International Women's Day: Lauren Bennett

Associate Professor Lauren Bennett is a Principal Research Fellow in the School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences.

My research reflects my fascination with natural ecosystems. I’m particularly interested in the ecology of plants – what determines where they grow and how do they persist in our often harsh Australian environment? My work involves a diversity of topics including plant regeneration strategies, plant interactions with soil, and plant responses to changing climate and fire regimes. It has encompassed a range of environments – from semi-arid grasslands to coastal woodlands to montane forests – and a range of fields from plant ecophysiology and fire ecology to soil science and carbon cycles. I’m focused on using our knowledge of natural ecosystems to support their sustainable management and, where needed, their restoration. I really enjoy talking about ecology with students and colleagues, examining ideas and contributing knowledge piece by piece to improve our understanding of how ecosystems work and how we can support their health into the future.