David Martin: Humans of BioSciences

Meet David Martin, Master of Science (BioSciences) graduate from the University of Melbourne whose studies on overabundant koala populations on French Island helped inform Park Victoria's koala management planning. David is a passionate botanist and has spent the past three years pursuing “adventures in ecology” that have developed his expertise in botany, wildlife management and the establishment and management of biodiversity offsets.

David currently works at the environmental consultancy Kleinfelder in Newcastle, and has previously worked for SLR Consulting, GHD and Anne Clements and Associates. He has also collaborated with agencies and organisations such as Parks Victoria, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) and Operation Wallacea (OPWALL).

David with a koala
What problem were you trying to solve with your Masters research?

I completed my MSc in 2018. My research was focused on the overabundant koala population on French Island including; population densities, their impact on native vegetation and the effect of management intervention. Resulting from their island isolation, low predation and disease-free status, the koala population has reached a point where there are far too many koalas for the available habitat. This unfortunately has led to overbrowsing and eventual dieback of the gum trees the koalas love so much! My project was to help provide Parks Victoria with the information they required to appropriately manage the French Island Koala population into the future.

David playing koala

What do you enjoy doing outside of science?

As a scientist, I'm not sure if I can ever escape science, but I really enjoy being out in the natural world. You will often find me out bushwalking, kayaking, 'botanising' or camping with some mates out in the middle of nowhere!

David in nature

Do you have any advice for undergraduate students?

Be passionate about what you do, it's your greatest strength. Not only will you enjoy what you do far more, but you will work harder at it, learn so much faster, and ultimately inspire those around you – including those who may become a future employer!

Get yourself out there, take on those challenges, experience as much as you can in your field and meet new people. Remember that those around you may be fellow students now, but one day they may be colleagues and even future experts in the fields of their own.

Ultimately, enjoy what you do, share your passion whenever you get a chance, and value those friendships you make along the way!

David with friends


Find out More

David Martin on Twitter: @eco_davey and Instagram: @eco_davey

Master of Science (BioSciences)


'Humans of BioSciences' is a special new series to introduce the School of BioSciences' undergrad and postgrad students, our academics, professional staff and associates.