Tessa joined Nature Advisory in 2021 shortly after completing her Bachelor of Science (Degree with Honours) majoring in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at The University of Melbourne. During her degree, Tessa gained valuable experience in field-based ecological research and scientific writing. Tessa enjoyed volunteering at the herbarium during university, where she learnt about plant curation and nomenclature. Tessa particularly enjoyed her Honours year, during which she investigated the post-fire reproductive output of shrubs after fire. The fieldwork component of her degree excited her most, as she loves being in the bush. 

Since starting at Nature Advisory, Tessa has enjoyed worked on a range of projects involving native vegetation assessments, threatened flora, bushfire planning, land management and weed management. Tessa has been able to apply and develop her botanical and research skills in her role as a Botanist, and is keen to keep learning about the legislation underpinning her work. 

Outside of work, Tessa enjoys spending her weekends exploring the national parks around Melbourne with friends. In recent years Tessa has also taken up interests in bird and bug watching.