Paula Wasiak

Senior Research Officer
Phillip Island Nature Parks
PhD Candidate
The Australian National University

Cowes, VIC

Contact me for

  • Mentoring
  • Sitting on boards or committees
  • Providing an expert opinion
  • Outreach activities
  • Conference presenting
  • Opportunities to collaborate

Biography

Birds, they’re on the street and in our yards, but did you know that Australia has one of the highest bird extinction rates in the world?

A self-proclaimed "bird nerd," I found my calling waddling alongside little penguins for 15 years. My dedication to these charismatic seabirds had me elbow-deep in burrows, coordinating and conducting data collection for projects aimed at future-proofing their survival.

Now, I'm channelling my passion for bird conservation into my PhD research, focusing on another fascinating Australian native – the bush stone-curlew. My research aims to create a recipe for reintroducing these enigmatic ground-dwelling birds to rural-urban areas in south-eastern Australia.

When I'm not in the field or tied to the computer, you'll find me sharing wildlife stories with anyone who will listen – online, in the media, or on stage. I love mixing in science with funny anecdotes in the hope of sparking joy, wonder, and a desire for conservation action in others.

For me, science is not only about discovery but also about sharing those discoveries with others. Whether I'm tracking penguins in their tuxedos or delving into the mysteries of translocated bush stone-curlews, I'm driven by the belief that understanding and connecting with nature is the first step to protecting it.