Penny Wurm

Dr Penny Wurm is a Senior Lecturer in Environmental Science at Charles Darwin University (CDU), affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Technology and the Environment Department. Her research focuses on applied plant ecology, integrating ecological and livelihood applications in northern Australia, eastern Indonesia, and Timor-Leste. She collaborates on projects such as native rice commercialization with Aboriginal enterprises, invasive species management, and sustainable agricultural practices. Wurm holds a PhD in Ecology from CDU and has received multiple teaching awards, including national recognitions for innovative field education programs in Indonesia.

• Education:
  • PhD: Population Ecology of Oryza meridionalis (CDU, 1998)
  • Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Ecology

Her research interests span native plant enterprises, invasive species threats, and community-based conservation. Recent work includes evaluating livelihood zones in Timor-Leste and transferring Australian fire management technologies to Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Wurm supervises PhD projects in Timor-Leste, Tanzania, and northern Australia, emphasizing cross-cultural collaboration.

Research Highlights: Over 48 publications, including studies on groundwater-dependent ecosystems, conservation cost-benefit analyses, and native rice commercialization. Her articles address ecological restoration, climate adaptation, and policy impacts on communities.

• Awards:
  • Australian Award for University Teaching (2018, 2020)
  • Endeavour Executive Award (2011)
  • National Carrick Institute Citation (2006)

Grants & Projects: Leads initiatives like the Future Food Systems CRC native rice project and collaborations on Timor-Leste’s agricultural productivity. She also chairs the Australian Endeavour Alumni network.