Carla Archibald

Dr. Carla Archibald is a Lecturer in Environmental Sustainability at Deakin University, affiliated with the Faculty of Science Engineering and Built Environment and the School of Life and Environmental Sciences. She also holds the position of Alfred Deakin Postdoctoral Research Fellow within the Centre for Integrative Ecology. Her research focuses on the intersection of food systems and biodiversity conservation, with particular emphasis on harmonizing human-environment interactions to address pressing environmental challenges through interdisciplinary approaches and spatial analysis.

Dr. Archibald's educational background includes:

• PhD in Conservation Science from the University of Queensland (2016-2020)
• Bachelor of Science in Ecology (Honors I) from the University of Queensland (2013-2014)
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Wildlife Science from the University of Queensland (2010-2012)

Her research spans multiple interdisciplinary fields including conservation science, environmental policy, climate change adaptation, and sustainable food systems. As the Unit Chair for 'GIS for Environmental Scientists' and a lecturer for various Deakin units, she imparts knowledge in subjects ranging from sustainability in the Anthropocene to wildlife ecology, hydrology, and professional development. Her work integrates spatial analysis to address critical environmental challenges, with a specific focus on quantifying biodiversity footprints and assessing nature-related risks in Australian agricultural landscapes. She has made significant contributions to understanding private land conservation programs, wildlife management, and avian ecology.

Through her extensive publication record, Dr. Archibald has demonstrated expertise in conservation policy, climate adaptation, and sustainable food systems. Her recent work examines conservation covenants in relation to landholder livelihoods, thermal niche dynamics of koalas under climate change, and landholder decision-making regarding conservation agreements. Her research often bridges the gap between theoretical conservation science and practical application, working closely with organizations such as CSIRO, Climate Works, and the Biodiversity Conservation Trust to inform environmental policy and management.

Dr. Archibald has received recognition for her contributions to environmental science, including the Head of School Award from the School of Life and Environmental Sciences in December 2023. Her research has been widely cited and has influenced conservation practice in Australia, particularly in understanding how conservation covenants can simultaneously support biodiversity conservation and landholder livelihoods.

Dr. Archibald is actively involved in significant research projects including 'Managing nature-related risks and responsibilities in Australia's fresh food system' (Deakin University, 2023-2025) and 'Private Land Conservation in a Dynamically Changing and Risky World' (Australian Research Council, 2021-2024). She has previously contributed to 'Maximising Outcomes for Koalas on Private land' (New South Wales Office of Environment and Heritage, 2019-2021). As the Unit Chair for 'GIS for Environmental Scientists,' she plays a key role in shaping environmental science education at Deakin University.

Dr. Archibald maintains active professional engagement through memberships in the Ecological Society of Australia and the Society for Conservation Biology. She served as the Early Career Representative for the School of Life and Environmental Sciences (2023-2024), demonstrating her commitment to academic leadership and community building within the environmental science field.