Meet Our 2025 Committee

President

Brittany Hogben

Hi there! I’m a PhD Student at the University of Adelaide researching illegal logging and timber tracking. I was drawn to the BSSA by the opportunities to help like-minded people connect and develop lasting connections to their local environment, through nature walks, bush care workshops, citizen science projects and more.

Vice President

Emily Hoskin

I'm Emily, Vice President of the BSSA. I just finished my honours using DNA techniques to identify the species of plant roots growing into the Naracoorte caves. I love being able to do a mix of fieldwork, lab work and bioinformatics. I am looking forward to hopefully starting a PhD this year working on the taxonomy and systematics of the chenopods.

Alex Chu

Secretary

Hello! I’m Alex. I am studying a Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management at TAFE SA. Plants are my horticultural happy pill. I spend my free time botanising the local flora while meandering around the hills and volunteering with bush-care groups. I love getting my biophilic intervention from the natural world and if I could share just one percent of the joy it gives me, I’ll be happy.

Rhianna Hamilton

Treasurer

Rhianna studies transnational environmental crime, her research focuses on improving policy to contribute to better ecological outcomes. Her research aims to uncover trends in the trade of species from the Southern Ocean and Antarctica. Rhianna joined the BSSA to learn more about South Australian biodiversity and to spend time exploring nature.

Volunteer Opportunities Coordinator

Apoorva Gopinath

Click the photo for more info on Apoorva's doctoral research in the school of Animal & Veterinary Science!

Podcast Team

Shannon Evenden

For more info on Shannon's doctoral research in the UoA School of Biological Sciences, click the photo above!

Elisabeth Williamson

I'm a third-year PhD student investigating the role and acquisition of bacteria in the gut of native bees. In 2022, I joined the BSSA committee to be part of the wonderful community of students and researchers working in the field of environmental science. With a deep love for engaging conversations about biology, I've taken on a role in assisting with the podcast series. For more info on Liz's research, click the photo above!

Maisie Byrne

Hi I’m Maisie, I’ve completed my Bachelors of Science and my Honours in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology with a speciality in analysing microbat calls. I previously served as Secretary for the BSSA, giving me a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the organisation. I’m passionate about traveling and connecting with others while fostering curiosity and appreciation for biodiversity.

Madi Hogben
(Social Media & Podcast Team)

Hi! I’m an Honours student at the University of Adelaide focusing on habitat restoration in the Mount Lofty Ranges. I love all things outdoors but am particularly passionate about Australia’s native and invasive flora! I’m so excited to work with the BSSA this year, bringing seminars, podcast episodes, nature walks and other opportunities to nature-lovers wanting to learn more or get involved in the community!

  Nimna Naicken

Social Media Team

​​Jasmin Broadbridge

Hiya! I’m a PhD student at the University of Adelaide, looking at the trade of live corals across Australia for the ornamental aquarium market. I’ve been part of the social media team for the BSSA since 2023 and have loved each moment of it! Joining the BSSA as a committee member was easily one of the best choices I have made in my university experience so far – it’s has been a great way to make friends with people who care about nature and SA like I do.

Jacob Maher

Hey, I'm a PhD candidate studying the online trade of invasive plants. I have a passion for learning about the natural world and how people interact with it. What I really like about the BSSA is collaborating on projects to benefit nature in SA and beyond! For more info on Jacob's doctoral research, click the photo above!

Quiz Night Donations Coordinator

Tyler Dornan

PhD candidate studying sawfish in Western Australia at the UoA. Other interests include zooplankton and tree rings! I'm excited about the year and to chat about research, so email me if you're interested!

Website Officer

Chris Keneally

Hi! I'm a Post-Doctoral researcher at UoA, working on microbial ecology and biogeochemistry. I've really enjoyed my time in the BSSA and would recommend membership (or applying to the committee) to anyone interested in SA conservation, landcare, or related research fields. For more info on Chris' research, click the photo above!

General Committee

Kate Bowdidge

Hey there! I'm an undergraduate student in Marine and Wildlife Conservation here at UoA. Growing up in regional Western Australia I gained a huge appreciation for our giant backyard! I love chatting to the others about their work, to help me gain perspective from outside of a textbook.

Kantine Liu

Hello! I am a PhD student at the University of Adelaide researching on climate change impacts on temporary freshwater rock pools. BSSA is a great community to meet people who are passionate for nature and conservation. I look forward to seeing our members at our events, talks and nature walks!

Nathan Deliveyne

Frances Perry

Maia Norhafiz

Sebastian Chekunov

Hi, I'm a PhD student at the University of Adelaide researching the international trade of Australian reptiles. I'm a keen herpetologist with an interest in ecology and conservation, and I find that the BSSA is a great way to connect with a wide range of people who have a similar passion for nature.

Zoe Beer

I'm an honours student looking at the accuracy of modelling used to predict abundance and distribution of threatened mallee birds in Victoria. I joined the BSSA for the beer and the t-shirt... I help do the newsletters and I love being a part of such an awesome young conservationist group.

Alyssa Capriotti

Freya Harrihill

Thanks to the past committee for their contribution to the society!

2024  COMMITTEE 
President – Kantine Liu
Vice President – Jacob Maher
Secretary - Maisie Byrne
Treasurer, Membership & Events - Tyler Dornan
Events & Partnerships - Tayla Allison
Membership Officer - Kantine Liu
Website Officer - Alex Chu
Podcast Team - Adam Toomes, Kiri Marker & Liz Williamson
Volunteer Opportunities Team - Juliet Bodycomb & Zoe Beer
Social Media Team - Charlotte Lassaline & Jasmin Broadbridge 
General Committee - Chris Keneally
General Committee - Daniel Chilton
General Committee - Sebastian Chekunov
General Committee - Nathan Deliveyne
General Committee - Emily Hoskin
General Committee - Eilish Thomas

2021  COMMITTEE 
President – Adam Toomes
Vice President – Eilish Thomas
Secretary - Megan Jenssen
Treasurer - Kantine Liu
Membership Officer - Kantine Liu
Website Officer - Chris Keneally
Podcast Host - Kiri Marker
Donations/Quiz Coordinator - Bailie Trenwith
Publicity Officer - Daniel Chilton
Communications Officer - Katie Hill
UniSA Rep - Bradley Reynolds
Undergrad rep Adelaide Uni - Eliza Casey
Photography Officer - Darcy Whittaker
Volunteer Officer - Brittany Norris
Volunteer Officer - Jenny D'Arcy
General Committee - Tyler Dornan
General Committee - Brock Hedges
General Committee -Collette Blyth
General Committee -Lisa Wood
General Committee - Charlie Lassaline
General Committee - Daniel Markos

2023 COMMITTEE 
President – Chris Keneally
Vice President – Kantine Liu
Secretary - Nathan Deliveyne
Treasurer, Membership & Events Coordinator - Tyler Dornan
Membership Officer - Kantine Liu
Website Officer & UniSA Rep - Alex Chu
Podcast Team - Adam Toomes, Kiri Marker, Liz Williamson, Shannon Evenden
Events Team - Tayla Allison, Daniel Chilton, Collette Blyth
Volunteer Oppurtunities Team - Zoe Beer & Ashleigh Keneally
Social Media Team - Charlotte Lassaline, Jasmin Broadbridge & Lisa Wood
General Committee - Emily Hoskin
General Committee - Maisie Byrne
General Committee - Eilish Thomas

2018  COMMITTEE 
President – Hayley Merigot
Vice President – James Trezise
Secretary – Peri Stenhouse
Treasurer – Nick Kalfas
Membership Officer – Peri Stenhouse
Publicity Officer – Matt Bowie
Website Officer – Tessa Roberts 
Social Media Officer – Ned Piscioneri
Volunteer Ops Officer – Claire Hartvigsen-Power
Tafe SA Rep – VACANT
Rep Flinders Uni -  Ben Parslow
Honours Rep – Riley Genders
Undergrad rep Adelaide Uni - Brad Bianco
General Committee - Kimberly McCallum
General Committee - Vicki Thomson
General Committee (International) - Mikey Dyer

2022 COMMITTEE
President – Eilish Thomas
Vice President – Megan Jenssen
Secretary & Website Officer – Chris Keneally
Treasurer – Kantine Liu
Events & Social Media Team – Daniel Chilton, Tyler Dornan
Podcast Team - Liz Williamson, Shannon Evenden, Kiri Marker & Collette Blyth
Volunteer Opportunities Team - Jenny D'Arcy & Brittany Norris
General Committee - Adam Toomes
General Committee - Charlottee Lassaline
General Committee - Lisa Wood

2017  COMMITTEE 
President – Grace Hodder
Vice President – Hayley Merigot
Secretary – Victoria McCarron
Treasurer – Nick Kalfas
Membership Officer – Peri Stenhouse
Social Media Officer – Natalie Aboustate
Website Officer – Tessa Roberts 
Co-Publicity Officer – Matt Bowie
Co-Publicity Officer – James Trezise
Newsletter Officer – Hannah Bannister
Tafe SA Rep – VACANT
Rep Flinders Uni -  Ben Parslow
Undergrad rep Uni SA –  Samantha Donnell
Undergrad rep Adelaide Uni- Amelia Spike Barrow
Honours Rep – VACANT
General Committee - Kimberly McCallum
General Committee - Vicki Thomson
General Committee - Sanjina Upadhyay
General Committee (International) - Mikey Dyer

Please contact us if you notice your name missing from a year above in which you volunteered on the BSSA committee.