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Graham Kearn

Dr

  • 01.57 Biology

Personal profile

Administrative Posts

  • Nominated for an Award for Excellence in Teaching, University of East Anglia (2005)
  • Nominated for an Award for Excellence in Teaching. University of East Anglia (2004)
  • Since retirement module organizer and lecturer for Parasitology (BIO-3C19) (1993 - 2007)
  • Invited lecture to Sixth Form students at Milfield School (1997)

Career

  •  Elected Reader Emeritus (2005)
  • Elected Honorary Life Member of the Helminthological Society of Washington. Bestowed in recognition of significant contributions to Helminthology. Limited to no more than 10 living parasitologists worldwide (2000)
  • Elected Fellow of the Linnean Society of London (1999)
  • Visiting Professor, Dept. of Parasitology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia (1990 - 1991) (Royal Society/University of Queensland)
  • Visiting Fellow, Seto Marine Biological Laboratory (Kyoto University) Japan (Royal Society)(1990)
  • Promoted to Reader (1981)
  • Visiting Fellow, Dept. of Parasitology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia (Royal Society)(1975 – 1976)
  • D.Sc, University of Birmingham (1974)
  • Lecturer, School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia (1963 – 1981)

Key Research Interests

I have a wide interest in parasite/host relations and focus in particular on the biology of monogenean (flatworm) parasites of fishes. I study parasite attachment, feeding, functional morphology of the reproductive system, host finding and other aspects of parasite behaviour. Much of my research career has been spent unravelling the relationship between the capsalid monogenean skin parasite Entobdella soleae and its host the common sole (Solea solea). Consequently E. soleae is now better known than any other monogenean and in recent years, in collaboration with Dr Ian Whittington (Adelaide, Australia), I have undertaken a major taxonomic revision of Entobdella that has led to descriptions of new species and creation of new genera.

Current Research Projects

  • Descriptions of new species of capsalid and microbothriid monogeneans from the skin of Australian stingrays and rays (with Ian Whittington, South Australian Museum and The University of Adelaide)
  • The roles of self insemination and cross insemination in the reproductive biology of capsalid monogeneans (With Ian Whittington)
  • Nanomechanics of the protein in the adhesive used by Entobdella soleae for temporary attachment of the head to the host (with Anika Mostaert, Nanoscale Function Group, University of Dublin)
  • Research for a book on parasites.

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  1. SDG 14 - Life Below Water
    SDG 14 Life Below Water
View all 27 research outputs
  • 4 Invited talk
  • 3 Participation in conference
  • 1 Participation in workshop or seminar
View all 8 activities