Oscar has a keen interest in developing effective, equitable and locally meaningful solutions to pressing environmental challenges through the combination of both Western and Indigenous perspectives and approaches. He holds both a Bachelor of Biodiversity and Conservation, and a Master of Research from Macquarie University, Sydney.
Oscar’s masters project was conducted within the Cross-cultural ecology and environmental management Lab led by Assoc Prof Emilie Ens. He worked with Yirralka Rangers and local Yolŋu community members of Gurrumuru Homeland in north-east Arnhem Land to better understand the interactive effects feral ungulates and saltwater intrusion had on aboveground carbon dynamics and culturally important aquatic plant species on northern Australian coastal floodplains. Oscar also has previous experience working and interning for restoration and conservation organisations, both in the public and private sector.
Oscar will conduct his PhD within the restoration theme of the ARC Training Centre for Healing Country, where he will investigate the effectiveness of different seed enhancement techniques across key soil types in Western Australia. The goal of this research will be to help streamline and scale the application of seed enhancing treatments, and further optimise seed delivery in production nurseries and for direct seeding in restoration projects.