A/Prof. Natalie Moltschaniwskyj

Qualifications

• PhD (Science), James Cook University, 1995

Research

Research keywords

• Fisheries biology
• Growth physiology of cepahlopods
• Marine ecology
• Molluscan biology & ecology
• Quantitative ecology
• Reproductive ecology & biology of molluscs

Research expertise

My area of research is marine invertebrate population and community ecology, my specific area of interest is in molluscs, with explicit expertise in squid biology and ecology. However, my skills and expertise are broader than this and I have work on a number of marine species, including fish and corals.

I am particularly interested in the relationships between different biological/ecological organisation levels, such that I seek to determine the connections between the ecology of a species, its whole organismal biology and its physiology. I have been instrumental in developing population and individual-based approaches to research questions that identify and quantify energy allocation and energetic trade-offs responsible for life history traits (growth and reproduction) in squid. The outcomes of my research have had implications in both pure research associated with understanding growth dynamics, which resulted in a review paper, and in fisheries management of squid species.

My expertise in the area of allocation of energy to growth and reproduction in invertebrates has resulted in the development of productive collaborations with shellfish aquaculture industries in Tasmania, in particular the oyster and mussel industry. In particular, quantifying the allocation of energy to somatic and reproductive growth of selectively bred oysters in aquaculture. More recent interactions with the mussel industry have explored the reproductive biology and spat biology of blue mussels to allow controlled year-round production of juveniles. Collaborations at University of Tasmania are ongoing and currently include an industry funded project on the stress response in live abalone during the harvest and transport of animals to the processors.

I have been involved in tertiary teaching for more than 15 years, during which time I have developed an approach that provides students with more than book learning. I recognise and understand that students need skills in using and applying the theory presented in lecture and books, including hands-on and problem solving skills. In all my classes there is a clear and explicit integration of lecture and laboratory material allowing students to use practical sessions as an opportunity to explore the ideas and concepts taught in lectures.

Languages

• English

Fields of Research

Teaching

Teaching keywords

• Aquaculture
• Biostatistics
• Fisheries
• Population ecology

Teaching expertise

I teach a mix of courses; third year Marine Fisheries Biology & Management and Estuarine Ecology both which have face-to-face delivery with field trips and laboratory components, and a second year elective course The Marine Environment which is entirely on-line. This requires very different approaches in motivating and stimulating students and also in the management of the courses. I use a range of tools improve the quality of the interaction that students have with me and to ensure that I engage with students in a way that positively increasing their learning capacity and interest. I strongly support a philosophy to undergraduate teaching that includes a balance between pure and applied science and hands-on element. In all my teaching I provide a strong connection to the real world through photos, videos, and real practical exercises, so that students to look at the world beyond growth rates, test-tubes and standard error bars.