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Dr Charlotte Birkmanis

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Wildlife scientist | Marine biologist | Shark researcher | Science communicator | Author | Speaker, The University of Western Australia

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 a 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

  • 2021–present
    STEM Ambassador, Science and Technology Australia
  • 2021–present
    Contributor, Nature Research
  • 2023–present
    Adjunct associate, UWA Oceans Institute
  • 2023–present
    Adjunct associate, Queensland University of Technology
  • 2023–present
    Superstar of STEM, Science and Technology Australia
  • 2021–present
    Offshore Renewable Energy Advisor, Hydrobiology

Education

  •  
    Queensland University of Technology, Bachelor of Arts (International and Global Studies - Mandarin Chinese)
  •  
    Queensland University of Technology, Bachelor of Applied Science (Ecology) - Distinction
  •  
    University of Queensland, Bachelor of Science - First Class Honours (Marine Biology - Biomechanics)
  •  
    University of Western Australia, Doctor of Philosophy
  •  
    Qingdao University, Mandarin Chinese

Publications

  • 2022
    Little Shark Lulu is Sleeping,
  • 2021
    Inferring shark vulnerability from spatial habitat protection,
  • 2021
    Spatial and temporal distribution of Indo-Pacific pelagic sharks,
  • 2020
    Shark conservation hindered by lack of habitat protection,
  • 2020
    Future distribution of suitable habitat for pelagic sharks in Australia under climate change models,

Grants and Contracts

  • 2021
    John Glover Travel Award
    Role:
    Marine biology
    Funding Source:
    Australian Society for Fish Biology
  • 2021
    Science Meets Parliament Scholarship
    Role:
    STEM Ambassador
    Funding Source:
    Australian Marine Sciences Association
  • 2021
    BBC Naked Scientists Broadcasting Internship
    Role:
    Science communicator
    Funding Source:
    The University of Western Australia
  • 2020
    International Travel Scholarship
    Role:
    Shark research
    Funding Source:
    Australian Society for Fish Biology
  • 2018
    Robson 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

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