About me
I am a spatial ecologist with expertise in Landscape Ecology, Conservation Ecology, Remote Sensing, GIS, and spatial and statistical analyses. My research focuses on the application of geospatial methods to basic and translational research in ecology and conservation across levels of organization and at a range of scales. My research interests largely fall within three broad themes: (i) time series remote sensing, (ii) species’ use of space and emergent biogeographic patterns, and (iii) ecosystem services.
Time series remote sensing
The ever-expanding archive of satellite image data means that remote sensing is an excellent source of temporal as well as spatial data. This temporal dimension augments the information content and potential applications of satellite image data to environmental research and management. The temporal profiles of vegetation activity, as detected by satellite sensors, are related to vegetation type, stress, permanence, and climate change impacts, and can be used to map these features across a landscape. These map products can then be used for biodiversity research and conservation management and planning. Examples of my time series remote sensing research include identifying climate change refugia for biodiversity conservation and monitoring, evaluating how vegetation dynamics contribute to bird distributions, and assessing the impacts of phenological mismatch due to climate change to migratory birds.
Species’ use of space and emergent biogeographic patterns
Species use space in a variety of ways. Different parts of a geographic region meet critical habitat requirements that may vary over time and life stages, or movement requirements allowing species to track resources (eg, food, mates, shelter) over space and time. When aggregated over many species, the different space use of organisms leads to the emergence of broad-scale gradients of biodiversity. A large focus of spatial ecology, including much of my research, is to understand how and where species use landscapes and what factors drive the emergent spatial patterns of biodiversity and the distinctiveness of ecological communities. This supports the identification of important habitats and connections for protection (including NatureLinks in the Perth and Peel region) or, in the case of noxious species that threaten native biodiversity, for targeted management actions.
Ecosystem services
Natural and semi-natural elements of ecological systems, including urban systems, provide important benefits, known as ecosystem services, to human societies. Similarly, urban and other highly managed systems are not ecological wastelands, instead maintaining some level of ecological functioning and biodiversity values. I am involved in research that applies advanced remote sensing data and spatial analyses to characterize the ecosystem services and social values of various regions around Western Australia.