Researcher biography
Maddy is an ecologist with a background in coastal processes and conservation. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons I) and a Bachelor of Arts (Geography), both from The University of Queensland (UQ). Maddy has also undertaken training in groundwater science and management with the Australian Groundwater School. After spending time overseas volunteering with various conservation groups in south-east Asia and working as an environmental consultant across the resource sector in Australia, Maddy returned to UQ as a PhD candidate with the School of Earth and Environmental Science. Maddy is currently undertaking an industry placement with The Nature Conservancy investigating the global conservation value of coastal groundwater, and is a UQ Global Change Scholar.
Maddy’s research focuses on the impact climate change will have on coastal groundwater-dependent ecosystems where over-abstraction, pollution and saline intrusion threaten the quality and availability of groundwater for ecological communities. Her research aims to better predict and manage impacts to help facilitate resilience in these important ecosystems. Maddy’s project is supported by Noosa Shire Council and an Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering (AINSE) Post-graduate Research Award.