I am a research scientist specialising in evolutionary and ecological modelling, currently working with the Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future team in the Applied Mathematical Ecology Group at QUT.

I am interested in modelling cooperation particularly, and how game theory and related techniques can give us insights into the Antarctic Treaty System. Other interests include eco-evolutionary models and food webs.

Toivo and me at the park in Libeň, Prague.

Toivo and me at the park in Libeň, Prague.

Previously, I was at the The Chisholm Lab at National University of Singapore, and collaborated with Hisashi Ohtsuki on modelling the evolution of cooperation. I also worked on neutral theory type models and statistical models for estimating dark extinctions.

Hisashi, Ryan, and me at NUS.

Hisashi, Ryan, and me at NUS.

Before that, I worked on nonparametric methods for estimating undetected extinctions. Before that, I was at University of Queensland, Australia, working on the Qualitative Modelling framework in the context of pest control. Before that, I was in Lund, Sweden, using adaptive dynamics to model the phenological response of migratory birds to climate change. And before that, I did a post-doc at CSIRO Entomology in Canberra, and did my PhD with Hugh Possingham at the University of Queensland. Both of these focused on complex systems, mathematical ecology and modelling.

With the Theoretical Population Ecology and Evolution Group from Lund University (left to right): Jacob Johansson, Jörgen Ripa, me, Mikael Pontarp, Per Lundberg

With the Theoretical Population Ecology and Evolution Group from Lund University (left to right): Jacob Johansson, Jörgen Ripa, me, Mikael Pontarp, Per Lundberg

I have a son, Toivo, who was born in the Czech Republic while my partner did his first post-doc there. While on an extended parenting leave I volunteered at the local rodinné centrum (family centre), I started my own Fair Trade business, volunteered to organise and run two children’s playgroups including one that served the large refugee community in Annerley/Moorooka (Junction Park Playgroup, Monday Melodies Playgroup), volunteered to organise Fair Trade events including the annual Fair Trade Christmas Market for the Qld Fair Trade Collective, and volunteered for the Stones Corner Community Kindergarten committee.

Carlo, Toivo, and me celebrating Toivo's birthday.

Carlo, Toivo, and me celebrating Toivo’s birthday.

In my spare time, I enjoy hiking with my family, riding my bike, and listening to death metal.