School of Biological Sciences

I am a marine ecologist interested in understanding the ecological, physiological, and behavioural responses of marine organisms to environmental change, particularly in the context of accelerating anthropogenic impacts. My research focuses on the ecophysiology of marine invertebrates, the reproductive biology and management of marine nuisance species, disturbance ecology, predator–prey interactions, and coral reef ecology and conservation. By combining field observations, experimental approaches, and applied ecological research, I aim to advance our understanding of how marine ecosystems respond to environmental change while informing their conservation and sustainable management.

I lead research on the maintenance of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning at the University of Canterbury. My main objective is to contribute knowledge that will help restore degraded indigenous ecosystems. Specifically, I focus on the adaptation of exotic weeds and their interaction with native Aotearoa flora and fauna and on ecological processes related to the restoration and conservation of Afromontane forests.

I have made a major contribution to West African montane forest ecology through the Founding of and leading the Nigerian Montane Forest Project (NMFP) .This research centre on the edge of a species -rich forest, surrounded by a fragile montane ecosystem serves as a base for a wide range of ecological investigations, ranging from ecosystem service provision to forest restoration. The NMFP is a significant conservation science hub in Nigeria and links in Nigerian forest conservation to an international network of forest research.

My interest in evolution within weedy species has led to considerable collaborations across NZ CRIs and internationally. My research group has answered questions around breeding systems and invasiveness, local rapid adaptation in weedy species and interactions between invasive species and native pollinators.

I am passionate about education and facilitating emerging leaders in their science careers- I have a special interest in increasing science capacity in Africa.

I'm an evolutionary biologist and behavioral ecologist with broad interests in how living organisms evolve the ability to produce and perceive complex biotic signals and abiotic cues.

My research focuses on two main areas:
(1) the evolution of complex animal signals, and
(2) the evolution of multisensory perception in plants.

I work across a wide range of study systems, including tree frogs, penguins, spiders, cichlids, and plants, and integrate diverse approaches such as traditional behavioral observation, machine learning, and electrophysiology.

My research spans both applied and fundamental science. I focus on behavioural and physiological ecology, with an emphasis on stress physiology, evolutionary adaptations and conservation applications. Together, my work includes a diverse skillset including molecular techniques, endocrinology and field-based studies. I also contribute to applied conservation efforts, including the development of strategies for managing threatened species and mitigating human-wildlife conflicts through evidence-based approaches.

Fungi and oomycetes play key roles in the breakdown of organic matter in almost every ecological niche on the planet. Yet there are many species that are pathogenic and can cause disease. These present an increasing risk to ecosystems and human affairs.

Aspects of their pathogenicity that we are investigating include (1) their ability to grow invasively with their cells (hyphae) acting like pressurised drill bits, generating protrusive force and (2) the ability of their reproductive propogules to survive environmental stress.

We are trying to understand these processes using conventional cell biology, biophysical and biochemical techniques, coupled with Lab-on-a-Chip microfluidic devices. 

For two Radio New Zealand broadcasts about this work see: 

• www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ourchangingworld/audio/201848180/honey-i-shrunk-the-lab
• www.rnz.co.nz/podcast/ourchangingworld/2021?share=elf_audio_2018810238

I am also passionate about biological education and have published a number of papers in teaching/education journals. For my teaching I have been awarded a UC Teaching Award (2019) and twice been voted Science Lecturer of the year by undergraduate students (2019 and 2024).

My research centers on computational and applied statistics, with a strong emphasis on modern estimation techniques and uncertainty quantification. I am particularly interested in hierarchical and nonlinear modelling, model selection, and the translation of statistical methodology into robust, user-friendly software tools.

Alongside my research, my work as a statistical consultant is grounded in rigorous methodology and thoughtful computational implementation, ensuring that advanced statistical techniques are both practically applicable and scientifically sound.

I am a Postdoctoral Fellow in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Canterbury. My current research focuses on bacteriophages - viruses that infect bacteria - and their applications in food safety, particularly the development and characterisation of phages targeting Listeria monocytogenes. I also investigate microbial communities associated with green lipped mussels (Perna canaliculus) to better understand host microbe interactions in Aotearoa New Zealand’s marine ecosystems. I completed my PhD at Masaryk University in the Czech Republic, where I studied antiviral strategies against flaviviruses. Beyond my current projects, my broader research interests lie in antiviral research and the study of medically and veterinary important viruses.

Craig Herbold is a microbial ecologist with interests that span evolution, diversity, and ecological roles of microorganisms using genome-resolved metagenomics. He teaches and mentors students in evolutionary biology, bioinformatics, and microbial genomics through the integration of theoretical knowledge with hands-on learning.