Andrew L Eamens

Biography

Andrew obtained his PhD in Molecular Genetics from Charles Sturt University in 2004. Post PhD, Andrew carried out postdoctoral studies at The University of York and CSIRO Agriculture and Food. Andrew has also carried out research fellowships at The University of Sydney and The University of Queensland. Prior to his appointment at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Andrew was a Senior Lecturer at The University of Newcastle where he served as the Program Convenor for the Bachelor of Biotechnology Program. In mid-2022, Andrew joined the School of Health at the University of the Sunshine Coast as a Lecturer in Biomedical Science. At the University of the Sunshine Coast, Andrew contributes teaching to the Bioscience, Pharmacology, Physiology and Pathophysiology undergraduate courses as well as to continue to focus his research attention on small RNA biology with a specific interest in microRNA biology.

Research

Post PhD, Andrew’s research has focused on characterising the regulatory roles played by the various species of small RNA which accumulate in eukaryotic cells to control gene expression. Furthermore, and stemming directly from his research findings, Andrew has developed several novel small RNA, or non-coding RNA based technologies for gene expression manipulation. More recently, Andrew’s research has become more focused on the microRNA class of small regulatory RNA with a particular interest in the gene expression regulation roles mediated by this small RNA species as part of normal development, in reproductive development, and in response to environmental stress. As a member of the Seaweed Research Group at the University of the Sunshine Coast Andrew's research is focused on establishing the global microRNA landscape of the red seaweed Asparagopsis taxiformis.

Honours and PhD Research Projects

1. To establish the global microRNA landscape of Asparagopsis taxiformis.
2. To discover the microRNA-directed gene expression changes required by seaweeds to adapt to environmental stress.
3. Development of microRNA-based gene expression manipulation strategies for use in red seaweeds.

Media Commentary

Andrew’s specialist areas of knowledge include RNA biology, small RNA biology, RNA-based technologies, gene expression regulation, and general molecular genetics. In particular, Andrew is an expert in the production and action of the microRNA class of small RNA as part of their master role in regulating gene expression as part of normal development and in response to stress exposure. His primary research methods include bioinformatics, molecular biology, including the molecular modification of model organisms, and genetics. Andrew has published his research findings in over 70 peer reviewed articles, including high impact papers in the field leading journals Cell Reports, Trends in Plant Science, Nature Plants, Molecular Plant, Plant Biotechnology Journal, Plant Physiology and The Plant Journal.