Biography
Dan Huston is an invertebrate zoologist with a particular interest in the ecology, taxonomy, and systematics of parasitic worms. His research spans multiple phyla, including the Acanthocephala (spiny-headed worms), Nematoda (roundworms) and Platyhelminthes (flatworms), and comprises host-parasite interactions, elucidation of life cycles, revisionary taxonomic work and species discovery and description. Dan's contributions to the field of parasite taxonomy have led to three species being named in his honour: Psettarium hustoni, Siphoderina hustoni, and Paracanthocephaloides hustoni.
As part of the Insect and Nematode Biosecurity Team at the Australian National Insect Collection, Dan works at the intersection of taxonomy and biosecurity, with a special focus on plant-parasitic nematodes. A key element of his research is applying integrated methods to delineate species boundaries in groups with complicated taxonomy. Dan develops diagnostic tools for key pest species, including National Diagnostic Protocols.
Academic Qualifications
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2019
PhD - Zoology
The University of Queensland -
2014
MSc - Biology
Texas State University -
2011
BSc - Wildlife Biology
Texas State University
Achievements and Awards
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2020-2020
Early Career Research Excellence Award
Society of Australian Systematic Biologists -
2019-2019
Dean’s Award for Outstanding Higher Degree by Research Thesis
The University of Queensland -
2018-2018
Sir David Attenborough Award for Field Research
Linnean Society of London and Systematics Society
Current Roles
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Research Scientist
Insect and Nematode Biosecurity
Fields of Research
Professional Experiences
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2020-2023
CERC Postdoctoral Fellow
CSIRO -
2019-2020
Endeavour Postdoctoral Research Fellow
The University of Tasmania -
2014-2015
Fish Biologist
United States Fish and Wildlife Service -
2011-2014
Biological Technician
United States Fish and Wildlife Service
ORCID 0000-0002-1015-4703