Researcher biography
Caroline is a lawyer and a PhD candidate at the University of Queensland Law School. Her research explores the ways that innovation through technology, economic theories and regulatory systems can be harnessed to address environmental issues, most particularly climate change and biodiversity loss. Her PhD research investigates law and policy reforms that can be implemented to sustainably protect Australian wetland ecosystem services.
Prior to commencing her PhD, Caroline practised as a technology lawyer, specialising in transactions, privacy and cyber-security matters. Caroline also worked in the corporate sector on IP and commercialisation strategy for major research and development programs in the defence and aviation industries.
Caroline holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Biology and Master of Arts in Environment and Development Studies from the University of London, as well as a Bachelor of Laws and Master of Laws from the University of Sydney. As a law student, Caroline interned at the United Nations Environment Programme and was nominated for the Law Council of Australia’s Young Australian Environmental Lawyer of the Year award. She also chaired the Environment Committee of New South Wales Young Lawyers, the largest body of young and newly practising lawyers, and law students, in Australia.
Caroline lives in Brisbane with another lawyer (a.k.a. her husband) and their twin boys.
Caroline’s principal advisor is Associate Professor Justine Bell-James.