Learning the wild: transformative experiences for educating aspiring ecologists 2.2.4

Tracks
Track 4
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Breakout Room 4

Speaker

Associate Professor Lisa Godinho
Associate Dean (Undergraduate)
The University Of Melbourne

More first-years outdoors with a little help from a Field Friend

3:00 PM - 3:15 PM

Biography

Lisa Godinho has a background in behavioural field ecology, particularly of insectivorous bats. She has spent the last 15 years focused on educating the next generation of ecologists, supporting the success of diverse cohorts as they transition into tertiary education. She leads a pathway degree for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students pursuing undergraduate science and is the Associate Dean (Undergraduate Programs) for the Faculty of Science.
Dr Anke Frank
Lecturer In Ecology
Charles Sturt University

The Field Is Not Optional: Rethinking Cost-Cutting in Ecology Education

3:15 PM - 3:30 PM

Biography

Anke is a terrestrial ecologist and educator with a diverse background spanning education, research, and conservation practice. She holds a Master-equivalent degree in education from the University of Bonn (2002) and completed her PhD at The University of Sydney (2010), where she investigated grazing impacts in central Australia. Her career includes working as an ecologist for Bush Heritage Australia and conducting her first postdoctoral research at an Australian Wildlife Conservancy sanctuary, where she supervised and worked closely with students, volunteers, and interns. Anke brings a unique blend of perspectives as a student, teacher, academic, and practitioner. She is passionate about immersive, field-based learning and collaborates actively with industry stakeholders to understand what employers are looking for in future ecologists, ensuring her teaching remains relevant and grounded in real-world needs.
Dr Manuel Lequerica Tamara
Associate Lecturer
The University Of Sydney

Measuring more than biodiversity: enhancing student engagement through field-based learning

3:30 PM - 3:45 PM

Biography

Dr. Manuel Lequerica Tamara is an Associate Lecturer at the University of Sydney specialising in urban ecology and biodiversity conservation. His research examines how urbanisation affects insect communities, with particular focus on hover flies and their roles as pollinators and biological control agents in urban environments. Manuel completed his undergraduate studies at Universidad de Los Andes in Colombia before pursuing a Master of Agriculture, Master of Science, and PhD in Urban Ecology at the University of Sydney. As a passionate educator, Manuel lectures in multiple units of study at the University of Sydney and co-develops the WILD2001 Measuring Biodiversity unit, which emphasises hands-on field experiences and practical biodiversity assessment techniques. His teaching philosophy centers on connecting students with real-world ecological processes through field-based learning, helping them develop both scientific skills and environmental awareness through direct engagement with natural systems. Manuel brings extensive experience in designing field-based learning activities that engage students with urban ecology concepts, from pollinator surveys in city parks to biodiversity monitoring in natural areas. His approach integrates research methodologies with educational practice, demonstrating how authentic scientific experiences can enhance student understanding of ecological principles.
Dr Francesca van den Berg
Lecturer
The University Of Sydney

The Pedagogical Value and Practical Challenges of Fieldwork in Ecology Educationll

3:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Biography

Fran is an education-focused academic at the University of Sydney, with a passion for teaching ecology and a love of terrestrial invertebrates, particularly spiders. She spends a lot of her time thinking about ways we can drive engagement with ecology, while improving the student experience and education outcomes.

Co-Convenor

Angela Moles
Professor
UNSW E&ERC

Francesca van den Berg
Lecturer
The University Of Sydney


Convenor

Jessica Boomer
Lecturer
Macquarie University

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