After completing a double degree (Science/Arts) at Monash University, I was fortunate enough to undertake an Honours year of study at Deakin University monitoring the effectiveness of predator exclosures on the nests of a native shorebird species in Victoria's west.
A couple of years following, I began my PhD at Deakin University, this time investigating the ecology and management of a corvid species on Phillip Island (i.e. ravens cleverly breaching penguin burrows and preying upon penguin eggs). I've banded a lot of ravens down on the Summerland Peninsula of Phillip Island for monitoring purposes, so if you happen to capture photos or sightings of any of my banded birds, I'd be delighted if you could send them to me! We love to know where they get around to. With the support of my supervisors, friends, and family, I completed my PhD in 2021. I now work in the conservation sector full time, towards the protection of our native birds.
After spending so much time with them, I have a big soft spot for Australia's shorebirds, penguins, and corvids too! While corvids may be a threat to be managed in some environments (and I'll support management of problematic populations where necessary, particularly when the success of another native species is at stake), I appreciate their tenacity, character, and intelligence.
If you'd like to find out more about my research, feel free to send me a message, or you can check out the publications I've been involved with here.
