Stories Projects Publications
Current activities
I am the Coordinator of the Australian Coastal Restoration Network and associated networks, including the Shellfish Reef Restoration Network, the Seagrass Restoration Network, the Australian Mangrove and Saltmarsh Network, and the Kelp Restoration Network. I am responsible for managing all aspects of each network, including communications, database and website development, and coordinating and facilitating workshops and symposia.
Background
In addition to my role on Project E5 – The role of restoration in conserving matters of national environmental significance, I am also the lead project scientist advising a number of the City of Gold Coast’s waste water infrastructure projects where there is an interface with the marine environment or tidal wetlands.
My expertise includes the assessment and monitoring of tidal ecosystems, including specific expertise in coral reef and mangroves habitats, and the restoration of marine and coastal ecosystems. I have also worked extensively with management mechanisms within international frameworks and conventions, such as the Convention on Biodiveristy (CBD) and the Ramsar Convention.
My key areas of focus include the use of habitat restoration to increase coastal protection and resilience, alongside and in the place of traditional coastal defence systems. I am also currently reviewing the legal barriers to restoring coastal wetlands in the context of federal and international environmental law.
I am currently working within the Pool of Experts for the United Nations World Ocean Assessment II (Regular Process) and on the writing team for Chapter 30 - Management Approaches.
Academic qualifications
Queen Mary University of London Master of Laws (LLM) International Environmental Law 2018 - current (anticipated 2021)
Griffith University (Centre for Coastal Management) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Coastal Geomorphology 2015 – current (anticipated 2020)
University of Ulster Master of Science (MSc), Coastal Zone Management 2011 – 2014
University of Edinburgh Master of Arts (MA), Landscape Architecture (Ecological Restoration), Honours 2007 – 2008
University of Edinburgh / Queensland University of Technology Bachelor of Arts (BA), Landscape Architecture 2003 – 2006
Membership of key national committees
Membership of key national committees Treasurer, Australian Coastal Society Member, Australian Marine Science Association Treasurer, Women in Earth and Environmental Sciences Australasia Member, IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas Member, IUCN Ecosystem Services Thematic Group Pool of Experts Member, United Nations World Ocean Assessment II (Regular Process)
15 February 2018
