Joana is a plant ecologist, with a background in environmental science and biosecurity.
She holds a BSc (in environmental science, ecology and biodiversity, 2018), and a MSc (Research) degree from the University of Waikato (Environmental Science, 2021). Her Masters thesis investigated the flowering phenology of mānuka in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Passionate about encouraging an ecological and environmental interest in others, Joana co-authored the children’s book ‘Kody the Kōaro’, highlighting the environmental issues facing the lakes and rivers in the Rotorua District.
Joana conducts a variety of ecological and wetland assessments, assessing ecological values and their significance in relation to various regulation and policy documents. She also developes a variety of planting plans, weed and pest management plans, as well as wetland management plans.
She is a member of the NZ Ecological Society, the NZ Plant Conservation Network, NZ Society of Soil Scientists and NZ Society of Plant Biologists.