I am a microbial ecologist. My research program focuses on understanding microbial communities, their diversity, and environmental drivers. I employ cutting-edge methodologies, including metagenomic and functional trait analyses, to understand and manipulate microbial systems.

Through this foundational work, I aim to address key challenges in ecosystem restoration and conservation, ensuring the protection of soil biodiversity and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, especially in the context of Australian ecosystems. In particular, my ARC DECRA research program focuses on identifying beneficial microbes that improve drought tolerance in native Australian grass species - which support both ecosystem conservation and agricultural activities in Australia.

In addition to native ecosystem restoration, my research contributes to the development of microbial inoculant formulations for sustainable crop growth and disease resistance.