Dr Steve Shattuck explores ways of improving taxonomic efficiency by developing novel information technology solutions.
Current activities
Dr Steve Shattuck is a Research Scientist with the Australian National Insect Collection (ANIC).
He conducts taxonomic research on Australian ant species and develops novel computer methods for managing the diversity information generated by these studies.
Dr Shattuck’s current activities are centred on biodiversity informatics and systematics.
His biodiversity informatics work includes the development of user-friendly, commercial quality, information management software focussing on ‘whole of life’ data management - from initial collection through maintenance to paper-based and electronic dissemination.
Systematics will only progress and meet society’s needs if it embraces modern computer science.
These activities combine a strong background in systematics with extensive information technology experience to address new and emerging problems presented by developments in computer science and the Internet.
An important result of this work has been the BioLink package. BioLink addresses the needs of the taxonomic and collection communities by combining a clear understanding of taxonomic ‘business practices’ with extensive knowledge of modern software development methodologies.
Dr Shattuck is also working on the systematics of the family Formicidae (ants) with emphasis on genera of the world and species of the Indo-Australian region.
His activities include descriptive taxonomy and phylogenetic reconstruction at the species- and genus-levels for a range of groups including the large and diverse genera Camponotus and Iridomyrmex, and the subfamilies Dolichoderinae and Ponerinae.
A major outcome of this work is the publication of the first generic-level identification guide and biological overview of the entire Australian ant fauna, Australian Ants: Their Biology and Identification and the development of the related website, Australian Ants Online.
Background
Dr Shattuck’s interest in ants began in the deserts and grasslands of western North America where he received his university degree in systematic entomology.
He moved to Australia and began work with CSIRO in 1990 to explore the vast and little known Australian ant fauna.
During the mid-1990s Dr Shattuck expanded his interest into the area of biodiversity informatics, an activity which currently occupies most of his time.
Academic qualifications
Dr Shattuck has been awarded a:
- Bachelor of Science from Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA, in 1983
- Master of Arts from the University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA, in 1985
- Doctor of Philosophy from University of California, Davis, California, USA, 1991.
Achievements
Dr Shattuck has published many scientific papers describing several new genera and many new species of Australian ants.
In addition to BioLink, he has developed a number of scientific websites.
Find out more about the Australian National Insect Collection.
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