I am an applied ecologist and conservation biologist. My primary research goal is to tackle the grand challenge of biodiversity conservation in a world with an ever-expanding human footprint by improving understanding of environmental processes at temporal and spatial scales relevant to the conservation, management and restoration of ecosystems. My research aims to bridge the gap between theoretical research and managment and translate research findings into improved on-ground outcomes for the conservation of fauna, flora and landscapes. My research program involves close collaboration with private and goverment conservation organizations and the collection of primary data from field sites located throughout Australia.
Previous roles and qualifications
Professor, University of New South Wales, 2019-present
Associate Professor, University of New South Wales, 2015-2018
Australian Research Council Future Fellow, University of New South Wales, 2012-2015
Lecturer, University of Western Sydney, 2010-2011
Australian Post-doctoral Fellow, University of Sydney, 2006-2010
Project Officer (Herbivore pests), NSW Department of Environment, 2005-2006
Wildlife Management Officer (Crocodiles), Parks and Wildlife Service of the Northern Territory, 2003-2005
PhD University of Sydney, 2004
Miklouh-Macleay Fellow, Macleay Museum, University of Sydney, 2000-2001
Freelance journalist and wildlife consultant, 1997-2000
Research Assistant, University of Sydney, 1995-1997
BSc (Hons) University of New South Wales, 1995
Prizes
Eureka Prize for Environmental Research 2013
Jabez King Heydon Memorial Prize 2003 for the most meritorious thesis awarded by the School of Biological Sciences, University of Sydney
Editorial Roles
Restoration Ecology
Advisory Roles
Wild Deserts
Past PhD students
Dr Baptiste Wijas
Dr Charlotte Mills
Dr Alexandra Ross
Dr Lisa Steindler
Dr Daniel Hunter
Dr James Rees
Dr Viyanna Leo
Dr Christopher Gordon
Dr Benjamin Feit
Dr Nicholas Colman
Dr Louise Pastro
My research team is conducting projects investigating the ecological role of apex predators, the impacts of grazing on the functioning of arid ecosystems, the impacts of cane toads on tropical ecosystems, the conservation of ground nesting birds and biology of echidnas. Many of these projects are being conducted in collaboration with industry partners including Nature Foundation, Bush Heritage Australia, the Australian Captial Territory Government and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage with the objective of improving biodiversity conservation outcomes.
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4191-8427
