Vanessa’s research focuses on modelling dynamic social-ecological systems to inform conservation decisions that improve ecosystems and the communities they support. She draws on her training in mathematics, spatial planning, economics and social sciences to inform her work. She regularly collaborates with scientists from diverse disciplines including ecology, geography, spatial sciences, social sciences, and economics. Vanessa often tackles applied research questions in partnership with relevant government agencies and NGOs to ensure that her research is relevant to policy makers and is positioned to influence on-ground conservation.