Paul A Wright
I am in the final year of my PhD program at the University of the Sunshine Coast (located in Southeast Queensland, Australia), studying the molecular pathways that determine sex and gonad maturation in sea cucumbers. Using Holothuria leucospilota as my model species, I aim to elucidate and characterise the molecules that are differentially expressed between males and females, as well as at different stages of gonad maturation. My goal is to develop a simple test to differentiate between the animals based on sex and maturation stage. Ultimately, I hope to improve aquaculture processes and establish aquaculture as the primary source of global trade, thus alleviating the pressure on endangered species worldwide.
Abstracts this author is presenting: