I am a highly collaborative leader in science who is passionate about research
As an influential expert in integrative and multidisciplinary research, I translate big-initiative environmental genomics and biodiversity discovery science into biomonitoring tools that are used to answer applied environmental questions. My laboratory and collaborators have designed environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding tools for the detection of subterranean fauna living in groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDEs). Our work, recognised as the new benchmark in GDE biomonitoring, is being implemented by researchers and industry for positive economic and environmental outcomes and is advancing scientific discovery.
Given the likelihood of climate change and future population demands on water security and subterranean biodiversity, the impact of our methods for future monitoring of GDEs globally and their indicative biodiversity is recognised. I co-lead the Global Research on eDNA in Groundwaters, an international coalition of 50 experts, on a study that will apply our eDNA approach to groundwater and revolutionise subterranean fauna monitoring beyond Australia. My strong connectedness within this community will ensure a network for adoption of our new and existing methods globally.