Griffith University

Name

David Martin LAMBERT

Degrees

PhD Zoology / Genetics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 1980. Thesis Title: A genetic analysis of the taxon Anopheles marshallii (Theobald).

MSc Zoology, University of Queensland, Australia, 1975. Thesis Title: The Inter-relationships among Four species of the nasuta complex of Drosophila.

BSc Zoology, University of Queensland, Australia, 1972.

Address for correspondence

Griffith School of Environment and School of Biomolecular and Physical Sciences, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan 4111, Australia

Contact Details

Phone: +61 7 3735 5298

Fax: + 61 7 3735 7459

E-mail: d.lambert@griffith.edu.au

Nationality

Australian

Present Position

Professor of Evolutionary Biology

Honours and Awards

• James Cook Fellow 2007-2008
• Massey University Individual Research Medal 2006.
• Distinguished Professor, Massey University, 2005 – present
• Inaugural winner of the Massey University Team Research Medal (with researchers from the Allan Wilson Centre) 2004.
• Recipient of the 100 level teaching award from the Institute of Molecular BioSciences, 2003
• Outstanding Service Award from the Institute of Molecular BioSciences, 2002.
• 60th Cawthron Lecturer, 2003
• Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand, 1998
• Inaugural recipient of the University of Auckland Distinguished Teaching Award, 1993
• Top Teacher Award from the Higher Education Research Office at the University of Auckland, 1992
• Senior Research Fellow, The Open University, UK. 1988
• South African CSIR Postgraduate Research Bursar 1977-79
• University of the Witwatersrand Postgraduate Award, 1976-78

University Record

• Professor of Evolutionary Biology
• Massey University Distinguished Professor 2005 - 2008
• Principal Investigator: Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution 2002 – present
• Professor of Molecular Ecology and Evolution, Massey University, 1995 – present
• Head, Department of Ecology, Massey University, 1995 – 1997
• Leader, Ecology and Evolution Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, 1993-1995
• Director, Centre for Conservation, University of Auckland, 1993-1995
• Senior Lecturer, University of Auckland, 1989
• Lecturer, University of Auckland, 1983 – 1988
• Junior Lecturer, University of Auckland, 1980-1982

Most significant publications

These career best papers have been published in world-leading journals and span the fields of evolutionary biology, the genetics of natural populations, molecular evolution, ancient DNA and the new area of ancient genomics.

1. Hay, J.M., Subramanian, S., Mohandesan, E., Millar, C.D. and Lambert, D.M. 2008. Rapid molecular evolution in a living fossil. Trends in Genetics: 24 (3): 106-109. Impact Factor 10.45.
2. Lambert, D.M. and Millar, C.D. 2006. Ancient genomics is born. Nature 444: 275-276. Impact Factor 27.074
3. Baker, A.J., Huynen, L. Haddrath, O., Millar, C.D. and Lambert, D.M. 2005. Reconstructing the tempo and mode of evolution in an extinct clade of birds with ancient DNA: the giant moas of New Zealand. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA 102: 8257-8262. Impact Factor 10.520
4. Shepherd, L.D., Millar, C.D. Ballard, G. Ainley, D.G., Wilson, P.R., Haynes, G.D., Baroni, C. and Lambert D.M. 2005. Microevolution and mega-icebergs in the Antarctic. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA 102: 16717-16722. Impact Factor 10.520
5. Huynen, C.D., Millar, C.D., Scofield, R.P. and Lambert, D.M. 2003. Nuclear DNA sequences detect species limits in ancient moa. Nature 425: 175-178. Impact Factor 27.074
6. Lambert, D.M., Ritchie, P.A., Millar, C.D., Holland, B., Drummond, A.J. and Baroni C. 2002. Rates of evolution in ancient DNA from Adélie penguins. Science 295: 2270-2273. Impact Factor 21.911
7. Matisoo-Smith, E., Roberts R.M., Irwin G.J., Allen J.S., Penny D. and Lambert D.M. 1998. Patterns of prehistoric human mobility in polynesia revealed by mitochondrial DNA from the pacific rat. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA 95: 15145-15150. Impact Factor 10.520
8. Lambert D.M. and Spencer H.G. (eds.). 1995. Speciation and the Recognition Concept: Theory and Application. pp 238-259 Johns Hopkins University Press.
9. Lambert, D.M., Millar C.D., Jack K., Anderson S. and Craig J.L. 1994. Single and multilocus DNA fingerprinting of communally breeding pukeko - do copulations or dominance ensure reproductive success? Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA 91: 9641-9645. Impact Factor 10.520
10. Henderson, N.R. and Lambert D.M. 1982. No significant deviation from random mating of worldwide populations of Drosophila melanogaster. Nature 300: 437-440. Impact Factor 27.074

Graduate students

Ph.D. Students (current)

• John Waugh: DNA Barcoding the Birds of New Zealand.
• Gabrielle Beans-Picon: The Evolution of modern and ancient populations of Adélie penguins.
• Katie Hartnup: Molecular genetics of Kiwi Cloaks: Unlocking the mysteries of taonga.
• Elmira Mohandesan: Ancient genomics of tuatara

Ph.D. Students (11 completed)

• B. Michaux: Thesis Title: "Organotaxism". Bernards thesis was completed and examined in 1987.
• P.M. Stevens: Thesis Title: "An electrophoretic analysis of species of New Zealand Pea Crabs".
• C. S. White: Thesis Title: "A genetic study of some species of New Zealand leafroller moths".
• C.D. Millar: Thesis Title: "Molecular Population Genetics of New Zealand Birds".
• L Matisoo-Smith: Thesis Title: “Mitochondrial DNA studies of the Polynesian Rat (Rattus exulans) and implications for the human colonisation of the Pacific”
• T. Waghorn: Thesis Title: DNA variation in worldwide populations of Heliothis armigera.
• Winnington: Thesis Title: “Conservation and genetics of short-tailed bats” (Joint Supervision with Dr HG Spencer, Otago University).
• P. Ritchie: Thesis Title: Ancient DNA of Adélie penguins in Antarctica.
• H. Miller: Major Histocompatability Complex in New Zealand Robins.
• L. Shepherd: Ancient DNA studies of the New Zealand avifauna: evolution, conservation and culture.
• H. Lawrence: The conservation genetics of the world’s rarest seabird, the Taiko.

Current Postdoctoral fellows

• Dr Leon Huynen is a Marsden-funded postdoctoral fellow who is working with us to develop DNA-based sexing methods for ratite birds with the final goal to develop a similar test for moa.
• Dr Sankar Sankarasubramanian is funded by a Massey University postdoctoral fellowship. Sankar works on analytical approaches to DNA sequence evolution.
• Dr Voletta Pokorny is funded by Griffth University. Violetta works on the evolutionary consequences of mutations.

Some past Members of my research group

• Dr Elizabeth Slooten who worked with me for her MSc degree is now a Senior Lecturer in Environmental Science at Otago University.
• Associate Professor Lisa Matisoo Smith who completed a PhD with me is now a Principle Investigator in the Allan Wilson centre and a senior lecturer in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Auckland.
• Dr Peter Stevens worked in my research group for his PhD degree and went on to a senior lectureship at Victoria University of Wellington.
• Dr Craig Millar who worked with me for his MSc and PhD degrees and later worked as a postdoctoral fellow is now a senior lecturer in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Auckland. He is also an associate investigator in the Allan Wilson Centre.
• Prof Hamish Spencer who worked with Dr Brian McArdle and I for his MSc degree, went on to complete a PhD degree with Richard Lewontin at Harvard University and is now a Professor in the Department of Zoology at the University of Otago.
• Dr Peter Ritchie who completed MSc and PhD degrees under my supervision is now a senior lecturer in the School of Biological Sciences at Victoria University of Wellington.
• Dr Anthony Mitchell worked in the Allan Wilson Centre staff member and managed general laboratory activities and researches genetic changes over time in New Zealand Kauri. He is now employed at the Christchurch School of Medicine.
• Dr Dee Denver was a postdoctoral fellow in the group and is now at Oregon State University.
• Dr Andrew Dodd worked on rates of evolution and mutation, as well as quantitative PCR and ancient DNA.
• Dr Jennie Hay was a FRST and later a Marsden funded postdoctoral fellow working on the genetics of island populations of tuatara and on rates of molecular evolution.

Masters students (25 completed)

• A.A. Harper: Thesis Title: "The stability of the Mate Recognition System in Drosophila melanogaster". (Joint supervision with Dr B. McArdle).
• E. Slooten: Thesis Title: "The reproductive behaviour of Opifex fuscus: an evolutionary approach".
• N.R. Henderson: Thesis Title: "A study of the variation in courtship patterns among natural populations of Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera:Drosophilidae)".
• M.C. McLea: Thesis Title: "A cytogenetic analysis of species of New Zealand blackflies".
• M.A. Ford: Thesis Title: "A search for Specific-Mate Recognition Systems in the mating calls of some frogs of the genus Litoria". (Joint supervision with Dr B. McArdle).
• H.G. Spencer: Thesis Title: "The reinforcement model of speciation. An experimental approach using Drosophila species and a computer simulation". (Joint supervision with Dr B. McArdle).
• L. de Betham Anderson: Thesis Title: "A population genetical study of the New Zealand grasshopper Phaulacridium marginale."
• C.D. Millar: Thesis Title: "Patterns of mating behaviour inDrosophila pseudoobscura : An experimental approach".
• N.R. Phillips: Thesis Title: "A genetic approach to reproduction in Potamopyrgus antipodarum (Gray)".
• R.D. Newcomb: Thesis Title: "Assimilation of behavioural phenocopies of Drosophila melanogaster".
• J.R. Barker: Thesis Title: "A genetic analysis of New Zealand freshwater fish of the genus Galaxias".
• W.J. Waugh: Thesis Title: "Heavy metal tolerance in some plants".
• H. Polloch: Thesis Title: "Hybridization in the genus Coprosma"
• C. Butler: Thesis Title: "Evolutionary changes in the feeding and ovipostion behaviour of Drosophila."
• P. Waddell: Thesis Title: "Courtship in species of the nasuta complex of Drosophila"
• B. Martin: Thesis Title: “Genetics of insecticide resistence in aphids”
• A. de Monchy: Thesis Title: “The genetics of natural populations of Heliothis armigera”
• P. Ritchie: Thesis Title: “Molecular and morphological phylogenetics of Antarctic fishes”
• M. Una: Thesis Title: “Molecular Genetic analysis of Chatham Island Brown Skua”
• S. Holmes: Thesis Title: “Molecular Genetics of New Zealand Robins”
• A. Livingston: Thesis Title: “Conservation Genetics of the Saddleback”
• M. Finch: Thesis Title: “Minisatellite DNA variation in tuatara”
• T. Monehan: Thesis Title: “Mitochondrial and minisatellite DNA variation in Adélie penguins from Antarctica.”
• S. Kayes: Thesis Title: “Parentage studies in Fiordland Crested Penguins”
• L. Shepherd: Microsatellite Evolution and Population Genetics of Ancient and Living Adélie penguins in Antarctica.

Research Grants Awarded since 1995

Total sum $45,019,612

Selected conference presentations

• Lambert, D.M. (2009). Mitogenomics of a model penguin. Invited presentation. Australasian Genetics Society, University of Queensland, July 2009.
• Lambert, D.M. (1991). Molecular genetics of New Zealand birds. Presented at the Society for the Study of Evolution Meeting, Hawaii July - August, 1991.
• Lambert, D.M. (1983). Common Factors in Anti-Darwinian Theories. Systematics Society of Australia and New Zealand Meeting, University of Auckland.
• A.J. Hughes and D.M. Lambert (1983). Functionalism, Structuralism and "Ways of Seeing". SYSTANZ Meeting, University of Auckland.
• Lambert, D.M. and A.A. Harper (1982). Allopatric Speciation in Animals. Presented to the SYSTANZ Meeting on Evolution. Greta Point, Wellington, 3rd September 1982.
• Lambert, D.M. and B. Levey (1979). The use of discriminant function analysis to model the design features of Specific-Mate Recognition Systems. Presented to the Symposium on Animal Communication, Zoological Society of Southern Africa, September 1979.
• Lambert, D.M. (1978). Morphological resemblance and its relationship to genetic distance measures. Presented to the Zoological Society of Southern Africa Symposium on Systematics, Pretoria September 1978.
• Lambert, D.M. (1977). A genetic approach to the analysis of the taxonomic species Anopheles marshallii. Presented to the Genetics Society of Southern Africa Meeting, September 1977.
• Lambert, D.M. (1996). Invited speaker. “Rescued from the Brink of Extinction: Minisatellite DNA Variation in the Endangered Chatham Island Black Robin”. 4th International DNA Fingerprinting Conference, Melbourne, Australia. 2th -7th December.
• Lambert, D.M. (1996). Invited speaker Inaugural Lecture, “The Ecological Theatre: Genetic Characters in an Evolutionary Play”. Massey University, 22nd November.
• Lambert, D.M. (1996). Invited speaker “Genetic dissection of the breeding behaviour of a unique seabird” Sixth International Behavioural Ecology Congress, Canberra, Australia. 29th September - 4th October.
• Lambert, D.M. (1996). Invited speaker "Maintaining Genetic Diversity" The AVA NZVA Pan-Pacific Veterinary Conference, Christchurch, 27th June.
• Lambert, D.M. (1989). “Gaia, Evolution and World Views”. Keynote Address at the Public Meeting; “The Living Earth: Exploring the Gaia Hypothesis”. The Centre for Continuing Education, University of Auckland. March 22-26, 1989.
• Lambert, D.M. (1989). “Gaia, Evolution and the Dynamic View of Nature”. Invited speaker at the Symposium; “The Living Earth: Exploring the Gaia Hypothesis”. The Centre for Continuing Education, University of Auckland. March 22-26, 1989.
• Lambert, D.M., A.J. Hughes and C.D. Millar (1985). Mate recognition and sexual differentiation in Drosophila melanogaster Entomological Society Meeting, University of Auckland.
• Lambert, D.M. 2003. Biological Information and Knowledge: Ancient DNA and Ecology 2003. Plenary Talk, New Zealand Bioinformatics Conference, Te Papa, Wellington.
• Huynen, L., Millar, C.D. and D.M. Lambert 2003. Nuclear DNA Detects Species Limits in Ancient Moa. Evolution 2003, State University of California, Chico, California.
• Lambert, D.M. 2003. Ancient DNA Studies from the 'Southern End of the World' Invited Keynote Speaker, BioLive 2003, Waikato University, Hamilton.
• Lambert, D.M. (2001). What is Molecular Ecology? University of the Sunshine Coast, July, 2001.
• Lambert, D.M. (2000). Ancient DNA, mutation rates and patterns of evolution Plenary Speaker Queenstown Molecular Biology Meeting, Queenstown, August, 2000.
• Lambert, D.M. (1999). Genes and Geology: Directly Measuring Evolution – Ancient DNA of Adélie Penguins in Antarctica Plenary Speaker Australasian Society for the Study of Evolution, Brisbane, Australia, June, 1999.
• Lambert, D.M. (1998). The Evolution of DNA Markers: Four Case Studies of New Zealand Wildlife. Plenary Speaker XXVI International Conference on Animal Genetics. August 9-14 Aotea Centre, Auckland, New Zealand.
• Lambert, D.M. (1993). Do we need an evolutionary theory? Invited presentation at the ‘First Brandenburg Colloquim on Evolutionary Thought’ Potsdam, Germany, June, 1993.
• Lambert, D.M. (1993). Invited presentation “The concept of genetic variation and its estimation”. Department of Conservation, Wellington, February, 1993.
• Lambert, D.M. (1992). Conservation and Evolution. Keynote Address. University of Otago, 4th Annual Student Colloquim, August 1st, 1992
• Lambert, D.M. (1989). Invited presentation: Chemical Signals and the Recognition Concept. Presented at the International Society of Chemical Ecology, 6th Annual Meeting, 7-11 August, 1989 at the University of Göteborg, Göteborg, Sweden.
• Lambert, D.M., C.D. Millar and B. Michaux. (1989). On the Contingent and the inevitable. Presented at an International Symposium on “Fundamental Problems in Evolutionary Biology” sponsored by the Soviet Academy of Sciences, Moscow April 20-26th, 1989.
• Lambert, D.M. and R.D. Newcomb. (1988). Gaia, organisms and a structuralist view of nature: Would Darwin approve? This invited paper was presented to the Second Wadebridge Ecological Centre Symposium on Gaia and Evolution. Cornwall, UK, 2nd - 4th November, 1988.
• Lambert, D.M. (1987). Structural and Functional Approaches to the study of Evolution. Presented to the International Symposium: "Towards a New Synthesis in Evolutionary Biology" - Vth International Meeting on Evolutionary Biology, Praha Czechoslovakia, 5-11 July, 1987.
• Hughes, A.J. and D.M. Lambert (1986). Sexual differentiation and mate recognition: the dynamics of structure. Presented to the International Workshop on Structuralism in Biology. Osaka Japan, December 7-12, 1986.
• Lambert, D.M. and A.J. Hughes (1986). Keywords: the importance of language in structuralist biology. Presented to the International Workshop on Structuralism in Biology. Osaka Japan, December 7-12, 1986.

Public reaction to our research since 2002

Recent tuatara research

• Tuatara declared world's fastest evolving animal - Stuff.co.nz, New Zealand - Mar 25, 2008
• The rapid evolution of tuatara - Nature.com (subscription), UK - Mar 27, 2008
• Tuatara is the fastest evolving animal - Times of India, India - Mar 24, 2008
• Fastest-Evolving Creature Is 'Living Dinosaur' - FOXNews - Mar 31, 2008
• Tuatara is the fastest evolving animal - United Press International - Mar 25, 2008
• Researchers pronounce Tuatara the fastest evolving animal - Thaindian.com, Thailand - Mar 21, 2008
• "Living Dinosaur" Is Fastest-Evolving Animal - National Geographic, DC - Mar 31, 2008
• Sluggish reptile evolving at record speed - New Scientist (subscription), UK - Mar 28, 2008
• Sluggish Reptile Breaks Speedy Evolution Record - Discovery Channel - Mar 24, 2008
• The World’s Fastest Evolving Animal - Environmental Graffiti, UK - Mar 25, 2008
• Living dinosaur found to be fastest evolving creature - Ars Technica, MA - Mar 25, 2008

Adélie penguin report in Science

• Funding to aid study of DNA structure, The evening standard - By Saunders John 18 September 1996, Edition 2, Page 3. Hardcopy of article.
• Ancient Penguin, Bear DNA Reveal Pace of Evolution and Extinctions - By Bijal P. Trivedi National Geographic Today March 22, 2002
• Ancient DNA Untangles Evolutionary Paths - By E Pennisi Science-News of the week 22/3 2002.
• Ancient penguins yield evolution clue - By Ivan Noble BBC News Online Thursday, 21 March, 2002.
• Evolution lesson from penguins, The Dominion 23 March 2002, Edition 2, Page 3. - By Samson Alan. Hardcopy of article.
• Study changes evolution rates. The Press 23 March 2002, Edition 2, Page 8. Hardcopy of article.
• Penguin past kept on ice. New Zealand Herald news — general - By Cathy Aronson March 23 2002 5:00AM. Hardcopy of article.
• Evolution for Teachers. Waikto University website. Project Coordinator Kerry Earl. NZ Evolutionary Evidence Microevolution in Adelie Penguins.

Moa research in Nature

• Female Moa Bird Liked the Little Guys, Studies Suggest. By John Roach. National Geographic News. September 11, 2003
• Giant female birds towered over their puny partners. New Scientist. By Debora MacKenzie. 13 September 2003. Hard copy of article.
• Three Species no Moa? Fossil DNA analysis yields surprise. Science News. By S Perkins. August 9 2003 vol 164. Hard copy of article.
• DNA reveals moa secrets. The Evening Standard. Local News. By Bevan Hurley. 11 September 2003. Printed article.
• DNA research unlocks secrets of moa bird. Reporter: Gillian Bradford. ABC Radio National. Correspondents Report - Sunday, 14 September, 2003
• DNA lecture focuses on the big problems. Massey News. November 2003
• Unravelling mysteries of the moa. Sunday Star Times. 26 October 2003. Edition A, Page 5.Hard copy of article
• Moa bones the key to Massey scientist's success. North Shore Times. Features. 18 September 2003. Hard copy of article
• DNA shows female moa three times size of male. New Zealand Herald. Simon Collins. 11 September 2003. Hard copy of article
• Biggest moa was actually 'Mum'. Forest and bird. February 2004; 311:5 By Baskett, Pat. Hard copy of article

Adélie penguin research published in Molecular Biology and Evolution

• Flightless Feathered Friends. New tales of penguin evolution, past and present. Science News. By Sid Perkins. Week of Nov. 27, 2004; Vol. 166, No. 22

Moa research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science

• The X and Y factor. Evening Standard. By: Dykes Mervyn. 20 June 2005, Edition 1, Page 7. Hard Copy of article
• Ancient DNA reveals new moa species. NZ Biotechnology Learning Hub. 31 May, 2005
• Giant 'Lomu' moa found. The Dominion Post. Local News. 1 June 2005. By Sophie Neville. Hard Copy of article