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Dr Christina Birnbaum

Dr Christina Birnbaum
Name Christina Birnbaum
Pronoun She/Her/Hers
Position Lecturer (Terrestrial Ecology)
Section School of Agriculture and Environmental Science
Office T331
Location Toowoomba Campus
Phone +61 7 4631 2646
Extension 2646
Email
Qualifications BNatSci Estonian LifeSci , MNatSci Estonian LifeSci , PhD Macquarie
Languages Estonian (accredited translator)
German (non accredited translator)
Polish (non accredited translator)
Russian (accredited translator)
Homepage https://research.usq.edu.au/researcher/8123q/dr-christina-birnbaum
The views expressed on staff homepages may not reflect the views of the University.

Biography

Christina is an ecologist specialising in invasion ecology and plant-microbe-soil interactions. Her research integrates field observations, experimental manipulations, and molecular tools to investigate plant-microbe interactions across diverse ecosystems, including shrublands, saltmarshes, mangroves, and peatlands. Her work aims to advance invasive species management, restoration ecology, and plant-microbial dynamics. With over 15 years of research experience spanning Europe, Australia, and the USA, Christina has made significant contributions to the field.

In 2016, Christina co-founded the inaugural Plant-Soil Ecology Research Chapter of the Ecological Society of Australia (ESA), where she currently serves as lead convener. This initiative fosters communication, networking, and collaboration among academics, early career researchers, students, and others interested in plant-soil interactions in Australia. Under her leadership, the Research Chapter has organized seven symposia featuring over 70 presentations at ESA Annual Conferences and published a special thematic issue in Plant Ecology in 2020, focusing on applying microbial community research to enhance conservation and restoration outcomes.

Christina is also a dedicated advocate for women and traditionally underrepresented groups in STEM, actively participating in various mentoring programs in the USA and Australia.

Research Career


  • Terrestrial Ecology ( 310308 )
  • Other Biological Sciences ( 319900 )
  • Microbial Ecology ( 310703 )
  • Global Change Biology ( 319902 )
  • Ecology ( 310300 )
  • Microbiology ( 310700 )

Christina is an ecologist interested broadly in plant ecology and plant-microbe-soil interactions. Christina uses field observations, combined with experimental manipulations and molecular tools to explore questions pertaining plant-microbe interactions in diverse ecosystems, including shrublands, saltmarshes, mangroves and peatlands, to inform invasive species management, restoration ecology and plant-microbial dynamics.


Ecological Society of Australia


  • Centre for Crop Health (CCH)
  • Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment (ILSE)
  • Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Systems (CSAS)

Teaching


REN2200 Ecology for Sustainability
REN3103 Applied Terrestrial Ecology
REN2201 Ecological Methods
REN3302 Sustainable Resource Use
REN6203 Sustainability Science


Major Convenor (Ecology and Conservation)
Major Convenor (Environment and Sustainability)

Supervision


  • Terrestrial Ecology ( 310308 )
  • Other Biological Sciences ( 319900 )
  • Microbial Ecology ( 310703 )
  • Global Change Biology ( 319902 )
  • Ecology ( 310300 )
  • Microbiology ( 310700 )