President - Laura Ruykys

Hi, I’ve been a member of BSSA since 2005, when I was undertaking my Honours at the University of Adelaide. I was recruited by a very enthusiastic Membership Officer and have been a part of the Society since then. I joined the BSSA committee in 2006 as Newsletter Editor, then moved on to Publicity Officer, and now President. I am undertaking a PhD studying the ecology of the black-footed rock-wallaby in the APY Lands of SA.

Vice President - Joel Allan

Hi all. I’m doing a PhD at Adelaide Uni with the society’s patron, David Paton. I am looking at habitat use by woodland birds in the revegetation at Monarto that was established in the 1970s. The aim of this work is to develop guidelines to maximise the effectiveness of future revegetation programs at providing habitat for declining bird species. Through my work I have also developed a broad interest in plants, especially Eucalypts. I also keep native freshwater fish.

Secretary - Claudia Flaxman

I am a PhD student in Geology and Geophysics at Adelaide University. My research is in marine geology on calcareous epiphytes that grow on seagrass, in particular their growth rates and their contribution to the sediments on the sea floor and adjacent beach. I am concentrating my studies on epiphytic growth rates in the Gulf St Vincent area and looking at marine sediments from around coastal South Australia. My academic background is in Geology, Environmental Studies and Environmental biology. I have been involved in many environmental organisations and have a passion for the protection of natural heritage and habitat. I was a very appreciative recipient of a BSSA Grant in 2007. I hope to help the BSSA give other research students the same opportunity

Treasurer & Membership Officer - Grace Chan

I am an honours graduate in Environmental Science majoring in Soil and Water Conservation. Now I am pursuing a higher research degree in the fields of Water Science, Management and Conservation. In my leisure time, I also enjoy being a volunteer to learn and explore the natural beauty of Australia. The BSSA is a good platform for me to get volunteering information nearby!

Website Officer - Liberty Olds

Hi! I’m undertaking a PhD at Adelaide Uni, but my research is based up in the Kimberley, W.A. I’m studying the ecology and life history of small mammals, such as bandicoots, dasyurids and native rodents. I’m interested in all sorts of things, from mammals to reptiles and everything in between. I’m having a crack at designing and running a website for the first time in a long while, so I’d love any comments!

Newsletter Officer - Dragos Moise

Hi, I'm Dragos. I've got Romanian background. And yes, vampires are a seriously declining species down there! They cleared out most of those hardwood forests (good coffin timber) to make room for extensive garlic crops. Where this world is heading to?... I'm one of the DCP's. (Almost) done a PhD in avian ecology. More precisely whistlers. Currently I am the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer with the South East NRM Board. And I really miss all that fieldwork!...

Newsletter Officer - Angela Maguire

My name is Angela McGuire from Flinders University. I am nuts about birds (and yes I am also one of those weird ‘twitcher’ people). For my honours I worked on the nest adornment of the stunning Diamond Firetail under the supervision of Sonia Kleindorfer. I am now a PhD candidate studying the bioacoustics of the beautiful melodic songs of the Western Whipbird under the supervision of Jeremy Robertson and Sonia. I am also infinitely curious about how this amazing world works and intensely passionate about conserving the unique wildlife we have.

Publicity Officer - Amanda De Waal

I am an undergraduate student at Flinders University currently undertaking a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology. I am a new member of the BSSA committee and looking forward to the opportunity to get involved in research and gain knowledge and experience. Part-time I work in fashion and I love it! In my spare time, which is very rare, I like to go snorkelling or sit back and read a good book.

Undergrad Rep - Matthew Vasey

G-day my name is Matthew Vasey and I am currently studying a BSc. at the University of Adelaide. I was bred in the Riverland before moving to Adelaide in 2008 to undertake tertiary study and lived in a small town called Loveday. My interests are basically all outdoors and I enjoy fishing, camping and a wide range of sport. I have volunteered with local action planning groups and have done various voluntary stints with DEH. When I found out about BSSA and what they are about I knew straight away it was for me. So I applied for BSSA’s undergraduate representative, so I could get involved and be a part of such a wonderful organisation.

Undergrad Rep - Josh Coldwell

Mornin' all. My names Josh and 2009 will be my second year at Adelaide University, with 2008 being my first year, straight out of High School (I know, "so young", right). Anyhoo, I'm currently undertaking a Bachelor of Science/Arts Double Degree (For those who have no idea what they want to do with their life) and I will probably do a Diploma of Education after it. Biology is one of my main passions and one of my majors will be Environemtal Biology. When I'm not "working" I can usually be seen wandering down the banks of the River Torrens marvelling at nature.