a l l i a n c e for n a t u r e
UniSA’s alliance for nature consists of staff, research students, and volunteers working together to promote nature conservation. They come from a diversity of disciplines across the University. Be it research in ecology, engineering, chemistry, social sciences, or other disciplines, the participants’ research relates to sustainable use of resources, and the protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems.
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Environmental conservation encompasses many areas of research, and UniSA’s alliance for nature is truly multidisciplinary.
Contact person:
Dr. S. “Topa” Petit
School of NBE
University of South Australia
Mawson Lakes SA 5095
Australia
Phone: +61 8 8302 3000
about
participants
contact
Our main aim is to improve synergies and success in conservation research by:
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Facilitating the collaboration of participants
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Improving communication and the dissemination of information among participants
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Increasing the visibility of participants and their impact.
aim
Professor Irene Watson
My interest in Aboriginal knowledges, culture, and law extends to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage.
Dr James Ward
I investigate the sustainable use of global finite resources, as well as the use of innovative technologies to produce food sustainably in urban and peri-urban environments.
Dr Gunnar Keppel
I am interested in the conservation of biodiversity and in how favourable local microclimates can mitigate regional trends and extremes in climates.
Dr Russell Schumann
My work has the theme of environmental stewardship, ranging from mitigation of environmental impact from mining, through minimisation of water usage by industry, to understanding pollination services by studying nectar chemistry.
Dr S. "Topa" Petit, convenor of UniSA's alliance for nature
My research interests include wildlife ecology, pollination by mammals and insects, other mutualistic plant-animal interactions, and of course conservation.
Dr Freya Higgins-Desbiolles
I am interested in managing the negative impacts of tourism and harnessing tourism’s positive capacities for environmental education, ecological restoration and fostering stronger ecological consciousness.
Ms Morgan Schebella
I investigate the importance of natural environments to human wellbeing, and I am particularly interested in research that helps foster support for nature conservation within disciplines such as health and economics.
Dr Jack Desbiolles
In the Australian and international contexts of conservation agriculture, I research to optimise the use of innovative technologies and improve the performance of fit-for-purpose machinery, in support of more sustainable and climate-resilient farming practices.
Dr Elissa Pearson
With a particular interest in biodiversity conservation and zoo-based conservation education programs, I am passionate about applying psychology to educate and engage the public about modern environmental challenges and to foster a more sustainable world.
Dr Naser Khan
My research focuses on soil remediation and improvement via the application of compost and biochar.
I am fascinated by both the production capabilities and social value of urban agriculture, whilst also being interested in the science communication side of things - how to present, explain and engage different kinds of people.
Ms Georgia Pollard
With a background in conservation psychology and an interest in sustainability, I am passionate about encouraging environmental behaviour change.
Dr Hayley Tindle
I am a Sustainable Environments Honours student and New Colombo Plan 2016 scholar, focusing on the ecology and geography of invasive palm trees in south-east Fiji, with broader interests in biosecurity and economic implications
Mr Michael Dyer
Ms Joan Gibbs
