Amy has spent the past 17 years investigating the quantification of urbanisation gradients; the composition and distribution of plants and animals in urban landscapes, including plant extinction debts; and the role of biodiversity in creating green, healthy cities and towns. She is particularly interested in the spatio-temporal components of urbanisation and how these dynamics impact on the ecology of urban areas. This information is critical for informing management and planning for future conditions including changing climates and increasing human populations. She strongly believes that if we are to effectively integrate ecological knowledge into our urban ecosystems, we need to take an actionable science approach that includes working with local government agencies, built environment professionals, community organisations and the general public.

Awarded her PhD in 2006, she has subsequently worked the equivalent of 5.7 years FTE, due to two periods of maternity leave and returning to work in a part-time status (0.6 FTE). Amy’s goal is to undertake research that contributes to the development of green, healthy cities and towns, and the conservation of resilient ecological systems in areas where people live and work.