As we all mobilise to stem the terrible damage already wrought by the tiny beetle (polyphagous shot-hole borer) burrowing into our precious tree canopy in Perth, a talented PhD student is investigating if Environmental DNA could help in the detection of similar invasive species.
Lilijana Nicholls of Cockburn Central may only be 20 but she’s already a powerhouse of activity and accomplishment – apart from her PhD university study, she’s a member of the City of Cockburn Youth Advisory Collective and recently began her second term as a member of the Ministerial Youth Advisory Council.
It’s easy to see why this motivated achiever is Quintessentially Cockburn!
Lilijana has already completed a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Biology and Toxicology, and Crime Science and an Accelerated Research Masters focusing on toxicology and herbal supplements at Murdoch University, and commenced her Doctorate in March.
She hopes her future career could include working with government to apply DNA and Polymerase Chain Reactions in a forensics context or biosecurity role in the detection of invasive species, their eradication and control.
Research shows invasive species control and eradication costs Australia about $24.5 billion each year, with that total increasing in the future without urgent action.
With her science head firmly screwed on, Lilijana has also long been involved with youth affairs as a member of the Mandurah Youth Advisory Group while completing her university education.
What she felt herself and noticed resoundingly while listening to other young people was their overriding concern for the environment, especially climate change and its impacts on biodiversity.
“This was my own personal experience too. Growing up in Mandurah I was surrounded by people who were passionate about preserving the biodiversity hotspots in the Peel region that have been affected by climate change so I’ve always been very aware of the devastating impacts it has had on biodiversity and native species,” Lilijana said.
“I was keen to pursue a science course that could help me have a positive impact on something I really care about; the future of our planet and its environment.”
Surrounded by estuarine and coastal environments in Mandurah, Lilijana did not expect to enjoy these influences once she moved to the metropolitan area to pursue further university study.
She was relieved to discover the quiet natural beauty of Bibra Lake along with another early discovery of the welcoming team at Cockburn Youth Centre, and Lilijana has named both as her favourite places to spend time in Cockburn.
“The environment is something I was lucky to enjoy while growing up in Mandurah so discovering the large reserve at Bibra Lake has been incredible. I know there is so much yet to discover in Cockburn which has a lot of amazing reserves and natural areas,” she said.
“And from the moment I stepped into the Cockburn Youth Centre I was impressed by how welcoming everyone was, how the facility is so well utilised by the local youth population and its many benefits for young people and their families.
“In many ways, Cockburn is similar to a large regional town like Mandurah, because youth still have limited access to and knowledge of opportunities for education, training and employment pathways.
“Cockburn has a large and growing population, and even though it is part of the metropolitan area, there is still a disconnect from many opportunities for local young people.
“I’ve always enjoyed hearing about and helping voice youth challenges and working on solutions to these issues and concerns. I’ve recently been involved in the development of the State Government’s new WA Youth Action Plan for young people aged 10 to 25.”
After six months consultation with youth and youth organisations all over WA the Department of Communities and many State Government departments are considering the findings, with the Action Plan due to be launched later this year.
Lilijana moved to Cockburn Central to be closer to university to complete a further three years of study, and is already making a positive contribution to our community.