I am a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Sydney, where my work focuses on how belowground microbes shape the way organisms respond to environmental stress. While much of my current research centers on seagrasses, I have also studied terrestrial plants, giving me a broad perspective on how plants and their microbial partners interact under changing conditions. At the core of my research is a drive to understand how ecosystems respond to global change and how that knowledge can be used to protect and restore them.

My approach combines fieldwork, laboratory experiments and molecular tools to understand the hidden processes belowground that influence plant growth and survival. By trying to understand these interactions, I aim to develop practical solutions for conserving biodiversity and restoring ecosystems. I especially enjoy the fieldwork side of ecology by getting outside to run experiments and connect with the environments I study.

Collaboration and mentorship are also central to my work. Over the years, I’ve worked with colleagues across Australia and internationally, building strong partnerships that advance ecological understanding. I value creating a supportive, inclusive research environment and take pride in mentoring students as they develop their own research paths. Beyond academia, I enjoy sharing my research with wider audiences through conferences, public talks, festivals and school events because I believe science should be shared not kept in the lab.