About

I’m a researcher and science communicator who is passionate about saving nature in cities. 

Saving wildlife in cities is challenging – space for nature is scarce, full of bright lights, noisy cars, and hard surfaces. Yet there is huge potential for our urban jungles to support native plants and animals, and even help save them from extinction.

Whether it’s helping city councils plan corridors that move animals safely through cities, or working with architects to build designer houses for one of Australia’s largest owls, I’m always looking for new ways to help nature thrive in urban environments.

Get in touch (ksoanes@unimelb.edu.au) if you’d like to chat about:

• Projects to enhance urban nature
• Artificial habitats for wildlife
• Media enquiries
• Public speaking for schools and organisations

I’m based at University of Melbourne where I completed my PhD in 2015, building rope bridges to help endangered possums cross busy highways. From 2016 to 2021, I led the Shared Urban Habitat Project through the National Environmental Science Program, working closely with industry and government to develop a strong evidence base for urban conservation.

I regularly my passion for nature conservation with broader audiences through the media and public talks, and I’m currently one of Science and Technology Australia’s ‘Superstars of STEM’.