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Dr Jackie O'Sullivan

CERC Fellow

https://people.csiro.au/o/j/jackie-osullivan

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Biography

Dr Jackie O'Sullivan is an ecologist with expertise in both terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. Her research examines the impacts of threatening processes on species decline and evaluates strategies for effective ecological restoration.

Jackie's PhD explored the ecological role of rocky habitats in restoring reptile populations within agricultural landscapes. This project experimentally quantified reptile responses to rock restoration and grazing, with outcomes applicable to surface rock removal regulations, national offset strategies, sustainable farming practices, and restoration programs.

She has contributed to several large-scale water resource management projects, both nationally and internationally with CSIRO, where she developed software and tools to support the sustainable management of complex water systems. In addition to this work, she has been involved in a wide range of fauna and flora monitoring programs, covering species such as koalas, macropods, frogs, and reptiles, helping to inform conservation efforts across diverse ecosystems.

Currently, Jackie is undertaking a CERC Fellowship focused on climate adaptation strategies and wetland restoration actions aimed at enhancing ecosystem function and promoting recovery in Ramsar-listed wetlands. This research is vital for developing targeted management interventions that build ecosystem resilience to climate change, support long-term ecological health, and safeguard biodiversity in these globally significant wetlands.

Other Interests

Jackie's primary research interests lie in restoration ecology, with a focus on understanding threatening processes and developing strategies to mitigate their impacts on biodiversity. She is passionate about designing and implementing well-informed field experiments to quantitatively evaluate the effectiveness and interactions of restoration activities to inform management activities to redress species decline.

Achievements and Awards

  • 2014-2017

    University Medal
    University of Canberra

  • 2020-2020

    CSIRO Collaboration Medal
    CSIRO

  • 2020-2020

    Australian Water Research and Development Award
    Australian Water

Academic Qualifications

  • 2019 - 2023

    Doctor of Philosophy (Ecology)
    The Australian National University

  • 2017

    Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours First Class)
    University of Canberra

  • 2014 - 2016

    Bachelor of Environmental Science
    University of Canberra

Professional Experiences

  • 2020-2024

    Senior Tutor, Demonstrator, Guest Lecturer
    The Australian National University

  • 2020-2024

    Conservation Officer
    ACT Government

Grants

  • 2019-2023

    Australian Academy of Science - Margaret Middleton Fund for endangered Australian native vertebrate animals

  • 2019-2023

    Royal Zoological Society of NSW - Paddy Pallin Science Grant

  • 2019-2023

    Ecological Society of Australia - Holsworth Endowment

  • 2019-2023

    Australian National University - Dean's Merit HDR Supplementary Scholarship in Science

We have publications by Dr Jackie O'Sullivan