Researcher biography
Michael Tervo is a Senior Research Technician working on projects based at the Hidden Vale Research Station. His work focuses on exploring the impacts of fire on botanical species compositions, particularly through the implementation of planned burns.
Michael completed a Bachelor of Science (Ecology) in 2018 from The University of Queensland returning to complete a Master of Conservation Science in 2020. During his master's program, he explored the behaviour of the Black Summer Bushfires on Sclerophyll and Rainforest vegetation boundaries in Lamington National Park.
His primary research interests lie in fire ecology, specifically understanding the role of fire in vegetation management and conservation, especially in areas where fire has been absent. Michael is also passionate about community engagement and citizen science as tools for monitoring threatened species and developing effective conservation strategies.
Key responsibilities in his current role include plant species identification and data collection, as well as the execution of planned burns at Old Hidden Vale Nature Refuge. Prior to this position, Michael worked with a charitable trust, collaborating with community members and traditional owners to monitor and implement conservation practices.
Michael aims to integrate various sectors to align individual motivations with broader conservation goals, seeking to make meaningful contributions to the field of conservation science.