KZ: Hi Kylie! What inspired or influenced your decision to become a conservation biologist?

K: I love nature and it always made me sad to see beautiful spaces disappearing or species going extinct. Being a conservation biologist means I use science to understand what species need, why they might be in trouble, and what we can do to help.

KZ: Are you currently working on any new projects or researching a particular topic?

K: Cities are crowded – so I’m researching creative ways that we can make space for wildlife. Whether it’s building fake tree hollows, adding habitat corridors to roadsides, or even floating islands of habitat in waterways.

KZ: What do you love about your job?

K: The best part of my job is talking to people about science and nature!

KZ: Did you have any hobbies as a child that gave you skills you use at work?

K: I’ve always been obsessed with nature! I was always rescuing animals, or making lists of endangered species and drawing posters about them. Now I get to do it as my job!

KZ: What would you say to K-Zoners who want to work in a similar role?

K: Science is all about observation and wonder. Whether it’s the magpies strutting across the nature strip, or the bees and flies buzzing through the garden, or the echidna struggling to cross a busy road, there’s always something interesting to notice and ask questions about. Spend lots of time being curious about nature and look for little things you can do to help.

Want to read more about being a conservation biologist? Grab the July 2021 issue of K-Zone, on sale now!