Elina holds a B.Sc. degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Konstanz (Germany) and a M.Sc. degree in Global Change Ecology from the University of Bayreuth (Germany). She is currently a PhD candidate at Murdoch University Perth. Her key research interests include biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and ecosystem restoration. In her PhD candidature, Elina will explore the relationships between plant diversity, soil microbes and soil carbon storage.
Enhancing carbon sequestration through restoration and management practices is an important tool for climate change mitigation. Additionally, combating biodiversity loss is fundamental, in part for its role in underpinning other ecosystem services. In this PhD project, I aim to explore the link between plant diversity and soil organic carbon storage to provide a scientific basis for restoration projects that aspire to contribute to climate change mitigation whilst enhancing biodiversity. This includes analysing plant diversity effects on plant carbon inputs, soil carbon composition, and mechanisms of soil carbon formation and loss, including microbial processes. Research will incorporate restoration projects of Healing Country industry partners, and where possible, target those that include Indigenous knowledge in their restoration practice.