Welcome to the Smith Lab - aka Comparative Developmental and Evo-Devo Laboratory!

We work with the CSIRO to study methods of producing single sex lines of birds, using modern molecular methodologies.

If you are interested in how genes control the genetic diversity of animals, then our lab will be of interest to you. We study how genes control major developmental processes in animals and how developmental mechanisms have evolved. We use particularly interesting models - avian embryos (chicken, qual and also emu). We specifically study sex (male vs female development) and limb morphogenesis. Our research has an evolutionary focus, but is also applicable to the poultry industry and human health. While many other groups use mouse or humans models, we have developed experimental strategies unique to the chicken embryo, and are now regarded as the world leaders using the model system to study, for example, sex determination.

Studying in our lab, you will join a friendly team using cutting edge molecular tools in a great model organism that has many advantages. We can rapidly functionally analyse a gene in the chicken embryo for example and developing embryo are always readily available. Developing inside eggs, avian embryos are very accessible for experimental manipulation. Our team regularly present our data at national and international conferences.

Whether you want to research, invest, donate or partner with us to accelerate our life-changing discoveries, we'd be delighted to hear from you. We have opportunities for PhD students, post docs and senior researchers to join our lab. Feel free to contact Associate Professor Smith with any queries.

Selected funding groups

We gratefully acknowledge the funding given to our lab by the following groups:

• Australian Research Council.