Dr Christina Zdenek
Christina is a former Fullbright Fellow, professional basketball player, and a 2021 ABC Top 5 Scientist. Her vision is to use science to promote a healthier relationship between humans and wildlife. Christina is a snake-handling instructor for the Australian Reptile Academy. She also has a passion for science communication and has devoted 15 years to working with Indigenous groups on Cape York Peninsula to save Australia’s only too-using patrrot, the Palm Cockatoo, successfully raising its conservation status twice.
Activities as an Ambassador in 2024
As an IAQ ambassador, I have visited some of the most remote communities in Qld on Cape York, including Bamaga and Injinoo. I presented and engaged with 8 classes, covering years 1–6 across the two primary schools.
The topic was conservation of a local, endangered species- the Palm Cockatoo, which I was leading a research project on in the area, including making firebreaks around 300+ year-old nesting trees to save them from unnaturally hot bushfires lit at the wrong time of the year.
I was also involved in the Under 8’s day at Ferny Grove.
I have also begun developing a snake card game, which is in the development and funding acquisition stage! Look out for more information on this!