms. Hence if diversity is to be understood these aspects of the biology of all organisms must be integrated. Currently this forms my major research interest. Thus I am engaged in biogeographic and macroecological studies, evolutionary physiology, spatial ecology, invasion biology and the integration of these fields

Current positions and awards received

Editorial Boards

  • Antarctic Science
  • Biological Reviews
  • Polar Biology
  • Proceedings of the Royal Society B

Committees

  • Chief Officer, SCAR Antarctic Treaty System Standing Committee, 2007-2010
  • South African National Committee for SCAR, 2010-2012.

Awards

  • Faculty of Science, University of Pretoria , Young Researcher of the Year, 1992.
  • Commonwealth Staff Development Fellowship for study in the United Kingdom, 1996/7.
  • South African Antarctic Gold Medal, 1997.
  • British Association Medal of the South African Association for the Advancement of Science, 1999.
  • Outstanding Achiever, University of Pretoria, 2000-2001.
  • IHDP/IGBP/WCRP System for Analysis, Research and Training, Young Scientists Award, 2000.
  • Rector's Award for Outstanding Research, University of Stellenbosch , 2003.
  • Chown & Nicolson's Insect Physiological Ecology placed among the top 10 academic titles for 2005 by the American Library Association (Choice Magazine).
  • Elected Fellow of the Royal Society of South Africa, 2006.
  • Recipient of the University of Pretoria Commemorative Research Medal (March 2008) as part of the University’s Honouring our Leading Minds (1908-2008) Centenary Project.
  • Chown & Nicolson’s Insect Physiological Ecology receives the 2009 Bill Venter/Altron Literary Award for the most outstanding South African natural science text over a period of four years.
  • Zoological Society of Southern Africa Gold Medal for 2009 in honour of service and dedication to the discipline of Zoology in Southern Africa.
  • Rector’s Award for Excellence in Research, Stellenbosch University, November 2009.
  • Martha T. Muse Award (of the Tinker Foundation) for Science and Policy in Antarctica, December 2009.