Justine is a University of Sydney graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and a PhD in Veterinary Science. Justine has 20 years of experience in wildlife reproductive research, specializing in strategies for maintaining population genetic diversity and reproductive health. 

Justine’s role at Taronga is to manage and support conservation science programs in line with Taronga’s commitment to increase understanding and protection of wildlife through investigation, evidence-based application and communication of science to the community. 

Join Dr. Justine O’Brien as she discusses some of Taronga’s diverse science led conservation programs and highlights the incredible work being done by an exceptional group of female scientists.

Dr. Emma Thompson is the university program manager and lecturer for the Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Taronga Wildlife Conservation) degree run in conjunction with the University of Sydney.

Working alongside a diverse range of colleagues at Taronga and the University of Sydney, Emma designs and delivers unique student learning experiences encompassing theory, practical and field skills. Emma and her team are passionate about empowering the next generation of wildlife conservationists and creating ambassadors for change.

Join Dr. Emma Thompson as she introduces you to the Taronga Wildlife Conservation Bachelor’s degree and how the degree can lead to fascinating opportunities in science and conservation.

Joanna Day is interested in using genetic and behavioural techniques to answer questions in behavioural ecology and wildlife conservation. Jo graduated with a Bachelor of Marine Science from Macquarie University in 2004. She continued at Macquarie University and completed her PhD in 2010. Her PhD investigated the genetic structure, social organisation and mating system of bottlenose dolphins. During her time at Macquarie University, Jo also worked on a number of other research projects, including a study of the phylogeography of Amazonian fish and a project on the population structure of two dolphin species in the Azores archipelago.

Join Dr. Joanna Day as she explains how acoustic tracking has highlighted where Port Jackson sharks migrate after they breed and how behavioural observations of sharks at Taronga Zoo is helping to identify behaviours of sharks in the wild. 

Dr Karrie Rose enjoys a multi-faceted role in wildlife health research, education, and disease investigation as manager of the Australian Registry of Wildlife Health, a program of Taronga Conservation Society.

Karrie’s research focuses on the application of an ecological approach to identify and understand pathogens at the interface of animal, human and environmental health. Investigations into disease outbreaks and population declines in wildlife often transform into collaborative research projects leading to the characterisation of emerging pathogens. 

Join Dr. Karrie Rose as she discusses an important and concerning amphibian mortality event currently occurring across Australia and highlights the work being done to understand and combat this mysterious and devasting event.

Phoebe joined Taronga as part of the Wildlife Hospital team in 2012, where she developed a interest in conservation forensics, leading an international project developing forensic tools to help save the world’s most heavily trafficked animals. Phoebe is now based at the Institute of Science and Learning where she is responsible for conservation recovery programs and population management of Australian mammals and aquatic and marine mammals at Taronga, including legacy species such as platypus and marine turtles. 

Phoebe completed a Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) at Macquarie University and her Doctorate in Zoology at The University of Sydney, 2010. Phoebe has a long-standing interest and passion for the marine environment and has worked as a scientific diver and dive master. Phoebe curates and manages the Australian Shark Attack File and maintains research interest in shark biology and conservation.

Join Dr. Phoebe Meagher as she uncovers some fascinating insights into the sea life in Sydney Harbour and some of the work being done to protect this important and diverse eco-system.