Fungi, Drones & eDNA

Don’t miss this trio of amazing speakers bringing us the latest research and use of advanced robotics technology for conservation. The Royal Society of Queensland (RSQ), working with James Cook University Brisbane, is excited to present this next edition of our Seminar Series during Queensland National Science Week 2026.

Dr Cecilia Villacorta-Rath from JCU Townsville and a RSQ Research Grant recipient, will explore the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) methods for the detection of invasive invertebrates in northern Australia such as invasive ants. Also a RSQ Research Grant recipient (via his supervisor), Braden Willows from UniSQ Toowoomba will present his intriguing research into the Eucalypt-fungi relationships associated with the impact of the invasive shrub Lantana. Meanwhile, Alicia Dunn from Sweep Deep in Tasmania, will be bringing up one of their underwater drones and explain how they are used to cull invasive sea urchins to protect vital marine habitats and give the latest on the development of the world’s first marine debris-collecting underwater drone.

Eucalypt-fungi relationships change in response to the degrading health of Eucalypts associated with the invasive shrub Lantana

Braden Willows - UniSQ Toowoomba Masters student

The Eucalypt forests of South East Queensland are home to an incredible range of fungi that are foundational to the health of these iconic ecosystems, yet are relatively unknown. Illuminating the relationship between these critical fungal symbionts of Eucalypts is crucial to understanding their health. By utilising the promising field of eDNA, this project aims to explore how Eucalypt-fungi relationships change in response to the degrading health of Eucalypts associated with the invasive shrub Lantana, and to develop a practical, rapid measure of Eucalypt ecosystem health based on these relationships.

Using environmental DNA methods to detect invasive invertebrates in northern Australia

Dr Cecilia Villacorta-Rath – JCU Townsville, Senior Research Officer, TropWATER

Cecilia will explore the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) methods for the detection of invasive invertebrates in northern Australia, including species of biosecurity concern such as invasive ants. She will discuss the current state of the technology, its applications for surveillance and early detection, and key challenges for its implementation.

Using underwater drones to cull invasive sea urchins to protect vital marine habitats

Alicia Dunn – Sweep Deep, Tasmania

Inspired by the work of Adam Cropp from Teleport.net who studying his PhD at James Cook University, Alicia Dunn from Sweep Deep will explore the use of cutting-edge robotics to tackle critical environmental challenges above and below the water. Alicia will highlight their current mission in Tasmania, where their underwater drones are actively culling the invasive sea urchins (Centrostephanus rodgersii) to protect vital marine habitats. Finally, Alicia will share insights on the development of the world’s first marine debris-collecting underwater drone and how such automated technology  is transforming ocean conservation.

Dr Cecilia Villacorta-Rath – JCU Townsville, Senior Research Officer, TropWATER

Cecilia Villacorta-Rath is studying how to improve methods for aiding eradication efforts of invasive ant species, such as yellow crazy ants. More cost effective and simpler ways of processing DNA collected from the environment will assist in determining the success of eradication efforts, particularly in remote areas. Dr Cecilia Villacorta-Rath has led the TropWATER eDNA Laboratory at JCU since 2018. She is a molecular ecologist with a passion for applying innovative genetic technologies to address real-world environmental challenges. Cecilia established northern Australia's first purpose-built environmental DNA (eDNA) laboratory and has played a leading role in advancing eDNA research, development, and application across tropical Australia. She works closely with a broad range of end users including Indigenous ranger groups, government agencies, industry partners, natural resource managers, and community organisations, ensuring that scientific innovations are translated into practical environmental management outcomes. Her research integrates method development, applied monitoring, and stakeholder engagement to support evidence-based conservation and biosecurity decision-making. In addition to her research leadership, Cecilia is an active contributor to the international eDNA community. 

Alicia Dunn – Sweep Deep, Tasmania

Alicia Dunn is the founder of Sweep Deep (formerly Down Deep Drones). She is passionate about using technology to protect our oceans and marine life. Sweep Deep is an innovative robotics company specialising in autonomous environmental protection (marine debris collection, research, the identification and control of invasive species), and use AI on their underwater drones.  By deploying specialised aerial and underwater drones, the team delivers precise robotic interventions to control invasive species and protect fragile ecosystems. They are also the creators of the world's first underwater drone designed specifically for collecting marine debris.

Braden Willows - UniSQ Toowoomba Masters student

Braden Willows is an ecologist and research student currently undertaking a Master of Research at the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) in Toowoomba supervised by Dr Christina Birnbaum (UniSQ), A/Prof John Dearnaly (UniSQ) and Dr Adam Fred Umeå University). Their main interests centre on the unique and diverse ecology of Australia’s native flora and fungi, with a focus on applying this interest to conservation and restoration methods. Previously, Braden has collaborated on a range of research projects covering reptile and rodent conservation and invasive plant research. Braden is also passionate about science communication and education. When not working on his thesis project, Braden can often be found giving presentations and talks with UniSQ and attending career and science expos in and around the Toowoomba region.

Braden Willows

Dr Cecilia Villacorta-Rath

Alicia Dunn