About

Evidence based management

My career focus lies at the intersection of science and management – evidence-based management. Evidence-based management requires applying the outcomes of both my own and other’s research, in context of the practical and logistical needs and constraints of natural resource agencies and other management entities. It requires identifying desired outcomes and working to achieving those outcomes via products that are comprehensive and detail-oriented, within the limits of time and other resource constraints.

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Stakeholder engagement

After finishing my undergraduate degree, I worked in California for Sea Grant’s West Coast Ballast Outreach Program. I worked with diverse stakeholders including commercial shipping representatives, ballast technology research and development personnel and local water resource agencies to facilitate the uptake of ballast water best management practices. During my PhD, I used a Delphic approach to understand the heuristics and values held by academics and government agency staff, in both Australia and the United States. During my post doc and subsequent contract work, I have collaborated with individuals throughout the Great Lakes to both inform the development of my own projects and to assist with the completion of their projects.

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Risk assessment

My work on the Australian Species Biofouling Risk Assessment report led to an appreciation of the need for decisions in the absence of information – decision making under uncertainty. While ideally, natural resource management decisions are informed by perfect science, this is rarely possible. I have worked extensively to understand how to make decisions (including an assessment of impact and risk) when information gaps exist, and to do so in a matter that is transparent and objective. I have produced numerous publications, grant summaries and technical reports in this area for a variety of audiences, all within the respective deadlines.