This week we had the pleasure of chatting with Professor Deb Bower. Deb is a Professor of Zoology in the School of Environmental and Rural Science at the University of New England, Australia. Her research focuses on the ecology, behaviour, and conservation of freshwater turtles. She investigates how altered river flows, invasive predators, and habitat modification influence turtle populations and population dynamics. Her work combines spatial ecology, population ecology, and reproductive biology to inform conservation management. Deb collaborates closely with government agencies, conservation organisations, and communities to translate ecological research into practical strategies that support the long-term conservation of Australia’s threatened freshwater turtles. She has authored several children’s stories and she loves rhyming words. 

You can follow Deb and find out more about her work here: 

Instagram handle: @lazer_une

Media:

Turning the tide for turtles - ABC listen

Tracking the health of turtles in the Murray Darling | 7.30

Environmental experts, detection dogs team up to protect native freshwater turtles - ABC News