My research focuses on the future of urban trees in a changing climate. I am particularly interested in how cities can develop diverse, resilient urban forests that provide shade, cooling, biodiversity, amenity and other benefits as climates become hotter and drier. Through the Future Trees initiative, I work with researchers, governments and industry to assess the vulnerability of Adelaide’s urban forest, identify and trial future-ready tree species, and improve the evidence used in tree selection, management and urban planning.

At the Waite Arboretum, I am working to strengthen the role of living tree collections as research infrastructure. This includes developing research-ready collections, experimental tree plantings and improved systems for recording and sharing information about tree provenance, performance and management. My broader research background spans vegetation ecology, plant responses to environmental gradients, biodiversity monitoring and climate-change impacts, using approaches including ecological surveys, plant functional traits, stable isotopes, molecular methods and spatial analysis.

A central theme of my work is translating ecological knowledge into practical decisions. Alongside my university research, I have extensive experience in environmental policy, climate adaptation and cross-government programs. I work closely with councils, government agencies, arborists and other urban-forest practitioners to develop research that responds to real-world problems and helps create greener, healthier and more climate-resilient cities.