Craig Smith

Craig Smith is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anatomy & Developmental Biology at Monash University, affiliated with the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute. His research focuses on developmental biology, particularly using chicken embryos to study genetic regulation of organogenesis, gonadal development, and limb evolution. He leads projects on Evo-Devo, avian sex determination, and wing reduction in emus. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and innovation.

Research interests center on the genetic mechanisms underlying organ formation and disease, with a focus on avian models. Key areas include Müllerian duct development, epithelial-mesenchymal transitions, and steroidogenic cell lineage specification. Techniques employed involve molecular and functional genomics, including cutting-edge methods like single-cell transcriptomics.

Recent articles highlight investigations into asymmetric Müllerian duct development (2024), DMRT1-mediated regulation (2023), and Evo-Devo perspectives on female reproductive tracts (2022). His work bridges evolutionary and developmental processes, emphasizing comparative biology.

Current active projects include studies on female reproductive tract formation (2024-2027) and genetic regulation of avian sex determination (2020-2024). Collaborations span institutions like Hokkaido University and the Australian Research Council (ARC). His lab actively engages in global research networks focused on avian developmental biology and functional genomics.