Join the Unimelb Wildlife Conservation Society and Soil and Plant Society for a Conservation Careers Panel to learn about careers in plant and animal conservation from an experienced panel of industry professionals!

Hear about the panelist's career journeys, industry insights, fun stories from the field along with tips for gaining experience and improving your employability. Plus, bring your own questions to be answered during the open Q&A session.

The panel will run from 6-7 pm followed by pizza, tea & coffee and networking with our panel members until 8 pm where you can "pick their brains" and hear more about their fascinating career paths.

Meet the panel members:

Eliza Stott (LinkedIn)

Eliza is a wildlife biologist with a particular interest in Australian native mammals and wildlife disease. Eliza is a full time PhD student at the University of Melbourne looking at treatment for sarcoptic mange in bare-nosed wombats, with her field work currently taking her all over Victoria. She juggles her PhD with part-time work as a wildlife ranger at Phillip Island Nature Parks. Eliza is also the founder, director, and podcast host of “Women in Wildlife”, a not-for-profit organisation aiming to connect and amplify women working in the wildlife space. Having also been a zookeeper at multiple zoological facilities around Australia, including Australia Zoo, Eliza is a huge advocate for highlighting the diverse and fulfilling roles that people of all different backgrounds can have within the environmental space.

Shane Gannon (LinkedIn)

Shane has 8 years of experience in land management, beginning with an apprenticeship with local government. His journey continued through natural resource management, leading to a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science. Shane has held diverse roles, including working at Grampians-Gariwerd National Park and managing invasive species control, trails, fertility program at Gresswell NCRs and Grey-headed Flying Fox preservation at Yarra Bend Park. Currently, Shane works at Parks Victoria whilst pursuing an Honours in arid zone restoration.

Tim Entwisle (LinkedIn)

Tim is a globally respected botanist and inspirational communicator of all things flora, conservation, and ecological literacy. For decades, Tim has been involved in a range of plant conservation efforts across the world, most notably through his time as director of the Sydney and Melbourne Botanic Gardens, and director of Conservation, Living Collections and Estates at Kew Gardens. Tim brings to the panel a depth and breadth of experience from his wide-ranging career, offering valuable insight into the career paths available within plant conservation. Read more about Tim’s story, his sources of inspiration, and more in Evergreen: The Botanical Life of a Plant Punk.

Melvin Xu (LinkedIn)

Melvin is an environmental educator, citizen science facilitator, and mycologist in Victoria. He has worked as a researcher at the University of Melbourne on entomopathogenic (insect disease-causing) fungi, coordinates the Fungi Group of the Field Naturalist Club Victoria, and is Vice President at MYCOmmunity Applied Mycology, a non-profit group operating at the intersection of fungi research and citizen science education. Melvin has worked for council and landcare groups in conservation and education roles, with a current focus on support for the Yarra Ranges Council Fuel Management Project.

Jarod Lyon (LinkedIn)

Jarod leads the Aquatic Ecology division of the Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research. As a fish scientist, Jarod is interested in restoration ecology, ecological management plans, and intervention-based research to improve the health of fish populations in south-east Australia. Central to this is the ARI’s ‘10inTen’ plan, which aims to restock and recover ten threatened aquatic species by 2033. Jarod has been instrumental in coordinating the plan and the accompanying multi-million dollar fish conservation hatchery, the first of its kind in Australia. Jarod’s other areas of expertise include restoration of woody habitat into rivers and streams, understanding the impact of bushfires on aquatic systems, and angler liaison.

Come in-person or join online (but miss out on pizza!):
This session will also be recorded and sent to WCS and SAPS members via email.

Join from PC, Mac, iOS or Android: https://unimelb.zoom.us/j/83763415152?pwd=YSRjCwRzOxXmHHFdIqfvuSGzjxW9JS.1
Password: 641459
Need to dial-in instead? Enter the meeting ID: 837 6341 5152 via +61 3 7018 2005 or +61 2 8015 6011

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Dial: 83763415152@global.zoomcrc.com | or SIP: 83763415152@zmau.us | or 103.122.166.55
with meeting ID: 83763415152 and password: 641459

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