As a creative, detail-oriented conservation biologist, I combine enthusiasm, strong interpersonal skills, and leadership to deliver measurable results.

My vision is to use science and communication to preserve wildlife and their habitats. Toward this end, I’ve conceived and delivered multiple large-scale conservation projects to successful completion, including:

Palm Cockatoo Project: 8 peer-reviewed papers published; 2 in prep

Death Adder Project: 1 paper published, 1 in prep

Sound Garden Project: Investigating snakes’ responses to airborne sounds (1 paper published; reached 779M people globally).

Save the Palm Cockatoo Project: Successfully completed the first of two field seasons (Sept. 2024).

Two additional projects are ongoing:

1) Under the Snakefluence: Exploring human perceptions of snakes, with collaborators in 23 countries.

2) Beyond the Bite: Quantifying human-snake conflict across Australia.

With 17+ years in field-based roles (Palm Cockatoos, Death Adders, koalas, sea snakes, Macaws, Little Penguins) and 8.5 years in lab-based roles, my interdisciplinary research spans parrot vocalisations, animal cognition, conservation biology, snake venom activity, antivenom efficacy, snake ecology and behaviour, and human-wildlife conflict. My efforts, including 60 peer-reviewed papers and having been a major contributor to $2.8M in fundraising, have had measurable impacts on both people and wildlife.

I’ve devoted 17 years to working with Indigenous groups on Cape York Peninsula to save Australia’s only tool-using parrot, the Palm Cockatoo. Alongside Prof. Rob Heinsohn, we successfully elevated its conservation status twice.

My dedication to science communication is equally impactful. I was a Fulbright Fellow in 2009, ABC's Top Five Scientist in 2021, Rising Star for Faculty of Science at UQ (2023), and Inspiring Australia Qld’s Ambassador for 2024 and 2025. I’ve developed and delivered #SciComm workshops nationally and internationally, serve as Communications Lead for IUCN’s Snake Specialist Group, Gourmet Gumleaves Project, and Australian Reptile Academy where I also train people in the safe and ethical handling of venomous snakes.

Currently, I serve as:

1) Casual Lecturer, Dept Ag and Enviro. Sci, Uni Southern Qld

2) Nature Positive Coordinator, Brisbane Catchments Network

3) Associate Researcher, People For Wildlife (PFW): Working to save the endangered Palm Cockatoo (part-time, seasonal).

4) Co-owner, Instructor, and Communications Officer, Australian Reptile Academy: Specialising in venomous snake training.

5) Inspiring Australia Qld Ambassador (2024–2025).