معرفی
Teresa Cochrane is a Dunghutti Gumbaynggirr woman and First Nations Researcher at Charles Sturt University's Gulbali Institute, pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Arts and Education focused on 'Koala Dreaming' to integrate Indigenous and Western conservation methodologies. She has served as a Lecturer for First Nations Foundations and Indigenous Environmental Studies courses.
Her academic qualifications include:
- Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management (First Class Honours), Charles Sturt University (2018-2022)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Arts and Education (Indigenous Environmental Studies), Charles Sturt University (2023-present)
- Master of Philosophy in Biodiversity, Conservation and Management, University of Oxford (2023-present, currently on sabbatical)
Teresa's research centers on reconciling Indigenous and Western scientific paradigms for ecological conservation, particularly through koala totemism. Her work investigates cultural connections to Country and develops holistic management practices by analyzing Australian environmental case studies that successfully merge knowledge systems, advancing sustainable biodiversity stewardship.
Her 2024-2025 publications consistently bridge Indigenous and Western research frameworks, emphasizing koala conservation, reconciliation methodologies, and art's role in cultural connection. These works demonstrate decolonizing approaches and community-centered environmental management that honor both Indigenous knowledge sovereignty and scientific inquiry.
Her accolades include:
- Indigenous Alumni Award (2023)
- 30 under 30 Award (2022)
- Charlie Perkins Scholarship (2023)
- Chevening Scholarship (2023)
- CSU Foundation Persistence Scholarship (2021)
- Environmental Impact Award (Women of Colour STEM Awards, 2025)
Supported by prestigious scholarships including Charlie Perkins and Chevening for her Oxford studies, Teresa's research is enabled through Gulbali Institute positions and external collaborations with One Basin CRC and University of Cologne. These partnerships provide critical platforms for Indigenous-led environmental science initiatives.
Teresa actively contributes to the Gulbali Institute's Indigenous research ecosystem and serves on One Basin CRC's First Nations Applied Management Advisory Committee. Her international collaboration with Cologne's Centre for Australian Studies fosters cross-cultural conservation research, while her keynote addresses advance embedding First Nations knowledge in sustainable design frameworks.
