I am interested in how ecological disturbances interact to shape species communities, especially using beta-diversity as metric. My broad interest lies in predictive modelling of species distributions across space and time. My favourite tools include Machine Learning algorithms, Pattern-Oriented Modelling and Species Distribution Models.

David is a spatial and quantitative ecologist interested in mapping biodiversity from local to continental scale, with a focus on global change ecology.

I’m a long-time participant in malleefowl monitoring, as part of a national citizen science project started by Dr Joe Benshemesh in the 1980s. My interest in this stocky ground-dwelling bird goes back to my childhood on a farm in the Victorian Mallee. Malleefowl once ranged across much of the southern half of Australia but have declined sharply since European settlement due to combination of threats. The populations that remain are small and isolated. Malleefowl nest by building large mounds to incubate eggs. The male parent spends several hours each day working to moderate the mound’s temperature by adjusting the mix and thickness of soil and leaf litter until the eggs hatch and chicks emerge. I’ve been conducting field monitoring since 1999 and I’ve been a committee member and safety officer for the Victorian Malleefowl Recovery Group since 2002. I am also secretary of the National Malleefowl Recovery Group Inc, and chair of the National Malleefowl Recovery Team. In my professional life I’ve worked in the chemical industry and as a private occupational health and safety and environmental consultant.

Scotte Wedderburn is an ecologist at the University of Adelaide who has studied small-bodied fishes and their habitats in the lower River Murray, Lower Lakes and Coorong for the last 25 years. Since 2008, he has undertaken annual monitoring of threatened fishes in the Lower Lakes and conducted several ecological investigations for the Murray–Darling Basin Authority. Over the last decade, Scotte has worked with the Ngarrindjeri community in fish, thukabi (turtle), kaltuwari (yabby) and lokeri (freshwater mussel) monitoring projects. Scotte is a member of the Department for Environment and Water’s Scientific Advisory Group which provides input for environmental management of the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth with a focus on the informed use of water for the environment.

I'm an environmental scientist with a passion for solving practical and community based problems. I have a Bachelor of Science with majors in biology and geography, with first class Honours for my research on impacts of feral horses and deer in Kosciuszko National Park, and a Master of Environmental Science (Advanced) where I researched Phoracantha beetle mediated snow-gum dieback. My experience includes ecological research, environmental advocacy, science communication, impact assessment consulting, species monitoring, spatial analyses, and I really like bugs. I have spent time teaching and science communicating for all ages, including at kids camps in Australia and the USA and delivering coursework at the Australian National University. I am big on community engagement, regularly contributing to environmental and social causes. I am flexible, creative and enthusiastic member of any team. I live and work on Ngunnawal country.

Dr Caitlyn Forster is an Associate Lecturer at The University of Sydney. Her research spans across behavioural ecology, entomology, and the social inequalities of citizen science.

Tamara Finlayson is an ecologist currently working as a Collections Manager with the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN) Ecosystem Surveillance team based at the University of Adelaide. In this role, she supports Australia’s national ecological monitoring program by managing the processing, curation, and accessibility of environmental data and specimens collected from TERN’s extensive plot network. She also plays a key role in maintaining field equipment and vehicles, and provides logistical support to field teams working across a diverse range of Australian ecosystems. Tamara additionally co-manages TERN’s award-winning volunteer program, which was recognised as the University of Adelaide’s Community Volunteer Group of the Year in 2022. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Advanced) with First Class Honours and a University Medal from the University of Sydney, where her honours research examined intraguild predation in desert ecosystems. With over a decade of experience across government, consulting, NGOs, and research institutions, Tamara has worked throughout a wide array of Australian landscapes. Her fieldwork has included leading biodiversity surveys, conducting fauna monitoring, and contributing to threatened species translocations. Passionate about ecological monitoring, collaborative research, and biodiversity conservation, she brings together scientific rigour, hands-on field experience, and a strong commitment to practical conservation outcomes.

Karen Burke da Silva is a leading figure in Australian conservation, citizen science, and STEM education. As a passionate advocate for koala conservation, she has played a pivotal role in designing and delivering science-based initiatives to safeguard Australia’s iconic wildlife. Karen is a co-founder of the Koala Sanctuary on Kangaroo Island, an ambitious project that combines genetic rescue, habitat restoration, and sustainable eco-tourism to address the urgent challenges facing koalas after the 2020 bushfires. Karen is also the lead of Passport2Recovery, a citizen science program that unites researchers, community members, and tourists in monitoring ecological recovery. Her work empowers the public to contribute meaningfully to scientific data collection while fostering a deeper connection to nature. An accomplished educator and Professor of Science Education, Karen is committed to science communication and inclusive learning. She has developed innovative outreach programs that bridge the gap between academic science and the broader public, with a particular focus on involving students and volunteers in real-world conservation efforts. Karen’s work exemplifies the power of community-driven science to create lasting environmental impact. Her contributions are shaping the future of wildlife conservation through collaboration, education, and a deep commitment to preserving Australia’s natural heritage.

I'm a researcher and educator with a background in social psychology, specialising in behaviour change and evaluation for sustainability. I work across disciplines to understand how people engage with nature and how we can design interventions that spark broader change. With over 10 years’ applied research experience, I’ve partnered with government, industry, and NGOs to support sustainable outcomes through behaviourally informed strategies. My expertise includes experimental design, evaluation, systematic reviews, and stakeholder engagement. I currently lecture in sustainability at RMIT University, exploring how STEM and health sciences can contribute to just, sustainable futures. I’m particularly interested in real-world interventions that catalyse behavioural spillover and promote biodiversity conservation. I love connecting theory with practice, and I’m always keen to collaborate on projects that drive meaningful change.