Working under the supervision of Dr Laura Brannelly, Amanda will collect and analyse aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates from freshwater habitats in Victoria and New South Wales, where some Litoria frog populations are declining. Using qPCR, she will screen invertebrates for Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis Bd (which causes chytridiomycosis) presence to pinpoint promising candidates for further vector competency studies.

This project will help to understand the risk of invertebrate vectors spreading chytridiomycosis, with implications on management and biosecurity measures to protect remaining amphibian biodiversity.

"The topic I'm researching feels so novel and exciting, but I've found that doing honours research after my Bachelor's sometimes comes with a fair bit of imposter syndrome," she said.

"I am so honoured and grateful to be receiving this scholarship. I also have an amazing supervisor and community of researchers at the lab to thank -- everyone has been so welcoming at showing me the ropes around the lab, and their passion for wildlife conservation and science has been motivating me through my Honours project."

Congratulations Amanda! We can’t wait to see the results of your research.

The Daniel Gilmore Scholarship was established in memory of our dear friend and colleague, Dan, whose passion for the natural world inspired us during his 21 years with Biosis.

The scholarship is open to Honours students in Australia studying wildlife ecology, the next round of applications will open in September 2025.