Research Interests
Evolutionary Biology Invertebrate Biology Animal Behaviour Anatomy & Morphology InsectsMr Yuxuan Zhao
Higher Degree by Research Candidate
School of Biological Sciences
College of Science
I am currently pursuing a PhD in Evolutionary Biology. My research focuses on the evolutionary history of Australian water beetles (Dytiscidae), using a multi-disciplinary approach to explore the complex pathways shaping their evolution. I also have experience in undergraduate teaching, lab preparation, public engagement, presentations, and industry-based research.
I also have a beautiful K9 daughter who has shared with me an award winning speech in the 3 Minute Thesis College of Science Final.
My research focuses on the evolutionary history of Australian water beetles (Dytiscidae), using a multi-disciplinary approach to explore the complex pathways shaping their evolution.
| Date | Position | Institution name |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 - ongoing | School of Biological Sciences Representative Committe | School of Biological Sciences |
| 2025 - ongoing | NewNew's Dad | K9 |
| Language | Competency |
|---|---|
| Chinese (Mandarin) | Can read, write, speak and understand spoken |
| English | Can read, write, speak and understand spoken |
| Date | Institution name | Country | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 - 2027 | Adelaide University | Australia | PhD Candidate in Biology |
| 2022 - 2023 | the University of Adelaide | Australia | Honours degree of BSc (First-Class) Major in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology |
| 2018 - 2021 | the University of Adelaide | Australia | Bachelor of Science (advanced) Major in Ecology and Spatial Science |
| Date | Title | Institution name | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | PhD Industry Internship | South Australian Research and Development Institute | Australia |
| — | National Grant - For micro-CT scanning | Australian government and Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) | - |
| — | D.R. Stranks Travelling Fellowship | Adelaide Uni Graduate Research School | - |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Zhao, Y., Guzik, M., Humphreys, W., Watts, C. H. S., Cooper, S., & Sherratt, E. (2023). Data for: Evolutionary transition from surface to subterranean living in Australian water beetles (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae) through adaptive and relaxed selection. DOI |
Demonstrator for
Biology 1; Zoology 2; Ecology 2; Scientific Data: Analysis & Visualisation 2; Research Methods in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 3
| Date | Title | Engagement Type | Institution | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 - ongoing | Science Outreach – Science Alive 2021 and 2022, Ingenuity 2022, 2023, 2024, World Environment Day 2023, UoA Open Day 2024, AU open Day 2026 and the School of Biological Sciences Research Symposium 2023 | Scientific Community Engagement | various | - |
Connect With Me
External Profiles
Available For Media Comment.