Doctor Samantha E Andres

I am a plant ecologist interested in the dynamics and drivers of vegetation dynamics across ecological communities. Much of my work involves using ecological theories to approach applied ecological problems with an aim to improve conservation initiatives.

Much of my recent work has involved understanding how to embed resilience and functional diversity into ecological restoration initiatives to aid in the delivery of practical outcomes for biodiversity. Additionally, I have a wealth of experience as a conservation biologist-investigating the processes threatening the conservation of many threatened taxa. I have worked extensively throughout the United States in montane, desert, coastal and aquatic ecosystems prior to joining the HIE and immersing myself with the diversity of species and ecosystems in Australia.

Outside of research, I also advocate for and highly value science in communication, education, and collaboration. I strive to connect people to the natural world, in order to develop a deeper appreciation for the systems in which we are a part of. I also highly value stewardship, and support land conservation strategies, and restoration projects.

As a Research Fellow at the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, I will be investigating the utility of drone-facilitated restoration strategies to restore biodiversity.

Areas of research/teaching expertise

Conservation biology; ecology; restoration; dieback; plant-soil interactions; plant functional traits; biogeography; climate change

Grants

2020- Ecological Society of Australia Student Research Award. Addressing edaphic drivers of dieback in P. hirsuta: an experimental plant bioassay.

Selected publications

Andres SE, Emery NJ, Rymer PD, Powell JR, (2022) 'Soil chemistry and fungal communities are associated with dieback in an Endangered Australian shrub', Plant and soil, 1-24 (in press).

Andres SE, Standish RJ, Lieurance PE, Mills CH, Harper RJ, Butler DW, ... & Gallagher RV, (2022) 'Defining biodiverse reforestation: Why it matters for climate change mitigation and biodiversity', Plants, People, Planet (in press)

Andres SE, Powell JR, Gregory D, Offord CA, Emery NJ, (2022) 'Assessing translocation management techniques through experimental trials: A case study of the endangered shrub Persoonia hirsuta', Restoration Ecology, vol.30, no.7, e13603

Andres SE, Powell JR, Rymer PD, Emery NJ, (2022) 'Fire severity and the post‐fire soil environment affect seedling regeneration success of the threatened Persoonia hirsuta (Proteaceae)', Austral Ecology, vol.47, no.6, pp 1248-1259

Andres SE, Powell JR, Emery NJ, Rymer PD, Gallagher RV, (2021) 'Does threatened species listing status predict climate change risk? A case study with Australian Persoonia (Proteaceae) species', Global Ecology and Conservation, vol.31, e01862

Andres SE, Emery NJ, Gregory D, Powell J, (2020) 'Threatened plant translocation case study:'Persoonia hirsuta'(Hairy Persoonia), Proteaceae', Australasian Plant Conservation: Journal of the Australian Network for Plant Conservation, vol.28, no.3, pp 14-17