Pip is in the final stages of her Ph.D.at the University of Melbourne, her research in urban ecology is aimed towards making our cities more liveable for both nature and people. She is currently investigating the effectiveness of nature strips for insect conservation by planting habitat gardens on nature strips in Melbourne’s north. She hopes to find ecological value in these novel green spaces, and encourage others to take advantage of urban spaces for conservation.​

Sarah is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne. Her current research foci include peatland water and carbon cycling, particularly the influence of different disturbance pressures (i.e. feral herbivores, fire, hydrological modification) and restoration on the carbon sequestration potential of wetland ecosystems. Sarah completed a Bachelor of Biological Sciences at La Trobe University in 2016, with honours research focussed on the population ecology of freshwater mussels. Her PhD in environmental science (awarded in 2021) explored the impacts of ecological disturbance on wetland carbon cycling in the Murray-Darling Basin.​​

Ashlen is a PhD student at Deakin University, where she is investigating the impact of feral ungulates on plant-pollinator communities in Australia’s alpine and sub-alpine landscapes. She is interested in the ways that plant-pollinator relationships shift in response to disturbance from introduced species, and hopes that her research can help to improve conservation outcomes for native plants and insects. Ashlen is also passionate about helping people to become more engaged in science, and pursues this through her work as a science writer and content creator, and as a Teaching Associate at Science Gallery Melbourne.​

Beau is a first year Ph.D. student studying evolutionary ecology in marine tubeworms. His honours research investigated how diversity in mitochondrial genomes underpins thermal tolerance, and how changes in developmental temperature can predict reactions to heatwaves. He is currently investigate the role of mitochondria in maintaining biodiversity in marine broadcast spawners, and how climate might impact this relationship. Beau also has a soft spot for birds and doesn't go anywhere without a pair of binoculars for bird-watching.​

Kimberley has a Bachelor of Arts and Music from the University of Melbourne in areas including Psychology, Environmental Studies, Indigenous Studies and the History and Philosophy of Science. Kimberley has worked in education and science communication, and is interested in the intersection of health and wellbeing of people and the environment. She has a particular interest in urban biodiversity and the opportunity to make urban areas better habitat for all.

Sally is a PhD candidate studying the interactions between feral ungulates and native animals in subalpine and alpine landscapes. She is particularly interested in how feral horses influence small mammal persistence and habitat using a combination of live trapping, camera trapping, GPS tracking and genetic analyses. This research will hope to inform best practice management techniques and help managers to understand the impacts feral ungulates exert on native communities. 

Bec holds a Bachelor of Zoology and Animal Science degree and has recently begun her Master of Conservation Science at The University of Queensland. While she is not currently based in Victoria, Bec is striving to bring her learnings back to the state upon completion of her course, while assisting with the conference from afar. Bec hopes to find her true passion within terrestrial ecology through her studies and is in search of the perfect opportunity to put her newfound skills and knowledge into practice.​

Son is a current student of Conservation and Ecosystem Management at Federation University and a 2025 recipient of the Community Bank Buninyong Scholarship. His current projects include a restoration plan for the lower Merri Creek sub-catchment in Reach 107 and the development of a management plan for Westgate Park. With a background in citizen science, he is also an active WaterWatch volunteer, focused on monitoring and protecting Growling Grass Frog habitat in the Merri Creek catchment. Son is currently training as a VNPA Bushwalking Program Leader and is passionate about understanding ecosystems as interconnected wholes, promoting Indigenous-led land care, and protecting the unique grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain.​

Tina holds a Bachelor of Biological Sciences and is passionate about environmental conservation and community engagement, with a strong interest in marine biology and freshwater ecosystems. She volunteers with the Growling Grass Frogs WaterWatch group in Fawkner, where she takes part in monthly water quality monitoring and seasonal frog surveys to help protect local waterways and threatened species. Tina is particularly interested in the intersection of biodiversity, climate change, and public education, and is committed to making science accessible and actionable through hands-on work and outreach.​

​Christian is an Honours student at the University of Melbourne, exploring the ecological components of a unique disease system concerning a zoonotic malaria parasite. He is interested in applying a One Health framework to epidemiological conundrums for the improvement of environmental, animal and human health outcomes. He completed a Bachelor of Science (2024) with a major in neuroscience and during his studies, became a science communicator and educator for secondary students at Science Gallery Melbourne. 

Beiyu holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Zoology, she is currently in her second year of the Master of Environment, specialising in Conservation and Restoration. As a coursework student, she is not undertaking research herself but is interested in learning about research related to flora and fauna biodiversity. She is actively involved in various internships and volunteer activities that are helping her prepare for a career in the environmental industry.

Stacey is in the final year of her PhD focusing on the conservation and management of koalas in South Gippsland. Her work has involved close collaboration with the plantation industry to evaluate the short-term welfare costs to koalas associated with management actions implemented during commercial harvest operations. She also aims to improve understanding of the landscape ecology of koalas in the region. Stacey has several years of ecological research and consulting experience, including research on koala health and abundance across Victoria, botanical research in semi-arid vegetation to help inform fire management and conducting environmental impact assessments for infrastructure projects.​

Charlie is an honours student at Deakin University, focusing on the biogeography of short-range endemic beetles in the Australian Alps. His interest in invertebrates stems from a fascination with the diversity of these often-overlooked creatures. Through his current and future research, he aims to deepen ecological understanding of alpine beetle communities while also exploring creative ways to communicate science. Charlie is currently working with the entomology department at the Melbourne Museum where he enjoys sharing his passion for invertebrates with the public. He aims to build a multidisciplinary career that weaves together insect ecology, storytelling, and artistic practice.​

​Belinda is currently undertaking an Honours year in Science at the University of Melbourne, where her research focuses on using urban wildflower meadows as a sustainable source of native seed. She holds a Bachelor of Conservation and Environmental Science from Federation University, along with qualifications in conservation and land management and sustainable living. Her passion for native flora and ecological restoration is reflected in both academic achievements and ongoing volunteer work. Committed to applying science to real-world conservation challenges, she aspires to a career in ecological restoration and applied research, contributing to resilient ecosystems across Australia.​

Alice Crisp has a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife and Conservation Biology with a Marine Biology minor from Murdoch University, WA. She works as a Field Crew Member with Acacia Environmental Management, focusing on conserving and restoring biodiverse, indigenous, and water-sensitive landscapes in Melbourne. With volunteer experience in sea turtle monitoring, dolphin surveys, and revegetation in Western Australia, Alice is now applying her passion to protecting unique ecosystems within Victoria. She is building a multidisciplinary foundation in field ecology and land management to support practical, evidence-based conservation across southern Australia.

Ainsley holds a Master of Science from the University of Melbourne, where she specialised in ecology and avian conservation. Her research focused on monitoring helmeted honeyeaters at a new reintroduction site, investigating how both captive- and wild-sourced birds used supplementary feeding stations after release. She is passionate about rewilding her hometown of Naarm/Melbourne and is an active volunteer with the Friends of Merri Creek and CERES. In addition to her scientific work, Ainsley is also a fine artist, painting urban landscapes that weave in elements of wilderness—inviting viewers to see the natural world within the built environment.

Ranudi is currently in her final year of a Bachelor in Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) at Deakin University. Ever since she can remember, Ranudi has had a love for wildlife which naturally developed her passion for fighting the on-going extinction crisis. Ranudi's purpose in life is to preserve biodiversity for future generations and increase the conversation around conservation.