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.

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