The Committee

	President - Laura Ruykys Hi, I’ve been a member of BSSA since 2005, when I was undertaking my Honours at the University of Adelaide. I was recruited by a very enthusiastic Membership Officer and have been a part of the Society since then. I joined the BSSA committee in 2006 as Newsletter Editor, then moved on to Publicity Officer, and now President. I am undertaking a PhD studying the ecology of the black-footed rock-wallaby in the APY Lands of SA.

	Vice President - Joel Allan Hi all. I’m doing a PhD at Adelaide Uni with the society’s patron, David Paton. I am looking at habitat use by woodland birds in the revegetation at Monarto that was established in the 1970s. The aim of this work is to develop guidelines to maximise the effectiveness of future revegetation programs at providing habitat for declining bird species. Through my work I have also developed a broad interest in plants, especially Eucalypts. I also keep native freshwater fish.
	Secretary - Phil Northeast As a mature-age student, I had previously spent 20 years in the workforce, mainly in the Railways. When the opportunity came along to follow a lifelong passion for the environment, I was ecstatic to be accepted by The University of Adelaide for their Bachelor of Science Degree. Since then, I have majored in Ecology and Environmental Geoscience and completed Honours studying habitat use of robins at Monarto. At present, I am undertaking a PhD studying habitat use of declining woodland birds within the Mount Lofty Ranges. Results from these types of studies aim to help guide restoration and revegetation policy, with the intent of producing better quality habitats for declining species.
	Treasurer - Jiajia Fan I am Jiajia Fan, from China. I am a PhD candidate at the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences. My research interest is water treatment. It is fantastic to be a member of BSSA in my first year at Adelaide and I am now also the treasurer of this committee. I will enjoy this experience during my life at Adelaide University.
	Website Officer - Liberty Olds Hi! I’m undertaking a PhD at Adelaide Uni, but my research is based up in the Kimberley, W.A. I’m studying the ecology and life history of small mammals, such as bandicoots, dasyurids and native rodents. I’m interested in all sorts of things, from mammals to reptiles and everything in between. I’m having a crack at designing and running a website for the first time in a long while, so I’d love any comments!
	Newsletter Officer - Dragos Moise Hi there, it’s Dragos (again). I’ve been the Society’s Newsletter Editor last year, quite enjoyed it, and I’ll be the Newsletter Editor this year too! Quite a few things happened since my previous blurb, one of them being getting (finally!) my PhD degree (see, if you persevere you’ll eventually get there!...). I am working for DEH now, at Urban Biodiversity Unit.
	Membership Officer - Matt Vasey G’day my name is Matthew Vasey and I am currently studying a BSc at the Adelaide Uni. I was bred in the Riverland before moving to Adelaide in 2008 to undertake tertiary study and lived in a small town called Loveday. My interests are basically all outdoors and I enjoy fishing, camping and a wide range of sport. I have volunteered with local action planning groups and have done various voluntary stints with DEH. When I found out about BSSA and what they are about I knew straight away it was for me.
	Publicity Officer - Josh Coldwell Mornin' all. My name’s Josh and 2009 is my second year at Adelaide University, with 2008 being my first year, straight out of High School (I know, "so young", right). Anyhoo, I'm currently undertaking a Bachelor of Science/Arts Double Degree (For those who have no idea what they want to do with their life) and I will probably do a Diploma of Education after it. Biology is one of my main passions and one of my majors will be Environmental Biology. When I'm not "working" I can usually be seen wandering down the banks of the River Torrens marveling at nature.
	Volunteer Officer - Amanda De Waal I am an undergraduate student at Flinders University currently undertaking a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology. I am a new member of the BSSA committee and looking forward to the opportunity to get involved in research and gain knowledge and experience. Part-time I work in fashion and I love it! In my spare time, which is very rare, I like to go snorkelling or sit back and read a good book.
	Undergrad Rep - Ranjani Rajenthiran Hey all! I am a new member of BSSA and I am looking forward to opportunities to volunteer and help out in anyway as biology has always been a passion of mine. I am currently pursuing Bachelors in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Adelaide and almost nearing the completion of the first year. My other passion has always been netball and I do play other sports in my free time.