Dani Panfilo
Australian living in Oakden, Australia
Since I can remember, I have always had a strong passion for the environment. My classmates at school used to call me “the animal girl” because I was always full of random animal fun facts – and because I was the only one willing to relocate insects out of the classrooms and into the gardens!
Flash forward a few years and I have now completed a Bachelor of Science in Animal Behaviour, an online Certificate in Wildlife Conservation, and an Honours project in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Additionally, I have recently gone back to university to study a Bachelor of Applied Data Analytics to further enhance my skills in data collection and interpretation.
In 2019, I travelled to the Maldives to investigate the impact of microplastics on coral reefs and work within a turtle rehabilitation centre; as well as to South Africa to discuss methods to mitigate poaching in Somkhanda Game Reserve. My time in South Africa was also used to help build school crèches for the local community. In 2024, I assisted in small mammal trapping and tagging in the Atlantic Forest, Brazil for a reforestation program. I got to tag several new captures of native mice and locate the pouch of a mamma possum (whose name was Grumbles) to ensure all her babies were still with her (they were!).
Needless to say, travelling and environmental science are two of my biggest passions and I am so eager to continue my journey alongside new, like minded friends!
