SCIENCE ACHIEVEMENTS
Riley Tonna is a passionate science student who is currently studying Biology, Investigating Science and Science Extension. Riley’s dedication and hard work in his Science studies have seen him awarded the prestigious Victor Chang School Science Award.
As part of his Science Extension studies he is exploring the local Campbelltown Koala population in an effort to improve conservation efforts. This is important research as the Campbelltown Koala population is the only chlamydia-free populations in mainland Australia, as well as being one of the largest in the country. Chlamydia is one of the biggest threats to koala population and a better understanding of how the population in Campbelltown has managed to remain chlamydia-free could aid in the conservation of the entire species.
Riley has completed an extensive literature review of relevant scientific articles and local council documents to develop his foundational understanding and refine his research question and direction. Riley is currently working with data from Campbelltown Council to determine the most common cause of koala death in the local area. Riley will then use this data to assess the importance and effectiveness of current and planned local management strategies such as the recent installation of koala tunnels along Picton Road and provide statistical data to Council for future consideration in conservation planning to ensure the continuation of this iconic species in the local area.
Congratulations to Riley for receiving the Bronze award in the newest and most competitive category of the STANSW young Scientist Awards “The Rowe Scientific Depth Study Awards”.