Aleena is a PhD candidate in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Adelaide. Her research focuses on the biosecurity risks posed by the trade in native and exotic reptiles in Australia. Her work explores the complex intersections between wildlife trade, emerging infectious diseases, and biosecurity risks. Aleena’s research aims to inform national biosecurity frameworks and animal welfare protocols, contributing to efforts to prevent zoonotic spillover events. Her work has broad relevance across sectors including public health, environmental conservation, wildlife trade regulation, and global disease surveillance.