ABOUT ME
Postdoctoral Research Fellow & Associate Lecturer - The University of Sydney
Fulbright Fellow - The University of Wisconsin
Director of Early Career Ecology - Ecological Society of Australia
ABC Top 5 Scientist, Ecological Society of Australia Next Generation Ecologist, Australian Mammal Society President's Postdoctoral Award, Australasian Wildlife Management Society President’s Early Career Award
I am a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Sydney and Fulbright Fellow at The University of Wisconsin, Madison, where my research explores how animal behaviour and ecological interactions can be used to improve wildlife conservation and management. My work spans rewilding and species reintroductions, sensory ecology, predator–prey interactions, scavenging ecology and mass mortality events.
A major focus of my research is developing practical, behaviourally informed approaches to conservation, particularly using animal decision-making to improve reintroduction success and help native species persist beyond fenced reserves. I combine field experiments with large-scale ecological studies and collaborations with researchers, conservation organisations and land managers across Australia and internationally.
I enjoy developing new ideas, working collaboratively, getting into the field and communicating science beyond academia. Ultimately, I aim to produce research that advances ecological understanding while delivering practical outcomes for wildlife conservation.
Alongside my research, I serve as Director – Early Career Ecology with the Ecological Society of Australia, where I contribute to initiatives that support and connect early-career ecologists across Australia. This role reflects my broader interest in mentoring, professional development and strengthening the ecological research community.
Recent publications
Spatiotemporal scavenging dynamics of introduced red foxes across distinct Australian ecosystems
Thomas M Newsome, Rhys J Cairncross, Niraj Y Meisuria, Patrick B Finnerty, Emma E Spencer
Journal of Mammalogy (2026)
Top hog not top dog? An invasive scavenger outcompetes native apex scavengers at carrion
Thomas M. Newsome, Emma E. Spencer, Christopher R. Dickman, Rhys J. Cairncross, Niraj Y. Meisuria & Patrick B. Finnerty
Biological Invasions (2026)
Urban rewilding to combat global biodiversity decline
Patrick B Finnerty, Alexandra J R Carthey, Peter B Banks, Rob Brewster, Catherine E Grueber, Donna Houston, John M Martin, Phil McManus, Francesca Roncolato, Lily M van Eeden, Mareshell Wauchope, Thomas M Newsome
Bioscience (2025)
Carrion Increases Landscape-Scale Scavenger Activity and Interactions
Patrick B. Finnerty, Niraj Y. Meisuria, Luke J. Baker, Rhys J. Cairncross, Emma Spencer, Mathew S. Crowther, Thomas M. Newsome
Ecology and Evolution (2025)
The Conversation
(~1 million reads)
Feral horse numbers in Australia’s alps are on the rise again. It’s time to act
Patrick Finnerty, David Watson (2026)
With thousands of feral horses gone, Kosciuszko’s fragile ecosystems are slowly recovering
Patrick Finnerty, David Watson (2026)
Want to see Australia’s rare and remarkable species for yourself? Here are 10 standout spots
Patrick Finnerty, Rhys Cairncross, Euan Ritchie (2025)
Patrick Finnerty, Thomas Newsome (2025)
I coordinate WILD4001 and WILD3003 (Wildlife Management) at the University of Sydney, where I teach applied approaches to wildlife conservation, management and reintroduction. My teaching combines ecological theory with real-world conservation case studies and intesnfield-based learning, and I also contribute guest lectures at the Australian National University on wildlife ecology and conservation.
My teaching philosophy is centred on active, applied and inclusive learning, where students are encouraged to connect ecological theory with real-world conservation challenges. I aim to create a supportive environment that promotes curiosity, critical thinking and collaboration, while giving students opportunities to develop practical skills and confidence as independent scientists. Wherever possible, I use field-based learning, case studies and authentic conservation problems to make teaching relevant and engaging.
Teaching
Leadership and Service
I serve as Director – Early Career Ecology with the Ecological Society of Australia, Postgraduate Coordinator with the Australasian Wildlife Management Society, and a Councillor with the Royal Zoological Society of NSW. Across these roles, I support early-career researchers, mentoring, professional development and the broader ecology and wildlife management community.