Jess is a PhD candidate at the Fenner School of Environment & Society, undertaking research titled Does national kangaroo management need reform? An analysis of policy, management options and stakeholder views. Her research seeks to identify reforms needed to support sustainable, humane, and effective kangaroo management and policy. The project aims to propose unified national objectives to inform a National Kangaroo Strategy, including identifying appropriate carrying capacities, feasible non-lethal options, innovative management approaches, and standards to reduce waste and protect animal welfare. It will support a more collaborative, evidence-based approach to improve national management and public support. The research arose from a National Statement recommending preparation of a National Kangaroo Strategy.

Jess brings over 20 years of experience across veterinary, zoo, and environmental consulting sectors, with a focus on conservation, animal welfare, and human-wildlife coexistence. She has delivered successful wildlife management programs across Australia and internationally, and has strong expertise in stakeholder engagement, landscape-scale management, and coordinated national approaches. Jess has facilitated multi-stakeholder initiatives, including co-convening the National Flying-fox Forum since 2016, and has contributed to national policy discussions, including as an expert witness to a parliamentary inquiry into flying-fox management.

Affiliations

Australasian Bat Society Flying-fox Expert Group Co-convener

Wildlife Health Australia Bat Focus Group

The Wilderness Society member

Ecological Society of Australia member