Heidi Kolkert

Dr Heidi Kolkert is a Lecturer in Zoology at the University of New England (UNE), affiliated with the School of Environmental and Rural Science. She also serves as Collections Manager of the UNE Natural History Museum. Her research focuses on fauna ecology, particularly threatened species management, insectivorous bats in agroecosystems, and acoustic analysis of wildlife sounds. Key areas include understanding wildlife interactions in agricultural environments, the impacts of environmental disturbances (e.g., roads, renewable energy), and land-use changes on species and communities.

Dr Kolkert holds a PhD from UNE (2021) and a BSc (Hons) from the University of Tasmania (2004). She has received significant recognition, including the 2023 Robine End Wilson Grant and the 2021 Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Research Medal. Her teaching spans courses such as ZOOL310 Zoology Techniques, EM323 Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, and ECOL100 Ecology: Concepts and Applications.

Her research combines fieldwork with molecular techniques to assess bat diets and ecosystem services, particularly in cotton agroecosystems. She collaborates with organizations like Impact Ecology for acoustic impact assessments and contributes to community projects like the Koalas and Others Biodiversity Project. Dr Kolkert actively supervises students at all levels, from honours to PhD, focusing on wildlife ecology and conservation themes.

Professional memberships include the Australasian Bat Society (Extended Executive, 2019–2023) and the NSW Malleefowl Recovery Group. Her work bridges academic research, practical conservation, and community engagement, emphasizing solutions for sustainable land-use challenges.