Emma Ligtermoet

Emma Ligtermoet is an Adjunct Research Fellow at the School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, specializing in human geography and social-ecological science. Her work investigates people's engagement with aquatic environments under climate change, combining historical and geographical analysis with field research in vulnerable regions like Kakadu National Park and urban Perth. She actively collaborates with Aboriginal communities, government agencies, and international conservation programs.

Her academic qualifications include:

• PhD in Human Geography from the Australian National University
• BSc (First Class Honours) in Environmental Science and Conservation Biology from Murdoch University

Research focuses on Indigenous ecological knowledge, social-ecological change, and urban greenspace policy. She examines climate adaptation pathways in freshwater floodplains and the role of informal urban spaces like street verges in delivering ecosystem services. Methodologically, she employs Indigenous research frameworks, seasonal calendars, and stakeholder network analysis.

Recent publications (2022-2025) reveal a pivot toward urban applications, analyzing stakeholder networks in roadside verge greening and data justice in conservation. These works demonstrate interdisciplinary integration of environmental science, social science, and policy development, particularly for Australian cities facing densification.

No scientific awards were documented in the profile.

Ligtermoet has taught geography and environmental science units from first year to Masters level across Charles Darwin University, Curtin University, and UWA, including remote field methods and one-on-one tutoring for Indigenous/international students. Her current research is funded by the National Environmental Science Programme's Clean Air and Urban Landscape Hub, targeting urban greening policy.

She leads projects within the Clean Air and Urban Landscape Hub on Perth's urban hydrological networks and collaborated extensively with Aboriginal land owners/rangers in Kakadu. Previous engagements include the Tropical Rivers and Coastal Knowledge program at Charles Darwin University and wildlife conservation work in Laos with the Australian Volunteers for Development program.