Fred Govedich

Research Fellow
Monash University

PhD in biological sciences

"I am excited to examine evolutionary questions dealing with an invertebrate group that is ignored by most scientists."

As a biologist I am excited to have the opportunity to examine evolutionary questions dealing with an invertebrate group that for the most part is ignored by most scientists. This leads to new and interesting discoveries and for the formulation of new hypotheses and models to describe how the natural world works. I am currently a Research Fellow at Monash University. I am in charge of conducting research in to how leeches (Euhirudinea) care for their young. I am particularly interested in members of the freshwater leech family: Glossiphoniidae.

These leeches are well known for having parental care that ranges from nesting to external brooding of eggs and young to marsupial leeches with an internal brood pouch. Over the past two years we have been examining the costs and benefits of parental care using the glossiphoniid leech Helobdella Papillornata.

I have always enjoyed the outdoors, nature and science. I completed Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees at the University of Arizona. University life provided a medium where I could ask questions and begin to find answers that stimulated my interests in new fields. Courses in diverse fields helped me to become a better person and a better scientist. I was lucky in finding academics that were both interested in teaching and in allowing undergraduates the opportunity to assist in their research.

This gave me hands on experience in developing research projects and provided me with a better understanding of how science works. I have taken what I learned as a student and have applied it to my own work. I also try to stimulate my students to work beyond the classroom and encourage them to come into my lab to work on real scientific projects where they can also gain experience and an understanding of science that can only be gained by hands on work.