- Position:
- PhD Candidate
- Phone:
- (+61 8) 9480 3916
- Email:
- This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Research Interests:
- Restoration Ecology
- Plant Ecophysiology
Academic Background:
Graduated from the University of Texas at Austin 2005.
B.S. Plant Biology.
B.S. Ecology, Evolution, and Behaviour.
Currently enrolled at the University of Western Australia.
Current Projects:
Title: The Ecophysiological Adaptations of Framework Banksia Woodland Species to Post-Minesite Stresses
University: The University of Western Australia
Supervisors: Dr. Jason Stevens, Dr. Deanna Rokich, Dr. Christoph Hinz, Dr. Kingsley Dixon
Industry sponsors: Rocla Quarry Products
Description:
The overall objective of the proposed research is the establishing of principles to guide the restoration ecology of disturbed ecosystems within the Swan Coastal Plain Region of southwest Western Australia, with a focus on restoring framework over-storey species.
The proposed research will aim to solve the problems that have hampered restoration in this particular ecosystem since its conception.
It has been postulated that soil compaction and drought stress are key contributors to restoration failure in the Swan Coastal Plain, but there is limited scientific data to support this theory.
The photo top-left shows stunted roots of Eucalyptus todtiana due to the post-mine site stress of soil compaction.
Using ecophysiological techniques, this PhD thesis will define the underlying principles for plant responses to these two major environmental stresses and determine means to manipulate framework species, thus raising the success rate of restoration.