My story
In 2026 I began my PhD project at the University of Sydney and am now "Exploring how odour information quality affects herbivore foraging behaviour".
In 2025 I completed my honours project for my Bachelor of Science. I performed a largescale study on animal behaviour using wild swamp wallabies. It involved laboratory and field studies, analysing large datasets, and statistical modelling to help explain how mammalian herbivores use odour to forage for food.
From 2019 to 2022 I worked on the Toongabbie Creek Small Bird Habitat Project as a volunteer member of the Daranggara Bushcare Group. During this time, I developed an interest in how the health of native fauna can be supported by improved scientific understanding of conservation.
In 2021 I had the opportunity to apply my scientific communication skills to share my passion for animals with members of the public as a community outreach team member of the Parramatta River Catchment Group. I collaborated with environment experts to help organise a World Environment Day event which included family-focused wildlife and conservation education.
Undergraduate studies
As part of my university study, I have had experience handling a variety of domestic animal species. I have administered subcutaneous and intramuscular injections for sheep and cattle, performed artificial insemination and ultrasound pregnancy checks on ewes, restrained and vaccinated layer hens, and restrained pigs and sheep for health assessments. I have also had experience working in laboratory settings and am competent with the principles of diagnostics using bacteriology and genetics.
For my studies in 2023, I was awarded with the Dean’s List of Excellence in Academic Performance. In 2025, I received First Class Honours for my final year research.
The interests I have developed over the course of my degree are broad but include areas such as:
- Animal behaviour
- Information ecology
- Australian native wildlife disease management
- Wildlife conservation
Experience
2024 Wildlife Friends Foundation, Thailand
Volunteer team member, wildlife rescue centre
- Visual health checks on wildlife: primates, bears, birds
- Coordinated feeding and enrichment of over 750 animals with team
2024 Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Menangle NSW
Professional placement, diagnostics and research virology laboratory
- Assisted research vets with sheep and cattle blood sample collection
- Exposure to performing animal diagnostic tests for biosecurity
2024 Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary, Mole Creek TAS
Professional placement, wildlife volunteer
- Experience handling animals: Tasmanian Devils, Wombats, Echidnas
- Cared for injured rescued wildlife including administering antibiotics
2024 Corstorphine Dairy, Brownlow Hill NSW
Work experience, animal husbandry and milking
- Hand fed and performed health checks on calves
- Assisted with daily operations including cleaning and milking
2023 Sijal Institute for Arabic Language and Culture, Jordan
Short-term language and culture student
- Gained experience communicating cross-culturally
- Collaborated with other students to learn basic Arabic language and culture
2021 Parramatta River Catchment Group, Canada Bay NSW
Leader of the ‘Parra River Heroes’ changemakers group
- Organised community litter clean up events
- Interacted with families to educate about local animal species