Charlotte is a marine biologist with an interest in marine predator behaviour and media portrayal, conservation and science outreach. Her PhD research clarified where sharks are, why they are there and how this, and their numbers change over time. Charlotte previously attained First Class Honours in Marine Biology for her research on shark and ray vertebral biomechanics, complementing an Applied Science degree majoring in Ecology (awarded with Distinction) and an Arts degree in Mandarin Chinese. Charlotte’s research combines her passion for sharks and previous experience as a consultant marine ecologist in Australia, the Pacific Region and Asia to highlight the importance of predators in our oceans.
Experience
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2021–presentNature Masterclass Faciliator and Trainer, Springer Nature
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2021–presentContributor, Nature Research
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2023–presentSuperstar of STEM, Science and Technology Australia
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2023–presentResearcher , UWA Oceans Institute
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2023–presentResearcher, Queensland University of Technology
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2023–presentGeneral Council, Oceania Chondrichthyan Society
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2022–presentState representative, Australian Society for Fish Biology
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2021–presentSTEM Ambassador, Science and Technology Australia
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2021–presentOffshore Renewable Energy Advisor (Offshore wind), Consultant
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2018–2023Secretary, Social Media manager, Conference organiser, Student representative, Australian Marine Sciences Association
Education
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Queensland University of Technology, Bachelor of Arts (International and Global Studies - Mandarin Chinese)
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Queensland University of Technology, Bachelor of Applied Science (Ecology) - Distinction
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University of Queensland, Bachelor of Science - First Class Honours (Marine Biology - Biomechanics)
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University of Western Australia, Doctor of Philosophy
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Qingdao University, Mandarin Chinese
Publications
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2022Little Shark Lulu is Sleeping,
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2021Inferring shark vulnerability from spatial habitat protection,
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2021Spatial and temporal distribution of Indo-Pacific pelagic sharks,
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2020Shark conservation hindered by lack of habitat protection,
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2020Future distribution of suitable habitat for pelagic sharks in Australia under climate change models,
Grants and Contracts
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2021John Glover Travel Award
- Role:
- Marine biology
- Funding Source:
- Australian Society for Fish Biology
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2021Science Meets Parliament Scholarship
- Role:
- STEM Ambassador
- Funding Source:
- Australian Marine Sciences Association
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2021BBC Naked Scientists Broadcasting Internship
- Role:
- Science communicator
- Funding Source:
- The University of Western Australia
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2020International Travel Scholarship
- Role:
- Shark research
- Funding Source:
- Australian Society for Fish Biology
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2018Robson and Robertson Award
- Role:
- PhD research
- Funding Source:
- Jock Clough Marine Foundation
Professional Memberships
- Australian Marine Sciences Association
- Australian Society for Fish Biology
- American Elasmobranch Society
- Ecological Society of Australia
- Oceania Chondrichthyan Society
Research Areas
- Marine And Estuarine Ecology (Incl. Marine Ichthyology) (060205)
- Conservation And Biodiversity (050202)
- Applied Statistics (010401)
- Behavioural Ecology (060201)
- Language, Communication And Culture (20)
- Fisheries Sciences (0704)
- Ecology (0602)
Honours
Superstars of STEM | Australian STEM Ambassador
- Perth, Australia
- Website
- @CharlotteBirky
- Article Feed
- Joined
