Kristine French

Senior Professor Kristine French is affiliated with the School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences (SEALS) at the University of Wollongong. She holds the position of Senior Professor since 2023 and previously served as Director of the Janet Cosh Herbarium from 1993 to 2023. Her research focuses on invasion ecology, urban ecology, and conservation biology, with a strong emphasis on invasive species management, biosecurity, and biodiversity conservation.

Her work spans diverse ecosystems, including arid zones, rainforests, and urban environments. Key themes in her research include plant-invasive species interactions, restoration ecology, and the impacts of pesticides and climate change on biodiversity. She has supervised numerous postgraduate students, contributing to advanced studies in ecological processes and conservation strategies.

Professor French has secured significant funding for projects addressing weed invasions, urban greenspace dynamics, and pesticide effects on fauna. Her publications reflect a commitment to interdisciplinary approaches, integrating ecology, microbiology, and evolutionary biology to solve real-world conservation challenges.

Her contributions include advancing understanding of seed bank dynamics, microbial interactions in restoration, and the ecological consequences of urbanization. Despite no explicit mention of awards, her extensive grants and high-impact publications underscore her academic influence.