A principal scientist and group lead, Natasha works on the rehabilitation of land disturbed by mining activities. She’s also an adjunct research fellow at the University of Western Australia and has a research background in the soil ecology of disturbed or novel ecosystems under rehabilitation (in particular, within the bauxite mining industry). Day to day, Natasha manages rehabilitation monitoring programs with mining clients in Australia, particularly within the Pilbara and Goldfields bioregions.
With a technical background in molecular microbial ecology, Natasha appreciates and is very excited for the potential of environmental genomics. Her region is currently investigating how to best apply eDNA technology (the measuring of environmental DNA to verify species presence) to subterranean fauna surveys.
Recently, Natasha partnered with employees in both Australia and Canada on a remote sensing project to detect vegetation cover of Triodia species (commonly known as spinifex) which dominate the hummock grasslands that cover around 18% of Australia.
But if she isn’t at work, Natasha is probably spending time with her two young daughters who keep her on her toes.