Professor of Dryland Ecology, UNSW
I am an ecologist working on global issues that affect plants, soils and humans in drylands, which cover 40% of Earth's surface. I have a PhD in soil ecology and have published widely on the management of drylands, particularly semi-arid woodlands in Australia and overseas. Over the past two decades my research has focused on four key areas: how native and exotic animals affect plants and soils, the impacts of woody plant expansion into grasslands, livestock grazing and its effects on environmental quality, and the importance of biological soil crusts for stable healthy ecosystems. I am an Editor of two international journals, run writing workshops for students, and am passionate about plain English speaking.

An epic global study of moss reveals it is far more vital to Earth's ecosystems than we knew
May 02, 2023 15:22 pm UTC| Nature
Mosses are some of the oldest land plants. They are found all over the world, from lush tropical rainforests to the driest deserts, and even the wind-swept hills of Antarctica. They are everywhere; growing in cracks...