Melanie is a Research Assistant at the National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life, where she is working with a project team exploring end-of-life opportunities for preservative treated timber and engineered wood products within the circular economy. She was awarded her PhD from the University of the Sunshine Coast in 2024, with research focused on ecosystem-based adaptation to climate change and mangrove reforestation in coastal Fijian communities.
Melanie also currently lectures and tutors in Environmental Management and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation courses. Her career has spanned a range of industries including secondary education, outdoor and environmental education, tourism, and marine tourism.
She holds a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education from the UniSC, with a geography major and biology minor, as well as a diving instructor certification.
For further information, contact Melanie on Mharris3@usc.edu.au
Professional Memberships
- Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research
- Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre
- Sustainability Research Cluster
Teaching areas
- Environmental Management
- Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
- Environmental Impact Assessment