About
Dr Tori Graham is a conservation scientist whose research focuses on measuring the outcomes of environmental programs. Her research aims to generate information for decision-makers on how to optimise outcomes for biodiversity conservation and on the sustainable management and restoration of land. Tori's research uses spatial analysis and quantitative tools to (I) evaluate the effectiveness of protected areas for conserving nature, (II) identify priority areas for protecting and better managing nature under future climate scenarios, and (III) evaluate the cost-effectiveness of policy initiatives for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. Her work is spatially-explicit and aims to incorporate data on economic and social pressures.
Born in the USA and raised in NSW, Australia, Tori worked in financial consulting and research before retraining in science. She completed a PhD at Macquarie University in 2021. During this time, she was involved in the Biodiversity Node of the NSW Adaptation Research Hub.
Tori partners with government agencies, NGOs, practitioners and scientists from around the world, including the University of Cambridge, the Wildlife Conservation Society, Flora and Fauna International, NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, the University of Northern British Columbia and the Zoological Society of London.
Current position
Postdoctoral Research Fellow at The Cairns Institute
Research Associate, Macquarie University
Teaching
Guest lecturer in Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation, Macquarie University, 2017 - (ongoing)
Teaching Assistant, Introductory Geographic Information Science. Macquarie University, 2020
Teaching Assistant, Introduction to Environmental Sciences. Macquarie University, 2017
Teaching Assistant, Quantitative Methods for Biology. James Cook University, 2014
Teaching Assistant, Ecology and Conservation. James Cook University, 2014
Qualifications
Doctor of Philosophy , Macquarie University. Thesis title: Evaluating the effectiveness of protected areas for conserving nature, 2021
Master of Philosophy, James Cook University. Thesis title: Opportunities for REDD+ to minimise forest carbon emissions and mitigate climate change in Southeast Asia, 2017
Graduate Diploma of Research Methods, James Cook University. 2013
Diploma of Science, James Cook University. 2011
Bachelor of Business Administration (International Studies), Macquarie University. 2005
Awards
2020 3rd place in Department’s 3MT competition, Macquarie University
2018 Winner of the Macquarie University Faculty of Science & Engineering Staff Excellence Awards (individual award) $1,000
2018 STEMM Leadership – Peer Choice Award for Outstanding Commitment to Professional Development (individual award)
2017 Winner of the Business & Higher Education Round Table (BHERT) Award for Outstanding Collaboration for National (Non-Economic) Benefit (team award)
2017 Winner of the Macquarie University Faculty of Science & Engineering Award for Excellence in Research (team award)
2017 Finalist / Highly Commended in the Macquarie University Academic Staff Awards for Excellence in Research: Five Future-shaping Research Priorities - Secure Planet (team award)
Born in the USA and raised in NSW, Australia, Tori worked in financial consulting and research before retraining in science. She completed a PhD at Macquarie University in 2021. During this time, she was involved in the Biodiversity Node of the NSW Adaptation Research Hub.
Tori partners with government agencies, NGOs, practitioners and scientists from around the world, including the University of Cambridge, the Wildlife Conservation Society, Flora and Fauna International, NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, the University of Northern British Columbia and the Zoological Society of London.
Current position
Postdoctoral Research Fellow at The Cairns Institute
Research Associate, Macquarie University
Teaching
Guest lecturer in Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation, Macquarie University, 2017 - (ongoing)
Teaching Assistant, Introductory Geographic Information Science. Macquarie University, 2020
Teaching Assistant, Introduction to Environmental Sciences. Macquarie University, 2017
Teaching Assistant, Quantitative Methods for Biology. James Cook University, 2014
Teaching Assistant, Ecology and Conservation. James Cook University, 2014
Qualifications
Doctor of Philosophy , Macquarie University. Thesis title: Evaluating the effectiveness of protected areas for conserving nature, 2021
Master of Philosophy, James Cook University. Thesis title: Opportunities for REDD+ to minimise forest carbon emissions and mitigate climate change in Southeast Asia, 2017
Graduate Diploma of Research Methods, James Cook University. 2013
Diploma of Science, James Cook University. 2011
Bachelor of Business Administration (International Studies), Macquarie University. 2005
Awards
2020 3rd place in Department’s 3MT competition, Macquarie University
2018 Winner of the Macquarie University Faculty of Science & Engineering Staff Excellence Awards (individual award) $1,000
2018 STEMM Leadership – Peer Choice Award for Outstanding Commitment to Professional Development (individual award)
2017 Winner of the Business & Higher Education Round Table (BHERT) Award for Outstanding Collaboration for National (Non-Economic) Benefit (team award)
2017 Winner of the Macquarie University Faculty of Science & Engineering Award for Excellence in Research (team award)
2017 Finalist / Highly Commended in the Macquarie University Academic Staff Awards for Excellence in Research: Five Future-shaping Research Priorities - Secure Planet (team award)