G'Day! I’m Em
DPhil Student, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford
About Me
Research Interests
Being from Tasmania, a place with the richest extant marsupial carnivore diversity- but also a high number of invasive species - I am most interested in marsupial-placental carnivore interactions. Specifically, quoll and feral/domestic cat competition.
My work currently incorporates applying less invasive RFID technology to understand the community ecology of mammals. Reduceing the need for more invasive methods which is an ongoing passion of mine.
​
As a researcher, my primary goals are to produce high-quality scientific output, I also see communication as a core element of scientific investigations. Therefore I am highly engaged in science communication. I mostly do this through face-to-face programs, but also am involved in traditional media (including podcasts, television and radio).
​
​
Tasmania is an incredibly special and unique place in terms of its natural features, flora and fauna. From the glacial formed mountains to the many bizarre pouched critters - I hope to share this with the world (via my blog!) - to ensure its protection for generations to come.
​
My Experience
Roles & Responsibilities
The following is an outline of my current and past work experience. Each role has provided an opportunity to learn, grow, and continue developing both as a person and a professional. Take a look to learn more.
Discovery Ranger
November 2017 - September 2018
As apart of the state Governments commitment to the preservation of Tasmania’s environment, rangers fulfill the traditional role of patrolling parks, collecting entrance fees and maintaining tracks, but have a larger focus on interpretive guiding and communicating with guests. Duties include: developing and implementing interpretative material focused on the natural and cultural heritage of various national parks and communicating basic ecological knowledge with local and international guests.
Conservation Support Officer
May 2016 - June 2017
My work for the Steppe Forward Program was as diverse as it was exciting. As the 'Conservation Support Officer' I provided assistance in all manner and facets of Steppe Forwards' conservation programs, from teaching students in collecting and preserving invertebrates to writing grants and public engagement. I was also involved in capacity building biology students at the National University of Mongolia through regular fortnightly workshops in coding and the use of the statistical freeware 'R' and assisting in data collection and management with PhD students.
My work also extended into collaborating with the Khustai National Park Trust in sampling and understanding the impact of forest pests in Mongolias birch forest.
Founder and CEO Red Panda Trust
May 2014 - Present
I am the Founder and CEO of the not-for-profit charity the Red Panda Trust. This organisation is dedicated to connecting research to conservation in the context of Red Pandas. Our work is currently centred in Nepal however recent projects have expanded into surrounding countries, including supporting student researchers in India and China.
​
As I am currently in the midst of my DPhil the activities of the Red Panda Trust have decreased significantly. But I hope to continue these post-graduation.
​
Education
My Studies
DPhil Zoology University of Oxford
September 2018Â - Present
As a novel mouse species enters the range of two resident rodents - does chaos ensue or can relative harmony be maintained? These are (summarised, of course) the overarching questions of my DPhil. Using RIFD technology I am investigating the intricacies niche partitioning in a novel and unprecedented way. I am funded by the General Sir John Monash Scholarship: which funds scholars to study overseas in order to support their careers and aspirations to become world leaders in their field.
BSc Honours Griffith University  (First Class, GPA 6.88/7)
May 2015 - May 2016
In Australia, an honours year directly follows your undergraduate degree (for comparison, it is equivalent to a year-long research masters). The field work for this thesis was funded by the National Geographic Foundation. Through sampling moths along an elevational gradient, we were able to draw conclusions about how they can be used as indicator species for climate change. I was awarded the University Medel for this work.
​
BSc (Ecology and Conservation Biology) Griffith University (GPA 6.5/7)
January 2012Â - November 2014
During my undergraduate years, I was involved in many extracurricular activities; including being president of the Griffith University Outdoor Adventure Society. I was awarded the 'Top First Year' award and the SSSi award for my work in remote sensing (2013).
In this course I learnt all the traditional skills you would expect from an Ecology major, including experimental design, statistical analyses and fieldwork. I was involved in teaching first-year and second-year undergraduates maths and stats during my third-year.
Papers
Free to access here!
Working under a National Geographic Explorers Grant, a small team worked from Axat in the French Pyrénées for 3 months in 2015. The work investigated how techniques used in tropical forests could be applied to temperate forests.
Biological Conservation, 2019
Highly qualified field worker
Certified in small mammal surveys, meso carnivore capture and handling. Experience in flora surveys and remote working experience
Working in the remotest tracks on the Southwest National Park in Tasmania, to Langtang National Park in Nepal I have experienced some pretty raw field working conditions. Often in rural locations, I am always looking for a physical challenge to accompany my research!
LGBTQI+ Rights
Raising the profile of LGBTQI+ Scientists in STEM
As a queer person I am always looking for opportunities to support other LGBTQI+ people, especially in STEM. I was apart of a short special podcast series on queerness in the animal kingdom, entitled Perfectly Natural (access link at top of this page). And am hoping to arrange LGBTQI+ STEM symposiums within my networks over the next year.
Education and Outreach
Engaging people in nature and conservation
During my time with the Parks and Wildlife Service, I worked with schools and communities to encourage people to be conscious of the incredible National Parks Tasmania. I worked across the state, engaging all members of our community in more responsible eco-conscious living. Here I am (and my little mate Penny the Penguin) with Ella Haddad the member for Clark.
​