Tanya Dann

Entomologist, Textile scientist, and Artist
PhD fieldwork on the Kepler Track, Fiordland, New Zealand.

Latest research

In August 2018 I graduated with a second masters from the University of Otago. My thesis topic investigated how two closely related predator species can co-exist, using damselflies as a model. 
Naiads (juveniles) of two New Zealand damselfly species Austrolestes colensonis (L) and Xanthocnemis zealandica (R). 

Research interests

I am interested in the following areas of research:
Behaviour and life history
Metabolic processes of insects
Insect taxonomy
Forensic entomology
Forensic textiles
Clothing and textile damage

What next?

I am currently residing on Stewart Island, NZ and am taking a break from research based activities. I am working on a new body of art work which will be available at local businesses on the island or by contacting me directly.

Artist

When I'm not feverishly writing or analysing data, I love to create. I consider myself a multi-media artist as I like to work with a variety of different media. My work is continually evolving to include pieces inspired by my love of science, nature and my surrounding. Digital works including some created using a scanning electron microscope and drawings of people and animals feature heavily. 

View my art work