Dr Fiona H.L. Benyon

Joined: Jul 11, 2020 Last Active: Mar 27, 2024 iNaturalist Australia

Hello fellow Naturalists,

I co-founded The Young Naturalist (Australia), with Dr Aniuzka Kazandjian in July 2020, to "bring biodiversity to life & connect children with Nature" through interactive educational experiences that include scientific investigation and participation in Citizen Science.

Through The Young Naturalist we aim to engage children and teenagers in Nature Discovery by stimulating curiosity, nurturing a ‘sense of wonder’ and creating tangible connections with our Natural World.

By engaging young people in Nature Discovery we hope to create a lifelong desire in them to protect and conserve Nature, and fulfil our vision of nurturing the future custodians of our Natural World.

To discover more about The Young Naturalist please visit our website at www.youngnaturalist.com.au

Prior to co-founding The Young Naturalist, I was involved in mycology and plant pathology research and teaching for many years, in the Faculties of Agriculture and Medicine, at the University of Sydney.

I was also an ACIAR Research Fellow and AusAID Australian Youth Ambassador on an international agricultural development project, investigating plant diseases in Northern Vietnam, for 3 years. During this time I lived in Hanoi for 15 months.

I have a Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Science and a PhD in Mycological Plant Pathology, both from the University of Sydney. My PhD research investigated the molecular genetic variation of soilborne Fusarium species in cereal crops.

With my experience in mycology and plant pathology my observations tend to focus on fungi and plants, but I also have a passion for insects, as my father is a retired NSW Agriculture entomologist.

I love exploring the Australian wilderness and making new Nature discoveries!

I can be contacted via email at: youngnaturalist.au@gmail.com

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