Research &  Main Areas 

My research centers on the recovery of lost marine ecosystems. This research seeks to understand and leverage the ecological and social complexities of marine socio-ecological systems, so we can develop solutions that ensure marine habitat restoration is both a social and environmental success.

 My research focuses on four main areas:

  • AREA 1

    Investigating the role of ecological interactions and technology in accelerating the restoration of lost shellfish reefs..

  • AREA 2

    Understanding how shellfish ecosystems, particularly oysters, enhance the resilience and function of coastal ecosystems.

  • AREA 3

    Developing conservation messaging strategies that leverage people’s cognitive biases to enhance public engagement with conservation.

  • AREA 4

    Understanding the socio-political drivers of conservation successes so they can be disseminated and replicated.

I work on the restoration of southern Australia's lost shellfish reefs , and on developing strategies that use the cognitive biases of people to enhance public engagement with conservation . This research aims to both improve the way we restore marine habitats and how we communicate their value to the broader public, so we can build the productivity and adaptability of Australia's marine ecosystems through large-scale restoration of oyster reefs of high social value.  


  • My research focuses on improving the way we restore marine habitats, including strategies to accelerate the rate of restoration. Much of our field research occurs on South Australia's two shellfish reef restorations: Windara Reef - Australia's first large-scale reef restoration (20 hectare), and Glenelg Reef (construction Nov 2020). We are interested in all aspects of reef restoration, with a primary focus on enhancing the recruitment and survival of oysters to the reef, ensuring it's long-term growth and performance.

    Projects include developing multi-species restoration approaches that boost oyster performance; understanding the spatio-temporal dynamics of natural recruitment to maximise reef recovery; targeting for restoration the habitat traits that support ecological function , and; developing and testing marine technologies (e.g. underwater speakers) that can accelerate restoration processes.

    I am happy to discuss any related or new project ideas, and our rapidly developing marine technology research.