Education
2011-2015 Doctor of Philosophy (Environmental Science)
James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
Movement of an exploited reef teleost across spatial and temporal scales
Supervisors: Dr Michelle Heupel, Prof Colin Simpfendorfer, Dr Ashley Williams, Dr Stephen Sutton
2003 Bachelor of Science with Honours (Marine Biology)
James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
The influence of structural habitat complexity on fish assemblages in tropical estuarine tidal pools
Supervisor: Dr Marcus Sheaves
Class IIA Honours
2000-2002 Bachelor of Science (Biology)
James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
Marine Biology Major, Grade Point Average 6
James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
Movement of an exploited reef teleost across spatial and temporal scales
Supervisors: Dr Michelle Heupel, Prof Colin Simpfendorfer, Dr Ashley Williams, Dr Stephen Sutton
2003 Bachelor of Science with Honours (Marine Biology)
James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
The influence of structural habitat complexity on fish assemblages in tropical estuarine tidal pools
Supervisor: Dr Marcus Sheaves
Class IIA Honours
2000-2002 Bachelor of Science (Biology)
James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
Marine Biology Major, Grade Point Average 6
Professional Experience & Employment
2017 - Current Research Scientist (Population Fish Ecology)
2015 - 2017 Postdoctoral Fellow
Australian Institute of Marine Science | Townsville, Queensland, Australia
I work within the ecological monitoring team to understand trends in fish communities with temporal, environmental, spatial and anthropogenic factors. I investigate movement patterns, species richness, abundance and community composition of teleosts and elasmobranchs in tropical locations along the east coast of Australia, the Great Barrier Reef, NW shelf, Pacific islands as well as at a broader continental scale. I lead a broad-scale acoustic tracking project (IMOS) and my research contributes to a number of industry Projects, the Global FinPrint Project and Australian BRUVS Synthesis. I lead major field campaigns using acoustic telemetry and Baited Underwater Remote Video Stations (BRUVS), plus in projects involving using multiple techniques to survey fishes (BRUVS, UVC, diver video, fishing, acoustic telemetry). My research outcomes helps identify potential impacts and provides data for conservation and management purposes.
2015 Researcher
Centre for Sustainable Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries, James Cook University | Townsville, Queensland, Australia
Evaluated the influence of fishing and environmental conditions on catch of fish during the spawning season in Torres Strait (AFMA project), and surveyed stakeholders on fishery data collection methods to assess areas for improvement (joint FRDC//DAF/JCU project).
2015 - 2017 Postdoctoral Fellow
Australian Institute of Marine Science | Townsville, Queensland, Australia
I work within the ecological monitoring team to understand trends in fish communities with temporal, environmental, spatial and anthropogenic factors. I investigate movement patterns, species richness, abundance and community composition of teleosts and elasmobranchs in tropical locations along the east coast of Australia, the Great Barrier Reef, NW shelf, Pacific islands as well as at a broader continental scale. I lead a broad-scale acoustic tracking project (IMOS) and my research contributes to a number of industry Projects, the Global FinPrint Project and Australian BRUVS Synthesis. I lead major field campaigns using acoustic telemetry and Baited Underwater Remote Video Stations (BRUVS), plus in projects involving using multiple techniques to survey fishes (BRUVS, UVC, diver video, fishing, acoustic telemetry). My research outcomes helps identify potential impacts and provides data for conservation and management purposes.
2015 Researcher
Centre for Sustainable Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries, James Cook University | Townsville, Queensland, Australia
Evaluated the influence of fishing and environmental conditions on catch of fish during the spawning season in Torres Strait (AFMA project), and surveyed stakeholders on fishery data collection methods to assess areas for improvement (joint FRDC//DAF/JCU project).
2014-2015 Fisheries Queensland Long Term Monitoring Program Officer
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) | Townsville, Queensland, Australia
I assisted in the long term monitoring of key fishery species by surveying catches of recreational fishers at boat ramps and commercial fishers at seafood processors.
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) | Townsville, Queensland, Australia
I assisted in the long term monitoring of key fishery species by surveying catches of recreational fishers at boat ramps and commercial fishers at seafood processors.
2005-2011 Research Worker
Fishing & Fisheries Research Centre (formerly CRC Reef Research Centre), James Cook University | Townsville, Queensland, Australia
I contributed to multiple stakeholder-driven projects focused on life-history and harvest of fishery species (e.g. MTSRF, FRDC, Qld DAFF, CRC Reef, CRC Torres Strait projects). I developed research expertise being responsible for field work and logistics, data collection and analysis, writing publications and milestone reports, and delivering results for a number of projects. My roles included analysis of fishery catch data, biological and social surveys, and an ecological risk assessment.
Fishing & Fisheries Research Centre (formerly CRC Reef Research Centre), James Cook University | Townsville, Queensland, Australia
I contributed to multiple stakeholder-driven projects focused on life-history and harvest of fishery species (e.g. MTSRF, FRDC, Qld DAFF, CRC Reef, CRC Torres Strait projects). I developed research expertise being responsible for field work and logistics, data collection and analysis, writing publications and milestone reports, and delivering results for a number of projects. My roles included analysis of fishery catch data, biological and social surveys, and an ecological risk assessment.
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2005 Fisheries Technician and Reporting Officer
Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) | Cairns, Queensland, Australia At DAFF I held two positions, sorting and identification of species in prawn trawl bycatch samples from the East Coast Tiger Prawn Trawl Fishery Long Term Monitoring Program, and as the editor of manuals and reports on the Long Term Monitoring Projects of Qld fisheries. 2001-2002 Dive Instructor Ocean Dive and Dive Shack Magnetic Island, Queensland, Australia. |
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2001 Dive Instructor, Tour Guide and Crown of Thorns Starfish Program Volunteer
Reef and Island Tours (Pure Pleasure Cruises)
Townsville, Queensland, Australia
Reef and Island Tours (Pure Pleasure Cruises)
Townsville, Queensland, Australia
Research Skills
Sampling skills
Sampling design, species identification, fish processing, fish and shark tagging (conventional tags and acoustic transmitters), multiple fishing methods and sample collection, collection of catch and effort data, catch composition and social surveys
Field Experience
Multiple fishing and monitoring techniques, animal tagging, acoustic telemetry and tracking, Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems (BRUVS), scientific diving, diver operated video(DOV), underwater visual transects (UVC), dive supervision, boat experience and Coxswain Grade 1 NC, field work in remote locations, radio operation, fishing boat ramp and social surveys
Laboratory Skills
Extensive experience in processing biological samples, micromilling and mass spectrometry, age determination of reef and inshore fishes, isotopic ratios in micromilled otoliths, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS), macroscopic and microscopic (histological examination) methods for categorizing stages of fish reproductive development, species identification (fishes and invertebrates) using a variety of keys and microscope work, preservation of specimens, photography
Statistical & Computer Skills
R, RStudio, Primer, SPSS, Statistica, relational databases (incl. MS Access), MS Excel, Sigmaplot
AIMS Oracle BRUVS database, EventMeasure, FinPrint Annotator
MS Word, MS PowerPoint, Adobe Photoshop, Image analysis software, Endnote
Project skills
Leading major fieldwork campaigns to remote locations internationally and nationally, led PhD project field trips and logistics, collaboration with scientists, supervisors and co-authors, coordinate and manage and laboratory activities, survey coordinator
Sampling design, species identification, fish processing, fish and shark tagging (conventional tags and acoustic transmitters), multiple fishing methods and sample collection, collection of catch and effort data, catch composition and social surveys
Field Experience
Multiple fishing and monitoring techniques, animal tagging, acoustic telemetry and tracking, Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems (BRUVS), scientific diving, diver operated video(DOV), underwater visual transects (UVC), dive supervision, boat experience and Coxswain Grade 1 NC, field work in remote locations, radio operation, fishing boat ramp and social surveys
Laboratory Skills
Extensive experience in processing biological samples, micromilling and mass spectrometry, age determination of reef and inshore fishes, isotopic ratios in micromilled otoliths, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS), macroscopic and microscopic (histological examination) methods for categorizing stages of fish reproductive development, species identification (fishes and invertebrates) using a variety of keys and microscope work, preservation of specimens, photography
Statistical & Computer Skills
R, RStudio, Primer, SPSS, Statistica, relational databases (incl. MS Access), MS Excel, Sigmaplot
AIMS Oracle BRUVS database, EventMeasure, FinPrint Annotator
MS Word, MS PowerPoint, Adobe Photoshop, Image analysis software, Endnote
Project skills
Leading major fieldwork campaigns to remote locations internationally and nationally, led PhD project field trips and logistics, collaboration with scientists, supervisors and co-authors, coordinate and manage and laboratory activities, survey coordinator
Memberships, Qualifications & Voluntary Positions
Professional Memberships:
Australian Society for Fish Biology, Oceania Chondrichthyan Society, Australian Coral Reef Society, James Cook University Alumni, Golden Key Honours Society
Field qualifications:
Australian Diver Accreditation Scheme (ADAS) Part 1 Commercial Diver, Coxswain Grade 1 NC, AIMS and JCU dive registers, Marine Radio Certificate of Proficiency, Marine Boat Driver’s License, PADI Open Water SCUBA Instructor, First Aid, CPR, Oxygen Resuscitation/Oxygen, Rescue Updates
Related volunteer positions:
World Fisheries Congress 2020 Education Committee, Australian Society for Fish Biology Executive Council & 2011 Conference Co-chair, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences Postgraduate Student Representative & Research Conference organiser and chair (2011-2014), manuscript reviewer for the Journal of Fish Biology, FFRC/Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture student projects, JCU Service Clubs Speakers Programme nominated speaker (2013), Sharks International conference volunteer (2010), Reef and Island Tours (Pure Pleasure Cruises) Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Program volunteer (2000-2001)
Australian Society for Fish Biology, Oceania Chondrichthyan Society, Australian Coral Reef Society, James Cook University Alumni, Golden Key Honours Society
Field qualifications:
Australian Diver Accreditation Scheme (ADAS) Part 1 Commercial Diver, Coxswain Grade 1 NC, AIMS and JCU dive registers, Marine Radio Certificate of Proficiency, Marine Boat Driver’s License, PADI Open Water SCUBA Instructor, First Aid, CPR, Oxygen Resuscitation/Oxygen, Rescue Updates
Related volunteer positions:
World Fisheries Congress 2020 Education Committee, Australian Society for Fish Biology Executive Council & 2011 Conference Co-chair, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences Postgraduate Student Representative & Research Conference organiser and chair (2011-2014), manuscript reviewer for the Journal of Fish Biology, FFRC/Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture student projects, JCU Service Clubs Speakers Programme nominated speaker (2013), Sharks International conference volunteer (2010), Reef and Island Tours (Pure Pleasure Cruises) Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Program volunteer (2000-2001)
Awards & Funding
2015 AIMS@JCU Travel Award
2014 Festival of Life Sciences Best Postgraduate & Best Marine and Environmental Sciences Poster Award
2014 AIMS@JCU Photography Prize: 'Research Subject'
2014 Australian Society for Fish Biology John Lake Senior Poster Award
2014 AIMS@JCU Travel Award
2014 Australian Society for Fish Biology John Glover Travel Fund
2014 Fisheries Society of the British Isles Travel Grant
2014 School of Earth and Environmental Sciences/Graduate Research School Postgraduate Research Grant
2014 School of Earth and Environmental Sciences Postgraduate Research Grant
2013 School of Earth and Environmental Sciences/Graduate Research School Postgraduate Research Grant
2013 School of Earth and Environmental Sciences Conference Travel Grant
2012 My Research in 3 Minutes (3 Minute Thesis) Competition: Runner up for James Cook University round
2012 My Research in 3 Minutes (3 Minute Thesis) Competition: Winner for Faculty of Science and Engineering
2012 My Research in 3 Minutes (3 Minute Thesis) Competition: Winner for School of Earth and Environmental Sciences
2011 School of Earth and Environmental Sciences/Graduate Research School Postgraduate Research Grant
2011 School of Earth and Environmental Sciences Postgraduate Student Conference Presentation Winner
2010 AIMS@JCU Postgraduate Research Scholarship & Stipend Top-up
2002 Townsville Port Authority Prize in Marine Sciences – Prize B & Prize C
2002 Karen Bradford Award for Fairness, Spirit and Community Contribution at Western Halls College, JCU
2014 Festival of Life Sciences Best Postgraduate & Best Marine and Environmental Sciences Poster Award
2014 AIMS@JCU Photography Prize: 'Research Subject'
2014 Australian Society for Fish Biology John Lake Senior Poster Award
2014 AIMS@JCU Travel Award
2014 Australian Society for Fish Biology John Glover Travel Fund
2014 Fisheries Society of the British Isles Travel Grant
2014 School of Earth and Environmental Sciences/Graduate Research School Postgraduate Research Grant
2014 School of Earth and Environmental Sciences Postgraduate Research Grant
2013 School of Earth and Environmental Sciences/Graduate Research School Postgraduate Research Grant
2013 School of Earth and Environmental Sciences Conference Travel Grant
2012 My Research in 3 Minutes (3 Minute Thesis) Competition: Runner up for James Cook University round
2012 My Research in 3 Minutes (3 Minute Thesis) Competition: Winner for Faculty of Science and Engineering
2012 My Research in 3 Minutes (3 Minute Thesis) Competition: Winner for School of Earth and Environmental Sciences
2011 School of Earth and Environmental Sciences/Graduate Research School Postgraduate Research Grant
2011 School of Earth and Environmental Sciences Postgraduate Student Conference Presentation Winner
2010 AIMS@JCU Postgraduate Research Scholarship & Stipend Top-up
2002 Townsville Port Authority Prize in Marine Sciences – Prize B & Prize C
2002 Karen Bradford Award for Fairness, Spirit and Community Contribution at Western Halls College, JCU
