Dr Masha Smallhorn
Lecturer
Biological Sciences
Flinders University
Australia
Biography
I graduated with a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the Australian National University in 2004. During my PhD, I analysed developmental roles for the Drosophila melanogaster gene pebble (pbl). Using a diverse range of molecular, classical genetic and biochemical techniques, I identified a novel PBL-mediated intracellular signalling pathway that operates in mesodermal cells during mesoderm cell migration following ventral furrow formation. The time spent working in the laboratory during my PhD fostered a love of learning and teaching. In 2005 I completed a Graduate Diploma in Education thus qualifying as a secondary teacher. I have built on this knowledge in my current position in the School of Biological Sciences at Flinders University. I recently completed a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education. As an education-focussed academic I am passionate about higher education and fostering a love of learning in my students. My areas of interest include first year transition, laboratory learning, inquiry-based learning and genetics education. I am currently developing education focussed research projects to evaulate the redevelopment of first year biology laboratories.
Research Interest
Practical Coordinator: Molecular Basis of Life (BIOL1102) Practical Coordinator: Genetics, Evolution and Biodiversity (BIOL2702)
Publications
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Leterme, S.C., Michelsen, P.P. and Smallhorn, M.N. (2013). Laboratory Practicals for BIOL2701. In Jill Gillies, Sophie Leterme, ed. BIOL2701 - Experimental Design for Biology. 5th ed. Frenchs Forest, NSW, Australia: Pearson Australia, pp. 45-82.
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Smallhorn, M.N., Murray, M. and Saint, R. (2004). The epithelial-mesenchymal transition of the Drosophila mesoderm requires the Rho GTP exchange factor Pebble. Development, 131(11) pp. 2641-2651.
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Shandala, T., Gregory, S., Dalton, H., Smallhorn, M.N. and Saint, R. (2004). Citron Kinase is an essential effector of the Pbl-activated Rho signalling pathway in Drosophila melanogaster. Development, 131(20) pp. 5053-5063.
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Murray, M., Ng, M., Fraval, H., Tan, J., Liu, W., Smallhorn, M.N., et al. (2012). Regulation of Drosophila mesoderm migration by phosphoinositides and the PH domain of the Rho GTP exchange factor Pebble. Developmental Biology, 372(1) pp. 17-27.
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Smallhorn, M.N., Young, J.E., Hunter, N.C. and Burke Da Silva, K.L. (2015). Inquiry-based learning to improve student engagement in a large first year topic. Student Success (Formally International Journal of the First Year in Higher Education) 6(2) pp. 65-71.
