I am the second Australian Intern who has had the unique opportunity to work at the Center for Rainforest Studies. While I am here I will be working along side John Grant assisting him with his lectures and ongoing research of birds in the Atherton region.

I grew up in the Dandenong ranges, located 30 kms east of Melbourne, Victoria. It was in these beautiful ranges that I first developed my passion for the natural environment. After completing high school, I spent a year working in the Victorian snow fields and then lived for two years in South East Queensland, working in the tourism industry. In order to pursue my love for the outdoors, and learn more about the natural environment in 1994 I moved to Albury, NSW, to study a Science Degree majoring in Parks, Recreation and Heritage. It was here that I first specialized in researching birds and wildlife. In June this year I completed my degree and traveled to central Australia, where I spent four weeks working as a Seasonal Interpretation Ranger at Kings Canyon National Park. Prior to beginning my job at the center I assisted Aboriginal rangers undertake fauna surveys in the rainforest.

I am very excited at having the opportunity to work on the SFS program and become a part of this special team. I believe teaching young people about the environment is very important because they are going to be the ones that will make a difference in the future.