Our Staff
Our dedicated team is the heart of conservation at Arid Recovery
Our diverse team at Arid Recovery is composed of experts in conservation ecology, land management, scientific research, and business administration, united by a common goal of protecting and revitalizing threatened species. With backgrounds ranging from PhDs in ecology to extensive experience in field operations and community engagement, each member contributes unique skills essential for the multifaceted approach required in conservation.
Dr. Lauren Young
Chief Executive
Lauren leads the team, managing operations, overseeing the science program, and fostering community engagement.
Lauren has 15 years of experience across arid, tropical, and subtropical environments. She has led research on community ecology, threatened species, and invasive species management in the Northern Territory. Lauren has PhD through the University of Sydney on the refuge dynamics of the threatened plains mouse.
Dr. Katherine Moesby
Principal Scientist
Katherine is one of the co-founders of Arid Recovery and was integral to establishing the reserve with her partner John Read. Katherine established many of the monitoring and research programs at Arid Recovery and continues to guide the science program as Principal Scientist.
Nathan Manders
Conservation Land Management Officer
Nathan looks after feral animal control, general infrastructure maintenance and the ongoing upkeep of the Reserve’s predator-proof fences. He is also there to lend a hand with any fauna survey work that takes place.
Coming from Central Victoria, Nathan has a background in pest plant management, flora and fauna surveying and re-vegetation works. He has a keen interest in the conservation of all of our native wildlife, and a particular soft spot for our native flora.
Caitlin Rutherford
Ecologist
Caitlin oversees the ecological monitoring program and works with other staff to set research priorities.
Bianca Amato
Community Field Ecologist
Bianca brings her love of education and research to the role. When Bianca is not assisting in the field, she coordinates volunteers, tours, school visits, community events and Arid Recovery’s digital communications.
Erica Mayer-Zirn
Administration Officer
Erica is a long-time Andamooka local with deep ties to the opal industry and a love of travel. She has worked in many different sectors including solar system installation, civil works and banking. Her flair for efficient business administration keeps Arid Recovery running smoothly and well connected with our network of suppliers.
Mahalia Booth-Remmers
UNSW Research Assistant
Mahalia brings extensive field experience to the team, from radio-tracking numbats to reintroducing red-tailed phascogales at Australian Wildlife Conservancy. She will be collecting field data for UNSW for their heatwave project.