Expert team, exceptional outcomes

Ecocene has given me some of my most cherished memories over the past six years – from thrilling helicopter rides over the Pilbara’s peaks and gorges to exploring its vibrant coastal wildlife.

I’m fascinated by remote sensing, and I’m lucky to work at the intersection of remote sensing and data science. Optical sensors are my favourite naturetech tool; the technology behind them blows my mind, and now they’re flying around on drones. Mix in photogrammetry, and suddenly we can create detailed 3D replications of any landscape – all from a camera!

There are plenty to think of but the place that really stole itself into my heart is the Cape Le Grand National Park, especially the little sheltered beaches which are the hidden gems of the park. These places are perfect to relax, recharge batteries and be amazed by nature’s inimitable wonders.

Looking at Earth from a satellite’s perspective and extracting information from its raster images feels like science fiction come to life. It’s as if a prophet gazes down upon the world, not to interfere but to advise—offering knowledge to preserve the planet while letting life unfold. I still remember working with false-color rasters of the Pilbara region—how mesmerizing they were, like a glimpse into another dimension. The beauty was so striking, I wanted to frame it and hang it on my wall.

I’ve always felt a deep connection with nature and believe in the importance of conserving our natural world. I’ve enjoyed a variety of roles in rehabilitation work, from getting my hands dirty with seed collecting and planting tubestock in the field, to managing projects in the office. I’m passionate about helping others improve their restoration efforts and have been actively involved with the Revegetation Industry of Western Australia (RIAWA) to enhance standards and outcomes across the state. It’s incredibly satisfying to see revegetation projects come to life.

I am deeply passionate about exploring the intricate interactions between plants and microbes, particularly in ecosystems where their ecological strategies contrast yet complement one another. My enthusiasm lies in studying these dynamics in severely nutrient-impoverished and semi-arid environments, especially within the unique landscapes of Western Australia. I see a wonderful opportunity to contribute to Ecocene’s mission, where I can apply my passion for environmental monitoring and further investigate the ecosystems of Western Australia’s southwest and Pilbara regions.

I love the diversity in the flora and landscapes of the south-west, especially around Walpole and Denmark. I’m forever amazed how so many wetlands, rivers, fungi, and unique tree communities exist in this little pocket of the world. It’s a pleasure to work in the Pilbara region and remind myself of the great variation Western Australia’s environments have to offer.

My favourite nature experience was exploring the Amazon Rainforest, where the incredible diversity of life was overwhelming. I hiked through dense jungle, surrounded by towering trees and the sounds of birds, insects, and monkeys. One morning, we set out on a boat, and as the mist lifted, the rainforest came alive. We saw capybaras, a toucan, and a caiman, but the highlight was encountering the rare pink river dolphin. Their graceful, pink bodies swimming through the river left me in awe. The vibrant, thriving ecosystem was humbling, and seeing the pink dolphins in their natural habitat is a memory I’ll always cherish.