Welcome Lizzy Lowe - New SE

Submitted by editor on 21 December 2020.

Please join me in welcoming Lizzy Lowe as one of our new Subject Editors! She is a postdoc in the Behavioural Ecology Group at Macquarie University in Australia. Read through her interview and get to know her better!

lizzylowe.net | @LizyLowe

 

1. What's your main research focus at the moment?

My research investigates in the social and environmental factors that drive biodiversity and species interactions in cities. I am fascinated by the ability of some “urban exploiting” species to thrive in highly modified environments and I am investigating the traits that allow them to do this. A focus of my work is looking at the impact of urban insecticide use on invertebrate predators and I love studying anything to do with spiders. I am also passionate about working with local communities to share my love of “creepy crawlies” and help create sustainable green spaces in cities.

2. Can you describe your research career? Where, what, when?

I started my research career at the University of Western Australia where I studied honey bees for my honours and fell in love with research. Then I moved to the University of Sydney where I completed my PhD on spiders responses to urbanisation. Since my PhD I have been very lucky to work in New Zealand, Germany and Australia, and I am now a postdoctoral researcher at Macquarie University in Sydney.

3. How come that you became a scientist in ecology?

I’ve always had a fascination for insects and spiders, so it was very natural for me to start a research career studying their ecology. I became an urban ecologist because I love to encourage human/nature interactions, and where better to do that than in peoples back gardens and local parks? And what better organisms than invertebrates!

4. What do you do when you're not working?

I have two young kids, so we spend a lot of time out bushwalking and having adventures around Sydney.

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