Michel Dugon

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Michel Dugon

DR

 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8567-819X

Accepting PhD Students

PhD projects

I am open to applications in the following fields: 1) Physiology and morphology of venom systems; 2) Ecology and predatory behaviour of venomous organisms; 3) Medical impact of envenomings; 4) Ecology of invasive arthropods and their interactions with Human populations. PhD applications are always dependent on securing funding from institutional, national or international grants.

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Personal profile

Biography

I hold a MSc in Ecology from the University of Bangor (Wales, 2006-2007) and a PhD in Zoology from the University of Galway (2008 -2011) under the supervision of Prof Wallace Arthur. My doctoral thesis investigated the evolution, development and morphology venom systems in centipedes. I also hold a Postgraduate Certification in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (2015).

I have always been fascinated by predatory and defensive behaviours in a range of organisms. Since my PhD, I have published over 30 peer-reviewed studies on a range of related topics. 

I am in charge of the internationalisation strategy of the School of Natural Sciences since 2024. I am also heavily involved in science outreach, both nationally (I deliver ecology-based workshops to school pupils since 2013) and internationally (click here to watch my TED talk on spider venom).

Here are some of the awards I have received over the years:

2021    National Teaching Hero Award          

2020    University of Galway President’s Award for Teaching Excellence (Individual Award)

2020    University of Galway President’s Award for Teaching Excellence (Team Award)

2017    Ryan Innovation in Research Award

2015    National Teaching Expert Award

2015    University of Galway President’s Award for Teaching Excellence

Research Interests

I am a zoologist specialist of the evolution and development of venom systems, predation strategies and prey detection in venomous invertebrates. I am currently investigating a range of related topics, including the morphology and development of arthropod venom systems, the medical importance and ecology of scorpions, the antimicrobial properties of venom, and the ecology of the invasive Noble false widow spider. Check my research output for more details.

Teaching Interests

I have been teaching at the University of Galway since 2015. I tend to favour a hands-on / field-based approach to learning, using preserved and live animals to learn about their morphology, physiology, evolution, ecology and behaviour.

I contribute to the following modules, as part of the GY301 Bachelor of Science degree programme:

ZO208 Invertebrate Biology

ZO209 Vertebrate Biology

ZO1101/ZO2101 Entomology

ZO415/509 Biometry / Statistics

ZO416 Integrative Zoology

ZO419 Practical Skills in Zoology

ZO4101 Research Project in Zoology

ZO4103 Animals in Captivity

ZO425 Literature Review

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):

  • SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
  • SDG 14 - Life Below Water
  • SDG 15 - Life on Land

Education/Academic qualification

MSc, PhD

Accepting PhD Students

  • Accepting PhD Students

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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years

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  • 3 Membership of board
  • 3 Membership of committee
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