Rate Professor Clare McArthur

Professional Summary: Professor Clare McArthur

Professor Clare McArthur is a distinguished ecologist and academic at the University of Sydney, Australia, with a focus on the interactions between plants and herbivores. Her research and teaching contribute significantly to the field of ecology, particularly in understanding foraging behavior and ecological relationships in terrestrial ecosystems.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor McArthur holds advanced degrees in ecology and related fields. While specific details of her undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications are not fully detailed in public sources, her expertise and career trajectory indicate a strong academic foundation in biological sciences and ecology, culminating in a PhD relevant to her research focus.

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Clare McArthur specializes in:

• Plant-herbivore interactions, particularly how herbivores make foraging decisions based on plant chemistry and nutritional content.
• Ecology of mammals, with an emphasis on marsupials and their behavioral ecology.
• Conservation biology and the impact of ecological interactions on biodiversity.

Her work often integrates field-based research with theoretical models to address broader ecological questions.

Career History and Appointments

Professor McArthur has built a robust academic career at the University of Sydney, where she holds a senior position in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences. Her roles include:

• Professor of Ecology, University of Sydney, contributing to both research and teaching.
• Supervision of postgraduate students and mentoring of early-career researchers in ecology and conservation biology.

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

While specific awards and honors are not extensively documented in accessible public records, Professor McArthur’s sustained contributions to ecology and her leadership in research suggest recognition within her academic community. Her work is frequently cited, indicating peer acknowledgment of her impact.

Key Publications

Professor McArthur has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. Some notable publications include:

• McArthur, C., Banks, P. B., Boonstra, R., & Forbey, J. S. (2014). 'The dilemma of foraging herbivores: Dealing with food and fear.' Oikos, 123(1), 4-13.
• McArthur, C., & Sanson, G. D. (1991). 'Effects of tannins on digestion in the common ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus), a specialized marsupial folivore.' Journal of Zoology, 225(2), 233-251.
• Marsh, K. J., Wallis, I. R., McArthur, C., Foley, W. J., & Moore, B. D. (2006). 'The effect of plant secondary metabolites on the interplay between digestion and detoxification in a generalist herbivore.' Journal of Chemical Ecology, 32(9), 1983-1994.

These works highlight her focus on herbivore ecology and the chemical interactions between plants and animals.

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor McArthur’s research has significantly advanced the understanding of ecological interactions, particularly in the context of Australian ecosystems. Her studies on foraging behavior and plant chemistry have informed conservation strategies and provided insights into the adaptive behaviors of native species. Her publications are widely cited, and she is recognized as a leading researcher in her field, contributing to both theoretical and applied ecology.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

While specific details of public lectures or committee roles are not widely documented in public sources, Professor McArthur is known to engage with the academic community through conferences, seminars, and collaborative research projects. She likely contributes to editorial roles or peer review processes given her expertise and prominence in ecology, though specific positions are not publicly listed at this time.